Posted Courtesy of the American Whippet Club
Nothing positive to report, unfortunately. As of this evening, no further sightings have been reported in spite of the all-day "stake-out" of more than 40 volunteers in the area where Vivi has been seen earlier. Laura Totis and Sam Connley returned with three search dogs but found no "hot" tracks. Jil was on the alert, hoping for a call so she could get to wherever Vivi might be sighted really quickly. She is naturally disappointed.
Obviously theres concern that Vivi may have gotten away from the Flushing area where she has been sighted on a regular basis for more than a week. Some people who have seen her have tried to catch her, which is a natural reaction but may spook her further. (We don't know how many others may have tried to catch or chase her, failed and never called.) There is also the ever-present concern about traffic.
On a more encouraging note, Michael McMann, who has more experience with lost Greyhounds than probably anyone else, wrote the following: "Hounds are notorious for disapearing for periods of time, then suddenly reappear two blocks from where they were last seen. Lack of sightings doesn't mean that she's dead, or hurt, just hidden. They will often become nocturnal when they find its quieter at night. Vivi may have just found a quiet back yard, or alley to hang out in."
As we've found, its impossible to catch a Whippet that doesn't want to be found. As everyone with experience in these matters has said, it won't be the owners or volunteers who will catch her; she will walk up to someone when she feels relaxed and hungry, and that someone had better feed her and NOT try to grab for her! If she's comfortable she will come back and eventually let herself be petted: that's the time when its possible to put a leash on her, or close a door.
Thanks,
Bo
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For more information visit the American Whippet Club website.
Posted: March 27, 2006, 5 a.m. EST