Thanks everybody. The really sad part for me is that I know that even though I don't see it everyday, I know this kind of thing goes on everyday, here and everywhere. Usually we "know" this, but we don't really think about it because it's not right in our face. Today brought it right into my face again, and it just makes me so sad.

This did prompt me to look more into Chicago's Animal Control and I found their website http://egov.cityofchicago.org/city/w...ameEnumValue=2

I'm afraid to call animal control back.....basically because I know I won't be happy with the outcome, whether or not they found him, alive or dead, because deep down I know he doesn't have a chance.

Jadapit - I feel like crying for him too. I'm sure he did nothing to deserve this and it's just life's cruel fate that put him in the hands of some inconsiderate person rather than a loving, caring home.

Freckles - I didn't even think of getting the officer's badge number! Doh!

lvpets2002 - The officer mentioned that Animal Control is in bad need of an overhaul because some of the people there just don't care - whether from burnout or whatever - and he said basically whether the dog is helped or euthanized depends on the person that comes out and finds him. Some care and will do what they can, others just don't care. I was skeptical of calling them, but I didn't know who else to call, and I didn't want him falling into the hands of someone who would abuse him more than he already has been, and I didn't want him wandering onto a busy street where some uncaring person would run him over once and for all. Had I had the facilities myself, and been able to catch him, he would have been home with me in an instant. Hmmm....maybe I need to spend more time on "the Dog Side" to expand my contacts for just such occassions.

DDM - I think you're right about him dieing peacefully in the weeds so he doesn't know the horror of animal control. I like to think they would treat him good, but I know chances are at best 50/50 that he wouldn't be, so I'm with you. If he dies peacefully in the weeds, no one will ever know and he will be free and not in pain anymore, and will have wide open fields to romp in with happy kids to play with instead of city streets filled with mean people.

Thanks so much, everyone, for the kind words and hugs. The hugs are greatly needed as I'm still as upset about this as I was this morning. I'm almost afraid to go home because I go the same way, and I don't want to see him again.

One thing I forgot in the original story. As I was starting to leave, the officer asked me if they found him, if I wanted him. I wanted so bad to say yes, because I knew that would make him and animal control try a little harder to find him, but I had to say no. There is no way I could bring a dog home and it just breaks my heart because I felt like I let him down.

Poor guy.