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Put Down Your Nanowrimo And Leave The House
Every day, we walk along a stretch of Madison Street in order to get to work. Outside a certain Dunkin Donuts west of Wells, we frequently spot a bike with a trailer on it filled with blankets and newspapers. That particular bike belongs to an aging, mild-mannered man and his large yellowish dog, who squat in alcoves and under awnings, looking for handouts. We’ve seen plenty of people who take a couple minutes out of their hectic schedule to pet the pooch and converse with its owner. The whole situation always fascinated us, but we never got involved.
It took a hardship for us to put a name to the faces, both human and furry. Reba, four-legged sidekick of street staple Tom Finley, was stolen on Friday at around 3:15 p.m. The Alaskan mix was last seen with a strange woman, possibly homeless, while Finely was procuring food. Finley, 69, is a former cook who picked up the canine at a pound 12 years ago. He’s not homeless, but his monthly SS check is only $50 more than his rent, so he and Reba have spent a lot of time panhandling in the Loop over the years. Apparently Reba is fond of Wendy’s and a good scratch on the head, especially from what we’ve seen. And yes, she’s named after that Reba.
Local nine-to-fivers have poured their support over Finley. One woman even gave him a cell phone so he could take tips on Reba’s whereabouts. It’s been almost a week, and Finley’s getting anxious; not only because he’s lost his beloved companion, but because Reba’s got a bad hip, for which she takes pills. Finley’s friends are also worried about him, saying he’s not eating. We’ve seen him without his dog before, but it’s definitely not the same…we can’t imagine how he’ll hold up if something dire happens to Reba. Any tips or information can be directed to 312-375-9091.
Image via Betty Rocker, who has a nice little writeup about Reba of her own.
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How can he afford the "pills" his dog takes?
Guest 1 -- You're Right. Must be some sort of SCAM. I bet all these panhandlers are part of a multi-national conglomerate of nigerian con-men.
We should audit every single one of these M-Fers, and charge anyone not completely destitute with FRAUD!
RIGHT?!
Veterinary meds are really cheap. And, there are low-cost vet clinics that charge clients on a sliding scale based on their incomes. Not to mention generous and caring vets who might be willing to help out a pet owner on a tight budget.
I have seen this guy before with his dog and I am not a supporter of the homeless but this is a sad story and this guy never bothered anyone. Unlike the rest of the homeless.
"I am not a supporter of the homeless"
yes, damn those people for being poor and without homes! the nerve they have!
I've seen him and his dog plenty since I work around that area. I'm usually annoyed by most homeless people in this area of the Loop, but you're right, he's never really bothered anyone and certainly seems harmless.
I'm a sucker for pets of any kind, so naturally it's pretty sad that his dog is missing and/or has been taken. Going to keep my eyes out for sure.
Chico the dog needs a home
chico
I work on LaSalle and Madison and am one of those people who stops and pets Reba...and yes, gives Tom money. He's such a nice guy, and Reba is just as nice. This dog is this guy's whole life. He's always seemed pretty content with his life...with the simple life that he has, and I'm sure Reba has a lot to do with it. I don't think he has any or many family. I'm glad that people are banding together to help him, and I hope that Reba is returned safely.
Also, he's not homeless, he just doesn't have enough to get by. He's 69. He's not a young guy who can easily get a job.
I firmly believe that 95% of Chicago's panhandlers are in their position because of drugs or alcoholism or an unwillingness to work. That leaves five percent for people like Tom, good people who have no other choice. I'm heartbroken over Reba. I hope she's okay.
Is it wrong to wish it were reba mcintyre instead?
Not that a homeless woman would stoop to stealing reba mcintyre.
guest 11 says: "I firmly believe that 95% of Chicago's panhandlers are in their position because of drugs or alcoholism or an unwillingness to work."
guest 7:"I'm usually annoyed by most homeless people in this area of the Loop,..."
is it wise to state a percent when you are speaking in terms of a theory or belief? is it wise or fair to cite homeless individuals as annoying? pigeons are annoying, people.
the homeless population is decidedly sad. a product of circumstances beyond or within their control is not the point. the point is they are humans who need help, especially mentally ill individuals, single mothers with no family to lean on, the list is long...
any of us could be in the same situation if we did not have loving family, friends, or credit cards to hold us up.
thanks guest 13. I agree. A little compassion goes a long way.
I lol about not being a supporter of the homeless. Like it's something people encourage & you take the high road & don't.
Wait, maybe that is what you think/mean.
Hear hear #13
13,
Why is it unwise to cite a percentage in terms of a belief? It's my opinion, a round estimate. I can choose to believe whatever I wish to believe. It's no more or less wise than any other opinion that gets bandied about here.
Second, why can't I find people annoying? Why can't I own up to that very human response to other humans? Who cares about the circumstances behind those other humans' lives? Things either strike me as pleasurable or not, and I have every right to express that.
For instance, overly sensitive, politically correct people annoy me.
I've passed this guy for years I've never heard him ask for money. Yes, he sits there with a can marked "Donations," but he doesn't beg or accost people in any way as far as I know. He's very friendly and what happened to him is awful.
11/16: i posed a question, but nonetheless, i will answer your question. most would infer that inclusion of percents/numbers would correlate to a fact to back up your comment. if you believe x, ok...give me some facts and then i might concede to find your discussion thoughtful. second, you can certainly find behavior annoying, but i find is rather gauche that you find an entire group of people to be annoying because of their state, i.e. being homeless, not to mention your comment that you don't care about the circumstances of humans' lives. we obviously are not cut of the same cloth and well that is fine by me. finally, get a job
some of you need to get your heads out of your asses. the homeless situation in chicago is largely DALEY'S fault, as it is because of him that property taxes go up (gentrification!) and push well meaning people out of their homes/neighborhoods just so yuppies can move into condos.
drug/alcohol abuse is symptomatic of a LARGER ill in society. there are plenty of affluent people who abuse both, but they don't end up homeless because they have more resources. stop attacking this man!
Homelessness plagues cities all over this earth. I am by no means a Daley supporter, but do you think Daley's got the magic touch to cause homelessness worldwide? Saying this city's homeless problem is largely his fault is stretching it. Some, maybe, but largely? Eh?
Maybe I'm wrong, and that's cool.
I hope Reba comes home soon & safe.
Poor Reba, I hope she gets home safe and sound, very very soon. I see him around a lot near where I work, she's such a sweet dog and he seems like a nice guy.
Second, why can't I find people annoying? Why can't I own up to that very human response to other humans? Who cares about the circumstances behind those other humans' lives? Things either strike me as pleasurable or not, and I have every right to express that
Awww a teen discovers dime-store philosophy.
Well, that's a new one. The yuppies are to blame for the woes of the homeless via gentrification.
If we could just rid the world of these dastardly "yuppies" what a Utopia the South Loop, Wicker Park, Ukie Villiage, the West Side and other "gentrified" neighborhoods would be. Oh - and there would be no homeless.
You've got to be kidding me. The posters on Chicagoist never cease to amaze and entertain.
I can't empathize much with the plight of the homeless (or not-homeless-but-desperately-poor, like Mr. Finley), but I can certainly empathize with somebody who lost a beloved pet. I'd be devastated if I lost my cat, and much as I love my little pal I think Mr. Finley is probably a lot closer to his dog. I just wish I knew what to do to help find her. For now I'm keeping my eyes open as I walk around the Loop.
Hopefully now that this story has been in the newspapers and on TV, Reba will turn up.
Many interesting points of view.... This is however a sad and simple story. That of two gentle creatures, taking care of each other, and getting by primarily on that love, and the love exuded to others.
Please...don't use this situation as a vehicle for homeless vs yuppie, and/or other political grandstanding.
Oh how I hope Reba and Finley are reunited. Maybe such a simple joy would help vicariously, to relieve even momentarily, the sadness we endure with the Gi's that don't return, and countless other tragic episodes on this globe of ours.
If you cared that much about your dog, you wouldn't leave it chained up outside while you went in somewhere. Don't be stupid.
And, as far as that guy -- he could *easily* get a job, he just would rather sit on his ass and feed on the sympathy of whoever finds him to be a gentle guy who didn't hassle anybody or cause any problems.
For the commenters:
Homelessness due to "gentrification" and "increased property taxes"? Give me a fuckin break. Some of us have worked really hard all of our lives to actually succeed enough to, you know, support ourselves and make sure we don't end up sitting on the street begging for money. It's insulting when people come on here complaining about how cold-hearted people are because we haven't had to sit on the street begging for money. No shit? We actually work and support ourselves! God forbid other people do that, too..
26, I guess you can count yourself lucky that ignorance, generalizing and talking out of one's ass doesn't lead to homelessness.
I would like you to put your money where your mouth is and when you turn 69 got out and find a job just to prove how 'easy' it is.
Your logic is atrocious. You posit that you are insulted that people come on here "complaining about how cold-hearted people are because we haven't had to sit on the street begging for money." So, what you are saying is that cold-hearted people have jobs and compassionate people do not?
I agree with you 25. This has nothing to do with politics. This is about the love between a man and his dog, which is only compounded by Tom's situation and the fact that Reba is ALL the man has. Although, if turning this into a political issue will get the story maximum exposure and help get Reba back to Tom, then I'm all for it.
I met Tom and Reba on Michigan Avenue a couple of years ago. I found out that he is from Hazard, KY, which is about an hour from where I'm from. I also found out that he is illiterate, which doesn't help his job prospects any. Employers tend to balk at candidates who can't fill out the application. Knowing where and when Tom grew up, I'm guessing, like many people in that area, he never really had a chance. But that's just a guess. I'm all about personal responsibility, but I think Tom was behind in the game before it even started. If you have ever met Tom, then I think you would have a tough time not liking him. Must be that southern charm.
Find REBA!!!!
Thanks 28..... There is a web site coming soon called www.findreba.com. Also, is there a camera at that intersection - maybe footage of who took Reba?
Saw this interesting idea on craigslist (reward information also):
Has anybody considered trying to contact Reba McEntire and get her involved. OK, well here goes. You can go here to send Reba a message online: http://www.reba.com/contact/ (scroll to the bottom) You can also send her a letter to:
Reba McEntire
c/o Starstruck Entertainment
40 Music Square West
Nashville, TN 37203
If the story is big enough to make the 10 o'clock news in Chicago, it might just be big enough to grab Reba McEntire's attention. Seems like it would be great press for her if she was able to bring Reba home.
Also, here is the Harris Bank contact information for donations for Reba lost dog search for Tom Finley.
Make checks payable to:
Find Reba
c/o Harris Bank
99 West Washington Street
Chicago, IL 60602
And be sure to mention that Tom named Reba after his favorite singer.
Sears Tower might have cameras at that intersection, and I heard that people have talked to them about it, but I'm not sure they'll take it seriously.
I feel pretty sure that the Sears Tower has cameras targeting that intersection. I just sent an email to pretty much everybody available through the Sears Tower website and the 311 W. Wacker building website (building at the SW corner of Jackson/Franklin). But like you mentioned 32, I'm still not sure they'll take me seriously. Does anybody know somebody who knows somebody at one of these buildings? Maybe it would help to get a news station involved. Who did the piece on Tom? Can somebody get a hold of that reporter? Does anybody know even a general number for the NBC5 newsroom?
It may be for nothing, but I think we should deluge Oprah's website with e-mail and links.
Go to oprah.com
Find Reba !!!
Reba was returned today (Sat 22) at around 2:00 to the anti-cruelty society !!!!!!!!!!!!