Missing Whippet Vivi

Search for Missing Showdog Scaled Back

A massive search of John F. Kennedy Airport has failed to find a prize-winning show dog named Vivy who escaped while being loaded onto a plane, but authorities said on Thursday they had not given up hope.Vivy, who was returning to California after competing at the prestigious Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, had likely fled to marshy areas next to the airport, said Paul Lepiane, co-owner of the whippet.

He said security guards might notice the dog, which stands about 20 inches high, during their regular patrols of the perimeter fence.

“If she’s out there and she moves around at all, they will see her, I think,” Lepiane said in a telephone interview. “A lot of it is heavily wooded.”

A spokesman for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, which operates the airport, said security had combed the 4,900-acre (2,000-hectare) facility several times in the last two days.

That’s a huge area, and right near the marshes of Jamaica Bay.

Comments

  1. Doris Darden wrote:

    Why can’t they use bloodhounds? It is my experience every time we have looked for a missing dog, if we take other dogs with us , they will either notice something we miss, pick up a scent, or flush it out. This dog is used to being around many dogs, and would come out of hiding , especially if it smells food, say mcdonalds or krystal hamburgers.

    Posted 22 Feb 2006 at 4:41 pm

  2. Gwenn Williams wrote:

    I have two italian greyhounds and would like to suggest to get the word out to people to not chase this dog, you will never catch it that way. You will have to get down to it’s level. One of my ig’s does circles, it was lost for a week one time but did not get far because all it had done was cirle the block. My best wishes to the owners of this dog. They are very affectionate animals.

    Posted 22 Feb 2006 at 4:46 pm

  3. Debbie wrote:

    If they think this dog is hiding in a heated building wouldn’t it make sense to put out plates of food by all the buildings in the area of the droppings, get out of sight for while and see if any food was eaten that way you will have a general idea of what area she might be in and then search those buildings.

    Posted 22 Feb 2006 at 11:18 pm

  4. Thomas wrote:

    I am astounded that the search for this lovely creature has been called off by her owners. It makes me think they arranged for her to “escape” in the first place to collect the insurance. It is just heartless to leave this dog out there on its own. Westminster should put up money to make the search continue. I agree, bloodhounds could have been used effectively. Yes, it is a large area, but so what. This woman cried that Vivi was her family. Yet, she stopped looking after 2 weeks. I am angry, and I feel so sad for this animal. My hope is that her true instincts kicked in enough for her to survive until she’s found by a good person, who never returns her to her “owners”.

    Posted 27 Feb 2006 at 5:38 pm

  5. BA Leindecker wrote:

    A lot of things bother me as a dog owner. Owners should be made to accompany dogs going in holds of planes till the door is secured and then they can board the planes. If I was the owner I would be out there everyday looking for the dog.
    I can not believe that the Mayor of NYC would allow a search to be called off after only 24 hours. The Westminster is the second oldest sporting event and it has been held in NYC. Very top notch and it is pushing aside the fact that a dog with an Award of Merit from the show is lost. Get out there and look!
    I do truly hope that somehow Vivy has survived against all odds.
    Bottom line I am upset with JFK, the airlines, the city of NY which includes the Mayor and the owners. I would never give up on my dogs. They are too precious to me. BA

    Posted 28 Feb 2006 at 2:42 pm

  6. Elisabeth Matell wrote:

    The search for Vivi the Whippet goes on, for a detailed up to date day by day report go to www.awc2006.com and look at the Vivi report. The owners are still doing as much as they can, believe me, tracker dogs have been used, food has been put out in traps, 20,000 flyers are being distributed, hordes of people are searching the area.
    All the owners want is to get Vivi back, they love her as a pet and a companion not just as a showdog. The fact that they cannot camp at JFK day and night as they have family and work obligations does not mean that they don’t care.
    Instead of criticizing them and thinking the worst about them, think positive thoughts and ask yourself what YOU can do for lost and missing dogs in your area. Do something positive!

    Posted 01 Mar 2006 at 4:31 am

  7. Thomas wrote:

    Perhaps it would be a good idea to inform all the local New York news (print, radio & TV) that the search has not ended. In fact, for the past few days, they have been broadcasting only that the search has been officially called off, the family went home, and the only ones on any sort of look out are the JFK guards (and trust me, that is pretty casual). I am still pretty shocked that there does not seem to be any security cameras operating in that part of JFK. At least they have yet to be mentioned or consulted. Other than driving around the area, I have had little luck finding a way to volunteer in the search until I read posting #6. There are some incredibly effective and active animal advocacy groups in NYC - have they been contacted?

    Posted 01 Mar 2006 at 12:15 pm

  8. Linda wrote:

    I sure hope they do not give up on searching for her. I am astounded that Vivi has not been located yet. She was a pet, well taken care of. Even though she might of been frightened when she ran, after several days, I would think she would of approached someone for help. My fear is that someone took her because they cannot afford a dog like her. If anyone did, please do the decent thing and return her ASAP!

    Posted 02 Mar 2006 at 7:40 pm

  9. Beth Thompson wrote:

    I was astonished that Vivi hadn’t gone up to someone — until I learned a lot more about sighthounds and what happens when they get lost. There is a website called Greytalk.com that has a lot of information. It also has the story of many greyhounds that got away, and how difficult it was to locate them and recover them. These dogs are skiddish and become feral-like, very quickly. They go into survival mode, and they will not just come up to people. It takes lots of searching and determination to recover them. After reading all this, I remain hopeful that searches may still be productive.

    Posted 03 Mar 2006 at 6:54 pm

  10. Jamie Zimmerman wrote:

    My heart goes out to this owner. I just had my show/special pet black cocker ***** STELLA “VANISH” from a trainer/handlers kennel in Tecumseh Kansas where she had only been a week for some training. She is from Colorado and we miss her so much. I drove there to do what I could and got on two national tv stations KSNT and WIBW put flyers up notified businesses….it is like a needle in a haystack…She was micro chipped and there is a $1000 reward…..I will be praying for Vivi too……best of luck and try not to give up. Any info or comments please email me jamiezimmerman@remax.net…

    Posted 05 Mar 2006 at 1:12 pm

  11. Beth Thompson wrote:

    Jamie — I am SO sorry to hear about your pup. Please don’t give up looking for her! I’ve been working to reunite animals from Katrina with their owners, and often persistence of the owners is what results in a success. Keep looking for her –

    Posted 06 Mar 2006 at 11:21 am

  12. Stephanie Wilson wrote:

    After reading Bo’s latest update on Whippetview.com, (March 5th) I am very angry with the Port Authority officials who are not allowing the professional animal rescue folks to search at JFK. I understand there are national security concerns but those concerns can be addressed easily enough. Rest assured if this was a child lost, we wouldn’t hear a word about security concerns. And I’m extremely frustrated by the lack of cooperation from Delta. I’m hopeful that the attorney can get their attention. If at all possible, try increasing the media attention on Delta’s lack of concern. As a former attorney myself I can assure you that enough negative media attention will definitely get them more involved. I am a Whippet owner in California and I’ve been following this story since Day 1. My heart goes out to Vivi and her owners. To the searchers: try putting some really tasty, smelly food in the traps, rather than dry kibble. To Vivi’s family: please know that Vivi has touched all our hearts and there are many of us out here praying every day for her safe return. PLEASE don’t give up on her!!

    Posted 06 Mar 2006 at 4:30 pm

  13. Pat Davis wrote:

    Are they still looking for Vivy? I haven’t heard anything on the news. Where are the owners? What are they doing to help? Any leads?

    Posted 09 Mar 2006 at 11:41 am

  14. Stephanie Wilson wrote:

    Pat,

    Yes, they are still looking for Vivi. If you go to www.whippetview.com, they have daily updates regarding her search. Also check out www.awc2006.com for updates. Unfortunately there is nothing new to report as of today. Keep Vivi in your thoughts and prayers.

    Posted 09 Mar 2006 at 12:05 pm

  15. Lynn Denison wrote:

    My prayers are with Vivi and her owners. I hope and pray for her safe return. She seems like such a sweet girl, it breaks my heart to think of how frightened and cold she is. Thanks to all helping to find her.

    Posted 13 Mar 2006 at 5:05 pm

  16. Pat Davis wrote:

    Do they have the owner’s clothes, Vivi’s coat/bed, etc. with a familiar scent for Vivi in case she returns to the building in Flushing? Can’t the owner go and spend a few nights there — calling Vivi? This is heartbreaking!

    Posted 14 Mar 2006 at 12:06 pm

  17. Cheryl Kelley wrote:

    I keep checking on the website for Vivi, and the latest sounds like someone has her, if indeed it is her. I hope that they stay to check things out to see for sure if Vivi is in that area. I hope and pray everyday, that she is found and is home with those who miss and love her. You have to keep the story out there, as I’m sure many may not have heard of Vivi’s case. Thank you to all who DO care!!

    Posted 14 Mar 2006 at 1:03 pm

  18. db wrote:

    i am a lady of 47 and live in nyc washington sq park vicinity today is march 14 tues after shopping i walked along w5st off of 6avenue and saw a man walking what appeared to be a small dog whippet it may have been smaller than 20 inches tall but he walked fast and walked the dog on a leash into 11 w5st building residential around 12-1pm today i had a funny sense about it the dog did not seem to really feel comfortable with the man walking it and he rushed into the building just a thought thankyou db nyc you know alot of people walk dogs in that park daily

    Posted 14 Mar 2006 at 7:35 pm

  19. Sandi wrote:

    If this was any othe rdog, nobody would care. It’s’ ridiculous the fuss people are making just because this dog is “oh la la” famous. If it were my dog and I asked for all these special things, I’d get nowhere. Let this be a lesson to watch your animals.

    And to the above poster shaming the mayor? OH PLEASE - do you think this dog is the only thing going on in NYC?

    Posted 15 Mar 2006 at 8:46 pm

  20. Thomas wrote:

    Really, Sandi, do yopu even have a dog? If you did, and you really cared about her, you might feel differently. When someone loses a pet, pretty much every person who has and loves a pet feels the loss. I think most of us get the same pangs of loss and fear and sadness every time we see a lost dog or cat flyer on a telephone pole, or see missing pet ads in the newspapers, or happen upon pet adoption fairs. This feeling for Vivi is a culmination of all those emotions, and because this story ran in the news, it touched many of us. I have a greyhound (my second) and I still feel the loss of my first one to cancer 2 years ago. I look at my dear one now (who resembles Vivi) and I hold her closer every time I think of animals in harn’s way. How we treat our animals, who have no control over their lives, reflects the kind of persons we are. If this is all such a ridiculous fuss for you, why are you even checking these websites?
    And, yesa, people should watch their pets. And yes, airlines need to reform the way they transport living beings.

    Posted 20 Mar 2006 at 9:28 am

  21. Stephanie Wilson wrote:

    Right on, Thomas!! Couldn’t have said it better myself. Sandi needs to find another website to post to and leave this one to people who truly love all animals.

    Posted 20 Mar 2006 at 4:15 pm

  22. Cheryl Kelley wrote:

    Thomas, thank you for tellingl like it is. Many of us whom love our pets, do so, knowing that we, most of the time live longer than they do. I have taken in many, from shelters, knowing I can give them the love and kindness they deserve. I, too, lost a Black Lab to cancer 3 years ago. I have had people tell me, “It was just a dog.” To me she was more than that. I pray everyday Vivi will be found soon. I am so worried about her not getting the right food and enough water. I feel their pain, and am so greatful that there are people who do care, and are very concerned. Thank you to all the searchers in NY that are trying to bring an end to Vivi’s long journey away from those who love her very much. Wish I could help, but I do pray for her and that God bring her home safely.

    Posted 20 Mar 2006 at 4:45 pm

  23. Pat Davis wrote:

    It breaks my heart that the pet detectives think Vivi will not be “caught” by anyone at this point, even her family. Can you bring other dogs in — dogs that she knows? Let those dogs put their scent where she has been spotted. Leave some food there, by the scents, with a tranquilizer in it. Have it guarded 24/7 (so no other animal eats it).
    Vivi has been awfully lucky thus far — I’d hate to hear that she’d finally been found — dead in the street.
    There has got to be more that can be done. And quickly!

    Posted 21 Mar 2006 at 1:19 pm

  24. Pat Davis wrote:

    Vivi has been spotted in the cemetery several times, and her best friend from home is a Dobie. Can you either bring the Dobie to the cemetery or sprinkle the Dobie’s scent in the cemetery around a trap?
    Good luck with the stakeout on Saturday!

    Posted 23 Mar 2006 at 2:40 pm

  25. DONNA RUBINO wrote:

    WHATEVER AREA VIVI HAS BEEN SPOTTED IN, PEOPLE SHOULD BE ENCOURAGED TO PUT OUT FOOD AND WATER AND WHEN SHE IS SPOTTED THEY SHOULD CALL THE POLICE OR LOCAL VET, WHOEVER WOULD HAVE A TRANQUILIZER GUN, AS I BELIEVE IT IS THE ONLY WAY TO CAPTURE HER AT THIS POINT. SHE WILL RUN AWAY SHOULD PEOPLE TRY TO GRAB HER. I CAN’T BELIEVE SHE HAS BEEN SPOTTED AND ELUDES CAPTURE FOR THIS LONG, SOMEONE SHOULD HAVE THOUGHT OF THIS METHOD LONG AGO!!!!!

    Posted 24 Mar 2006 at 2:11 pm

  26. neila mueller wrote:

    There is still an enormous effort being put into finging Vivi. There are probably 30 people putting out fliers, posters, and notifying people.
    She was in the Crown Point area of Queens when last seen, and may be following the line of parks in the area.
    Her owners and breeder and handlers come back as often as possible, considering DELTA AIRLINES IS PAYING FOR NOTHING, NOT EVEN PLANE FARE FOR THE OWNERS!!!!
    If you want to help, go to the Newsday website, Denise Flain has all the latest info. Donations & volunteers welcome!

    Posted 30 Mar 2006 at 8:12 pm

  27. Thomas wrote:

    If you read the updates, it is pretty angering to see the lack of help Delta is giving. I suppose their official attitude is better than it used to be not so long ago when the airlines all pretty much considered a lost or deceased animal was the equivalent of lost luggage. The stories about Vivi now trickling out of Delta sure sound implausible. It feels like somebody just wanted to take her, then lost control of the situation. The questions about when her collar disappeared, how the latch got broken, Delta’s non-existant investigation…. I think we now have to start pressuring all airlines to start recognizing our companion animals’ places in our lives and adjust themselves. A few years back, some airlines were able to set aside space in the cabin for small smoking lounge/rooms. So, why can’t they set aside spaces now for maybe a couple large and several small crates? Just a thought. Hey, we’re talking living beings who are beloved family members. People would pay for this accommodation.

    Posted 31 Mar 2006 at 10:48 am

  28. Stephanie Wilson wrote:

    Having just read the latest update on Vivi, I am angrier than ever at Delta for their blatant lack of cooperation. They are simply not going to take responsibility for losing Vivi while she was in their care. As the lawyer had advised us all to do, I have refrained from contacting Delta, but once the five day deadline is over (I’m sure with no real answers to any of her questions) I, for one, intend to contact Delta and inform them I will never use their airline again and further I have many, many friends who fly frequently and they won’t be using Delta either. How can they possibly just “blow off” this situation as if they have no involvement? It infuriates me. I am a Whippet owner living in California but if I lived in New York, I’d be out there every night if they needed me. Thank God Vivi is obviously a very smart dog whose survival instincts have kept her alive. I hope and pray every morning when I check the updates that there will be wonderful news of her capture and return to her owners. We are all praying for you Vivi. I know you’ll make it!!

    Posted 31 Mar 2006 at 12:22 pm

  29. shirley kovar wrote:

    I have been following this since day one and my prayers are with you to find Vivi.

    Posted 14 Apr 2006 at 4:27 pm

  30. shirley kovar wrote:

    my prayers are still with the hope of finding dear vivi. i just had to put my dog down,and that was horrible. so i know how umportant it is to get her back. never give up trying.

    Posted 21 Jun 2006 at 10:52 pm

  31. Nevelyn Cross wrote:

    I pray for Vivy every day. I hope she will be found in good health and returned to her owners. I hope all New Yorkers will be on the lookout for her.
    Bless you, sweet Vivy.

    Posted 03 Aug 2006 at 8:40 pm

« The Great Escape in Yemen
Loftus and the Saddam tapes »