Vivi the Whippet: Saga of a Missing Show Dog

We found this touching letter in this year's WKC event catalog. It's from the owners of Vivi, the show dog that went missing after the 2006 Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. We only think it can help by reprinting it here...

The day after Westminster 2006, "Vivi," the California Whippet Ch. Bohem C'est la Vie, was lost after check-in at JFK airport.

The search for Vivi continued for months. Media coverage was unprecedented, with front page stories in the NY Times and LA Times, two full pages in People magazine, mention of Vivi in Newsweek and almost every TV news show. Footage of her at Westminster was replayed endlessly on screens across America.

In spite of all efforts, Vivi has still not been found. Frequent sightings for several months were confirmed by tracking dogs.

In November, nine months after her disappearance, the NY Times headlined a story about Vivi: "Saga of a Missing Show Dog becomes N.Y. Urban Legend." To us, Vivi is still a living, breathing dog, and we will always wait for the phone call telling us she's been recovered.

Thanks to all who helped: Westminster Kennel Club, the Port Authority of NY, AKC, the American Whippet Club, Honi Reisman and Bonnie Folz who led the search in New York, Denise Flaim of Newsday, a devoted band of volunteers, and dog lovers worldwide who sent thousands of letters, emails, and donations to the Vivi Fund. Excess money is going to "Bobbi and the Strays" at JFK.

It is our hope that all the attention paid to Vivi has heightened awareness of lost dogs everywhere. Please support your local rescue organization!

Jil Walton & Rick Patterson, Owners
Paul Lepiane, Co-owner & handler
Bo Bengtson, Breeder

Comments

[alice raley]

Can I have a picture of this little dog emailed to me--my father had a stray come up in his yard a couple of weeks ago and i think she looks alot like vivi --I am hoever not certain so would like toi have a picture emailed to me at mickey4063@yahoo.com. I know the odds of this being her are slim, but stranger things have happened. The dog i am speaking of looks to be a whippet-brindle in color with a white stripe on her chest.

[MBennett]

Unfortunately, the stray dog resembling Vivi in Alice's Dads yard was not Vivi.
The search does continue for her.

[Donna]

I look closely for any news about Vivi's return to her owners. I have a whippet myself, Bella, she's coming up on 12 years old. I'm steeling myself for her eventual departure but I can't imagine the violation and helplessness you have endured. I think of you and Vivi often. I only hope she is safe and loved somewhere.