UPDATE: SHE'S BACK! Please cross your fingers and paws...

[cassiesmom]

From today's Chicago Tribune on line:

September 19, 2007

When Tom Finley's dog disappeared earlier this month, he was certain that 12-year-old Reba was taken because someone believed he couldn't care for her. Many people know that Finley, who totes Reba around town in a trailer hooked to his bicycle, is occasionally homeless.

The Anti-Cruelty Society of Chicago has stepped in to try to reunite Finley and his blond pooch by offering the 30-pound canine a lifetime of free veterinary care.

"In this case, we'd like to help little Reba get home to Tom," said Dr. Gene Mueller, president of the Anti-Cruelty Society.

The last time Finley, 69, saw Reba she was outside a McDonald's at South Franklin Street and West Jackson Boulevard on Sept. 7, he said. Just as he always does when he purchases coffee or doughnuts, Finley left the lame husky/terrier mix outside in her cart. With hip dysplasia and incontinence, Reba never tries to leave the trailer, Finley said.

If he gets her back, Finley promised he will never let Reba out of his sight again.

"She's not going to be by herself one second," he said. "No more."

Finley has been living in a studio apartment on the North Side for about four months, he said. Receiving about $600 a month from Social Security, he has been able to scrape together the $550 rent. Inside, he's got Reba's medicine and a 50-pound bag of food.

"She's got a big, fluffy bed waiting for her," Finley added.

Mueller said the Anti-Cruelty Society learned Reba was missing from posters on street lamps, media reports and a daily posting on Craigslist. Numerous city residents have vouched for Finley and asked the society to help.

Finley and his dog have been a "fixture downtown for numerous years," Mueller said. "It's clear that he has a very special relationship with Reba."

The Anti-Cruelty Society offers veterinary care to the pets of low-incomes families throughout the city for reduced prices, Mueller said. Since the 1920s, it has run a charity veterinary clinic through donations. It has seven veterinarians on staff.

If people need help providing food for their pets, the society can help them with that as well, he said.

None of the three large shelters in the city had seen Reba as of Tuesday afternoon, Mueller said. Whoever has Reba can contact the Anti-Cruelty Society, located at 157 W. Grand Ave, with no questions asked, he said. The society will even arrange to pick up the dog. Call 312-644-8338.

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[Ginger's Mom]

That is so sad. She has food, shelter, and love, and will now be getting the veterinary care that she needs. I hope she is returned soon.

[lizbud]

I read that story this morning. So sad for him & Reba. I really hope
his dog is returned to him ASAP.Probably what keeps the old guy sane
and happy.

I really like reading the tribune website because it has such a variety of news.
Like to check their "Unleashed" section for all the animal stories.

http://leisureblogs.chicagotribune.com/unleashed/

[horse_lover]

I hope Reba is okay! Poor Tom! If i ever lost my dog, I don't know what I'd do!!! Thats soo sad! She has everything she needs...

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

This brought tears to my eyes. I surely hope and pray that he gets Reba back soon.

[cassiesmom]

I saw this on a Chicago blog (24/7 North of Howard Watchers) dated 9/19:

"The person who stole Reba called the number given for leads to let Tom know Reba was safe and happy. She also hit *67 to block her phone number."

(I added the italics)

How would they even know if she had the dog or if she was just some stranger making the claim that the dog is fine without knowing for sure?

Fingers still crossed that this man gets his dog back safe and healthy.

[WELOVESPUPPIES]

That is just wrong, either way, prank or just some snot that will not give the dog back to her rightful owner. In a way I hope it was a prank and the person who really has her will come forward.

[Ginger's Mom]

I saw this on a Chicago blog (24/7 North of Howard Watchers) dated 9/19:

"The person who stole Reba called the number given for leads to let Tom know Reba was safe and happy. She also hit *67 to block her phone number."

(I added the italics)

How would they even know if she had the dog or if she was just some stranger making the claim that the dog is fine without knowing for sure?

Fingers still crossed that this man gets his dog back safe and healthy.

Why would she want to hide the dog? Poor Reba needs medical care, is she getting it? I would asume that one of the clinics would have reported if they had treated Reba. Please return Reba to her home.

[lizbud]

Wonderful news update. Reba's back home.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/l...i_tab01_layout

[clara4457]

This just goes to show you that it isn't about the money you have, or what food you feed your dog, or how fancy your home is - it is about the love you have for the dog.

With some many dogs and cats being euthanized on a daily basis - do we really care that they have the absolute perfect care? or do we care that the animals are happy? Does it matter whether or not that the dogs are fed premium dog food? or do we care that they are fed? Do we care that they have fancy beds? or do we care that they have an old blanket and a human being to give them love?

Personally - if the animal is well fed and happy - that is all I really care about.

JMHO

[crow_noir]

Thank you lizbud for that wonderful update!

[Ginger's Mom]

Yay! I am sooo happy to hear that Reba is back where she belongs.

[Logan]

Thank goodness!!! Liz, thanks for following this story and providing the update. I hope Reba can get what she needs through the vet care and be with him for a long, long time.

Logan

[cassiesmom]

What frustrates me about this is that although people in Chicago are thrilled that the dog is back with her owner, they still can't agree on how to help this man stop living on a shoestring. He too will need a lifetime of medical care, food and shelter.