Missing Dog Mystery Consumes New Yorkers

March 23, 2006 — -- One New Yorker spotted the dog at a cemetery, another saw a grey whippet in the gardens.

The mystery of Vivi, the prize-winning pooch who bolted from her airport crate after the Westminster dog show last month, has captivated New Yorkers.

Port Authority police, dog lovers, multiple psychics, and a pet detective from Oklahoma have all been drawn into the search for Vivi, whose full name is Champion Bohem C'est La Vie.

The dog's co-owner Jil Walton flew to New York from California after the increase in Vivi sightings of late, and has been walking about the woods trying to spread her scent. She's hopeful her $20,000 pampered show dog has been able to survive on her own for the last five weeks.

"I'm a horse trainer so all day she is out with me hunting squirrels and going riding," said Walton, who runs an equestrian center in Walnut, Calif.

Although Walton, and her fiancé, Rick, have been tracking down every tip, not all the information has been helpful. One psychic told them Vivi was on a ship bound for France and wearing a hat. The psychic said not to worry, because the captain of the ship was fond of Vivi.

There is a $5,000 reward for Vivi's safe return. Walton is launching the biggest search yet for the thoroughbred dog this weekend.