Monday, February 25, 2008

Tom's Bicycle Broke Down

I saw Tom this morning. He told me that last week his bicycle handlbars broke when he was transporting Reba. He said it will cost as much to repair the bike as to buy a new one. Tom needs his bike because it provides him with needed exercise and it is his only way of transporting Reba.

The Harris Bank Account is still open. It has a little money left in it. If you would like to help out, here is the contact information: Make checks payable to "Find Reba"c/o Harris Bank 99 West Washington Street Chicago, IL 60602. Or if you'd like, visit that bank location to donate. Otherwise, you can direct your donation to Kathy Harrod's contact information below.

I saw Reba late last week in the morning with Tom at his usual spot. She was all bundled up in the cart. She looked good and really enjoyed being pet.

10 comments:

Liz said...

Hello

I am glad to hear that Tom and Reba are doing well health wise but its rotten what happened with his bike. I posted that I was looking for a men's full size bike on my local freecycle website. If I am able to get a sturdy good condition bike is there someone who I can get it to who can get it to Tom? I am out of the city about an hour but I don't mind driving it in - it would just have to be on a weekend. Please let me know if you hear that he has recieved a bike already. I will let you know if I get any responses. Thank you.

Liz Murphy

Denise Copening said...

Liz -

Thanks for your concern and effort in trying to obtain a new bike for Tom.

I usually see him when he's downtown in the mornings. I'll be sure to ask if he has a new bike.

Denise Copening said...

Liz -
Yesterday (3/3) I saw Tom and asked if he has a new bike yet. He said he does not. I let him know you are assisting him in that effort.

Liz said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Liz said...

Morning,

I have had virtually no response from my freecycle group. I am going to check out some of my local Salvation Army and thrift stores this Saturday to see if they have any full size bikes. Will keep you informed.

Liz

Liz said...

Morning

I did not forget Tom - just had a little trouble getting to a resale shop in Wisconsin where I found a bike. It does look like it will need one missing cable for the gear shift but I should be able to take care of that. The question now is who can I get it to this weekend that can get it to Tom during the week when he is downtown? Any ideas please let me know.

Liz

Denise Copening said...

Liz -

Thanks so much for doing that. I just saw Tom this morning about 7:30 in his usual spot at Madison near Wells in front of the Chinese restaurant before Dunkin Donuts. He had his guitar. I'll let him know you have a bike for him and find out who could accept it for him. Contact me at dcopening@gmail.com and I'll give you my cell phone number.

Jake said...

I have been wondering how Tom and Reba are doing and stopped to chat with Tom today. Reba is spending full-time at th Anti-Crulety Society in Chicago. I guess her arthritis has gotten very bad and she has difficulty walking, etc., so they felt Tom should leave her there so she can get round the clock treatment. He even had tears in his eyes as he explained to me. Said he misses her terribly and sees her as often as he can. Even though he knows she is being taken care of, he says it's hard to see her, since when he does she thinks she's going with him, and it's hard to leave her there. Thought everyone would like to know the update.

Unknown said...

I'm sad to hear about Reba... :( She and Tom went through so much last year..... Although I know (from personal experience, having lost two dogs to old age in the last 5 years)that this is difficult for Tom, at least Reba is comfortable and he is still able to visit her. I certainly know the feeling of wishing a dog could "last forever." Denise - did things work out with Tom's bike? I am back on another project now, and will send something to the bank account, or to Kathy. I will do that whether the bike is still an issue or not - just wondering about the bike!

-Karla-

Denise Copening said...

Jake -

Thanks for your concern and the update.