Posted Courtesy of the American Whippet Club
After a conference call with Honi Reisman today we have agreed that its time to change tactics. The intense search for Vivi and the number of people involved may actually have backfired in the efforts to leave Vivi alone so she gets comfortable enough to let herself be brought back home.
We all know that you cannot catch a Whippet that doesn't want to be caught. All the sightings and ensuing activity aren't going to bring her back. Most lost dogs eventually get back to their owners without even one percent of the attention that Vivi has been getting, but as long as she's chased and grabbed for we will NOT get her back.
Those volunteers who are willing to help are encouraged to continue to post flyers (without the reward listed, as per Jils, Pauls, Honis and my conviction that it doesn't help but is now more likely to bring in unwanted "bounty hunters"). There is also a need to educate the public and the media about what you should do if you come across Vivi (see "Guidelines" posting on www.awc2006.com and on Denise Flaims Newsday blog from March 31), and to keep veterinarians, shelters, police, etc. alerted about Vivi, since those are the people who are most likely to be contacted if someone should catch Vivi "by accident" - the way were told this usually happens.
Traps are not a good option since there is plenty of food in the parks where Vivi obviously hangs out.
Its against human nature to NOT act, but when what we've been doing obviously doesn't work we have to maintain enough control to step back, calm down and focus on the few activities that definitely do not hurt and may actually help.
The 1-877-JKF-VIVI number is now up and working. It should be used for sightings of Vivi only.
Thanks for your understanding of all this. All suggestions and decisions should go via Honi, but please remember that we are all overwhelmed and have a difficult time dealing with calls and emails. Again, I apologize for not being able to respond to all the mail I get.
Bo
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Bo Bengston is Vivi's breeder and Editor-at-Large for Dogs in Review magazine. Both Dogs in Review and DogChannel.com are published by BowTie Inc. Bengtson's updates originally appear in their entirety on the American Whippet Club website.
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For more information visit the American Whippet Club website.
Posted: April 6, 2006, 5 a.m. EST