REBA In Memoriam Rest in Peace, Sweet Angel

Donations to Tom Finley

2008-05-16T04:38:00.000-07:00

Quite a few people have expressed that they would like to donate to Tom finley to help him with his living expenses:
Make checks payable to "Find Reba" c/o Harris Bank 99 West Washington Street Chicago, IL 60602
This is the account I opened to help out in the search for Reba when she was abducted. I have left the account open in case there would be a future need. The account has the minimum balance remaining. Most of the account funds were given to Tom earlier this year to help him with his expenses. A $50 donation was made to the Anti Cruelty Society later.

I will make sure that Tom receives the money that is donated, as I have in the past. Unfortunately, I don't receive any copies of checks. I only will know the aggregate amount deposited that day. If you donate to this account and want your donation acknowledged by Tom, please e-mail me at dcopening@gmail.com.

Press about Reba

2008-05-12T18:53:00.001-07:00

There was an article in the Chicago Sun Times on 5/11/08 regarding Reba's passing:

http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/943139,CST-NWS-reba11.article

Its title is: "Dognapped Loop pooch put to sleep". How depressing! Tom could not be reached by the reporter for this article. Where is the heart and love in this article? There would be both of these if Tom would have been interviewed. I hope someone can follow up with Tom - that is, if he would feel like talking to the press. I would like to know Tom's sentiments in his own words.

Tom told me that CLTV also did a story about Reba.

Comforting Words and You Tube Video of Reba

2008-05-12T16:59:00.000-07:00

Barbara, an Animal Communicator, wrote something very nice and I gave it to Tom. She gave me permission to quote the following:

Hi Denise,Thank you so much for letting me know about Reba. I too have been thinking about her a lot. In the one picture you send me in April, I thought her energy was fading a bit and I thought her time here would be coming to an end. Although I never had the chance to meet her in person I did feel a very special connection with her. I agree with you that she was very sweet and such an amazing gentle soul. I am sure Tom will be upset when he hears the news. Hopefully he will not blame the Anti-cruelty society. I think it was very fortunate that he had the chance to visit Reba in April and that she tried to follow him when he was leaving. That will be a good memory that he will always have and hold on to. No one would have wanted Reba to suffer and be in pain. It was simply her time. I feel she was a little ambassador for all dogs. Her kidnapping brought forth an awareness about the love that we share with our animals. It made people think outside the box and acknowledge the bonds we have with our animal friends. She amazingly brought together a whole city. Everyone that looked at the picture of Tom and Reba felt the bond of love that Tom and Reba shared. That one picture was so powerful. In my mind, I have no doubt that Reba filled her contracts in this lifetime and did a very fine job at it ! I can feel her peace right now. I caught a glimpse of her on the other side, youthful and energetic, running through parks and visiting with people on park benches and being given treats. Some sort of long bacon treat. She told me she loves those and also Chicken McNuggets. I am also catching a glimpse of her sitting and looking at a pond or lake. I don't know whether she and Tom frequented ponds or lakes together. I feel her peace and she is glowing with love all around her. You can tell Tom that Reba is at peace. I feel very fortunate to have been a small part of Reba's journey. She was and is an amazing little dog. I really appreciate that you have kept me informed about Reba. Let me know if there will be a service for her.Thank you again !Barb

I also found a video of Reba posted by Kathy on You Tube about 6 months ago. What a delight:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=V-1oHTm27Sc

Reba Passed Away on 5/4/2008

2008-05-06T18:43:00.000-07:00

I am sorry to inform you that Reba passed away on 5/4/2008. She was in the care of the Anti Cruelty Society. Tom could no longer care for Reba, so the Anti Cruelty Society made good on their promise and provided lifetime care.

Reba will be much missed. The staff at the Anti Cruelty Society are quite aggrieved about her passing. They became very attached to her. Over the past few weeks she lost a lot of weight, could hardly eat, and had constant diarrhea. The staff said last weekend was the first time she really showed she was in pain. I thought about her over the weekend quite a bit and now I know why. She is one of the sweetest dogs I have ever known.

This evening, on the way to the train station, I saw Tom on a corner with his guitar. He told me he knew. He was quite heartbroken. He told me he believes Reba's spirit will come back to him in another dog. He said they told him she just went asleep and asked me for reassurance if that was the case. He will receive her ashes from the Anti Cruelty Society and her collar. I asked him about a memorial service - he just spoke about her ashes. I told Tom that she was first his dog, and then everyone's dog. He agreed and it made him happy.

I visited Reba when she was at the Anti Cruelty Society about a month ago. She was thin and had some trouble getting around, but she seemed happy. The staff at Anti Cruelty isolated her from the other dogs for fear she may catch something due to her frail health. She had 3 beds in the office area. She received a lot of hands on attention. Quite a few people who knew her visited her.

Tom was able to visit Reba recently. He had special lambs lung treat for her he said she enjoyed. She tried to leave with him. The had such a beautiful relationship.

I remember seeing Tom and Reba together for the first time many years ago. Everytime I saw them I experienced a moment of grace.

Tom's Bicycle Broke Down

2008-02-25T16:18:00.000-08:00

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.

Update on Tom and Reba

2008-02-10T17:34:00.000-08:00

I saw Tom last Friday. He looked warm in a parka someone has donated to him. He said Reba is doing very well. She had her 13th birthday on January 6.

He was talking to me about how much he likes Johnny Cash. Someone had given him a DVD of a movie Johnny was in in 1982. Tom also went on to say how much he liked Johnny Cash's show and all of the different musical acts.

Tom is continuing on his high blood pressure meds. He says his medicine is delivered. He seems to be doing well.

Reba's vet care is covered completely. He says her limp is better on her meds. She continues to do well and is very playful.

It seems that Tom could still use donations to help make ends meet. Please donate to the Harris Bank account or to Kathy Harrod on Tom's behalf.

Refunds for Donations have Expired

2007-12-04T19:10:00.000-08:00

Thanks to everyone who donated to the Find Reba Fund at Harris Bank. The expiration for requesting refunds was November 30. No one who has donated has claimed one. The money in this fund will go to support Tom and Reba. If anyone would like more information regarding the fund and its use, please contact me at dcopening@gmail.com.

Reba was Downtown Recently

2007-11-01T03:49:00.000-07:00

The new photos I posted here of Reba and Tom are from her recent visit downtown. It was great to see her. Tom had her lying on a mat, with a coat and a blanket on. She really seem to enjoy everyone stopping to visit. She also sported a very cute pink collar with her name spelled out in rhinestones.

Reba looked a little thinner than the last time I saw her in the summer, but she was quite energetic and started barking a lot. Tom said he gives her plenty of treats so she can regain her weight that was lost.

Seeing her again doing very well gave me a sense of satisfaction and closure.

Refunds for Donations to Find Reba Fund Available through 11/30/07

2007-10-22T15:17:00.000-07:00

If you contributed to the Find Reba Fund at Harris Bank 99 West Washington via check and would like a refund, please contact me at dcopening@gmail.com by 11/30/2007. Refunds are being offered since this account was established for finding Reba. I am sorry, but refunds cannot be provided for cash donations.

Since Reba was found, the plan is to provide Tom Finley with the money from the account less any refunds.

To donate money to Tom Finley directly, make checks payable to Tom Finley and send to:
Kathy Harrod Oak Ridge Investments 10 S LaSalle Suite 1900 Chicago, IL 60603

The Anti Cruelty Society provided a safe haven for Reba's return and potentially life saving surgery to Reba. They are also providing free veterinarian care for Reba for life. She had her stitches out last week and continues to do well.

To donate to the Anti Cruelty Society, go to: http://www.anticruelty.org/site/epage/35288_576.htm

Thanks to everyone for their concern, search efforts, and to those who donated. Thanks also to Barbara for the Reiki healing for Reba.

Reba's Tumor is Benign

2007-10-15T04:12:00.000-07:00

I received the good news that Reba's tumor is benign. She has been recovering well from surgery.

Thanks to everyone for their prayers and well wishes. Thanks also to Barbara for applying Reiki healing techniques. I think of all of these have been helping Reba to heal.

Reba Improving

2007-10-10T15:43:00.000-07:00

A link to a WBBM article today about Reba's health is below:

http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/1070171.php ?

Here's an encouraging quote from the article: 'Dr. Gene Mueller, president of the Anti-Cruelty Society, says 14-year-old Reba had her spleen and a tumor removed last Friday. "We did see some good news on the referral surgeon's report that at least we didn't see any obvious signs of spread from the mass in the spleen."In other words, Dr. Mueller says even if the pathology report shows cancer in the spleen, the prognosis for Reba seems good.'

Tom said he will get the pathology report Friday and she will have her stitches out in about 10 days. He said her incision is very long on her abdomen but the stitches are done very well. He could not stay long since he had to go back home and take care of Reba. Overall, he was relieved to have her back but concerned about her health and recovery. This morning, she was drinking lots of water but not wanting to eat - only taste. By this afternoon, Reba wanted to stay outside and play and started eating. Way to go, girl!

Reba Came Home 10/9

2007-10-10T03:51:00.000-07:00

Everyone - thanks for your warm wishes for Reba's recovery.

Reba did come home from her surgery yesterday. I have not heard what her prognosis is or how she is doing.

I am hoping to see Tom this morning if he is not home with Reba. I would like to pass on to him the messages from Reba from the Animal Communicator (Barbara) who practices Reiki. Overall, Reba wants Tom to know she loves him very much and they are a team.

I will post what I find out here about how Reba is doing.

Reba Recovering from Surgery

2007-10-05T14:48:00.001-07:00

Reba woke up around 3pm today from her surgery. Tom will be called again later tonight with an update.

Barbara, an Animal Communicator, has volunteered her services pro bono to contact Reba, with Tom's permission. She has been in touch with Reba. Reba is on the Reiki List for healing energy and a positive outcome. Whether you believe in animal communication and/or Reiki, it is comforting to know that positive energy is being focused on Reba and so many care about her.

As I receive updates on Reba's condition, I will provide updates on this blog.

Message Regarding Lab Puppies was a Hoax

2007-10-04T16:08:00.000-07:00

I apologize to the people who have visited this blog in the past to whom I forwarded an e-mail about Lab puppies needing a home. I found out from a Chicago Dachshund Lovers Group posting today that the message about the puppies is a hoax started this September. I'm sorry if you spent more than a small amount of time on this. I'll think twice before I pass on these messages in the future.

Denise

Reba to have surgery Friday, October 5

2007-10-02T17:55:00.000-07:00

Reba will have her surgery on Friday. Let's keep Tom and Reba in mind. They have such a sweet bond of love.

When I find out how she's doing, I'll post it here.

Reba, we love you and hope you will be on the road to recovery soon.

Reba may have cancer

2007-09-27T04:21:00.000-07:00

I spoke to Tom yesterday regarding the outcome of Reba's physical exam. He said that they found a mass in her spleen and he decided to let her have surgery. He is confident she will pull through fine. The surgery will be scheduled soon. Tom said the surgery will be performed by a specialist with the Anti Cruelty Society. He said that they use gas for anesthesia for older dogs since it is easier on their systems.

Below is the WBBM coverage regarding Reba's health:

http://www.wbbm780.com/Found-Loop-Dog-Likely-Has-Cancer/1000274

Tom has raved about how nice they have been to him at the Anti Cruelty Society and how helpful they have been in recovering Reba and offering free lifetime veterinary care for Reba. If you would like to donate to the Anti Cruelty Society, go to:

http://www.anticruelty.org/site/epage/35288_576.htm

I am sure hoping, as many of you are, that Reba will make a full recovery after the surgery.

Update on Tom and Reba

2007-09-24T05:58:00.000-07:00

I just saw Tom this morning at his usual place. Reba was not with him for safety reasons. He is not sure when they will be able to be downtown together again. He said that he would need someone else there to watch her every minute.

As several people suggested here, Reba is having a mico-chip implanted ASAP.

I heard on the radio that Reba is going to the vet tomorrow.

I'll let you know more about how the reward money will be handled as I find out the details since the reward was not claimed.

Thanks so much for your concern for Tom and Reba.

Reba's Return Links

2007-09-23T06:41:00.000-07:00

Chicago Tribune
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-070922dog-return,0,602469.story?coll=chi_tab01_layout

Chicago Sun Times
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/570556,CST-NWS-dog23.article

WBBM
http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/983794.php?

REBA RETURNED SAFE to Anti Cruelty Society on Saturday, 9/22!

2007-09-22T14:04:00.000-07:00

Reba was returned to the Anti Cruelty Society on Saturday, 9/22. The word is she was returned by the woman who abducted her. Tom is ecstatic. A press conference is scheduled for 4:00 pm. Thanks to Kathy, the lady who provided the cell phone to Tom, for giving me the news ASAP.

I am so relieved and I think everyone else is. I can hardly wait to see Tom and Reba together again.

To Make Donations directly to Tom Finley

2007-09-21T15:56:00.000-07:00

A few people have wanted to donate directly to Tom Finley. Here's how - Make checks payable to Tom Finley and send to:
Kathy Harrod
Oak Ridge Investments
10 S LaSalle, Suite 1900
Chicago, IL 60603

Anti Cruelty Society to Mediate Reba's Return and Offer Lifetime Free Vet Care for Reba

2007-09-19T04:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Karla for pointing out this article in the Chicago Tribune:

http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/chi-homelessdogsep19,1,4488881.story?track=rss

Of particular note in this article are:

"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."

"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."

Interesting Craigslist Entries about Reba and Tom

2007-09-18T16:59:00.000-07:00

I found some interesting requests on Craigslist regarding Reba and Tom:

Reba -- Contact Oprah!!!
Reply to: comm-425578227@craigslist.orgDate: 2007-09-18, 11:19AM CDTwww.oprah.com/email/tows/email_tows_main.jhtml Lets get Oprah involved!!!!!! Find Reba ...... get off your asses, and help this guy, think if it were your dog!
http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/pet/425578227.html

We Need Reba to Help Find Reba
Reply to: comm-425256264@craigslist.orgDate: 2007-09-17, 11:49PM CDTHas 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: h ttp://www.reba.com/contact/ (remove the space after the h in the link) Hopefully, removing the hyperlink will appease the heartless a$$holes who removed this post the first time. I assume that's why. 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. Be sure to mention that Tom named Reba after his favorite singer. Seems like it would be great press for her if she was able to bring Reba home to Tom. Couldn't hurt record sales in Chicago!

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/pet/425256264.html

More Information Regarding the Reba Fund

2007-09-18T16:43:00.000-07:00

There were a lot of questions and discussions today regarding the Find Reba fund. I was asked to call a radio station with the balance in the account. Since the account was opened yesterday afternoon, nothing has been posted to it yet except the beginning balance. All I could safely say is that the reward is now about $500. I have heard about pledged monies of $300 and $1500 but we will need to wait and see what will happen over the next few days.

Regarding the use of the money - the fund is for reward money for Reba's return. Contingency plans for using the money will need to be developed if Reba is not returned.

Just to repeat: If you'd like to donate to the Find Reba fund, please make checks payable to "Find Reba" c/o Harris Bank 99 West Washington Street Chicago, IL 60602.

Your questions and comments on this blog have been very insightful. I'll keep you updated on the fund situation as it unfolds.

Harris Bank contact information

2007-09-17T15:40:00.000-07:00

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

Man Prays For Callback From Suspected Dognapper

2007-09-17T04:55:00.000-07:00

I just found this link for the following article with Tom pleading for Reba's return:

http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/951200.php?contentType=4&contentId=921609

I am hoping to have the contact information for donations today.

Lizzy organizing Search this Sunday 11am 847.287.1136

2007-09-15T10:33:00.000-07:00

I just found this on Craigslist:

Reply to: see belowDate: 2007-09-14, 1:11PM CDTHi Reba and Tom Lovers, I am trying to start a search group for Sunday to help find Reba. I am planning on meeting with my friend at the Walgreens off of Madison and Wells on Sunday morning at 11am. We can start in the Loop and cruise to Michigan Avenue. Wendy will send me a copy of a new flier so we can hand those out and keep spreading the word. Please call my cell if you are interested because the more the better! Let's find Reba ASAP. Thanks, Lizzy 847.287.1136
Location: Loop
it's NOT ok to contact this poster with services or other commercial interestsPostingID: 422441103

http://chicago.craigslist.org/chc/laf/422441103.html

Search to be Organized this Weekend, Harris Bank Set Up Fund

2007-09-14T17:00:00.000-07:00

I just googled "Tom Finley Reba" and found this link:

http://www.nbc5.com/news/14118630/detail.html

To summarize:

He's been handing out fliers and offering a reward.
Now, Harris Bank has set up a fund for those who want to donate to the reward.
A Web designer is setting up a site at FindReba.com.

Please check this out.

Reward now at least $600 and link to NBC News Coverage

2007-09-14T05:35:00.000-07:00

It appears the reward is now $600 as of last night.

Here's the link to the Channel 5 coverage last night:

http://www.nbc5.com/news/14110121/detail.html

Thanks to them for doing a great job.

Let's hope we find Reba soon.

Reward set at $500 and Tom Finley and Reba had a lot of Publicity Today

2007-09-13T15:40:00.000-07:00

The reward for the return of Reba was set at $500 today. If anyone would like to contribute, please let me know and I can get you in touch with the folks taking the contributions.

It was great to see that the disappearance of Reba is receiving wide coverage. This should increase the chances of recovering Reba. The anticipated article I mentioned yesterday was published today in the Chicago Sun Times. Tom told me this morning he was interviewed on the radio by Lisa. I later saw on the Internet it was at WBBM. A woman in the morning told him that Reba was mentioned on the TV news. Later, Kathy e-mailed me it was Channel 5 and also let me know that Tom was interviewed by Channel 5 today and the air times were 4:30pm and 6:00 pm. I'm hoping that a clip will be available on the Internet.

I have posted the links to these within this and also below for posterity. This blog will be maintained until Reba is found.

When I spoke to Tom this morning, he was more upbeat. I showed him pictures of my dogs and I do believe that he is one of the most tender-hearted persons I have ever met. He truly loves dogs and asked me many questions about mine. Tom fondly recollected that Reba always barks when her picture is taken.

I missed Tom on the way home tonight. It appears he may be just too popular now.

Chicago Sun Times Article
http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/555537,CST-NWS-dog13.article

WBBM Coverage
http://www.wbbm780.com/pages/939949.php?contentType=4&contentId=912051

Blogs
http://chicagoist.com/2007/09/13/a_doggone_shame.php

http://petloverstips.com/ForTheLoveoftheDog/

Tom's story to be in Chicago Sun Times 9/13/07

2007-09-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

I spoke to Tom a few times today. He informed me this afternoon that he was interviewed today by a very nice reporter from the Chicago Sun Times. A story about Tom and Reba will be published tomorrow. Tom said the reporter assured him that Reba will be found. He also said that the reporter asked him about Reba's temperament. He told the reporter there couldn't be a sweeter, nicer dog.

I just changed the headline of this blog to include "Reward". I saw this on the smaller flyer Tom had today. Please contact me at this blog if you'd like me to contribute to the reward or help offset some of the costs for this search.

A lady responded to my ad in Craigslist and confirmed the rumor that Crazy Mary abducted Reba. This is only an allegation. If you're not familiar with Crazy Mary, one of her favorite haunts is the Madison Street bridge during morning rush hour as people exit Union Station. She is best known for lashing out at passers by with obscenities. She is white, with shoulder length, slightly wavy dark brown hair. She is probably in her forties. She is very small - somewhere around 5 feet tall and weighs about 100 pounds. I have never seen her wear shoes - she usually just wears socks.

Buy the Sun Times tomorrow to continue following this story.

Update 9/11 pm

2007-09-11T15:55:00.000-07:00

I just noticed that someone else placed an ad regarding Reba on Craigslist. Thank you very much for caring. I spoke to Tom this afternoon and he is very appreciative for everything everyone has done.

Kathy let me know that the news was interested in interviewing him. Tom said a reporter will be speaking to him soon.

Reba Missing Dog Blog

2007-09-10T18:27:00.000-07:00

Reba was taken from the corner of Jackson and Franklin in Chicago, Illinois on Friday, September 7th around 3:15 pm. If you have any information on the woman that took her, please call 312.375.9091. This blog is for information that will lead to the safe return of Reba to her owner, Tom.

Reba is a mixed breed, medium size dog about 13 years old. She is currently on medication. She needs to be returned ASAP, please.

Tom and Reba have become regular fixtures in Chicago. They can be spotted during the morning rush hour on Madison Street. Many people will stop and pet Reba. As Tom says, Reba would rather be shown affection than have treats. Tom had recently been hospitalized and Reba was kept by someone until he recovered. Tom looked so forlorn without Reba, as he does now. He is quite distraught over her abduction.

The last time I saw Reba, I petted her and she licked my toes and put her head on my lap. She is such a sweet and docile creature.

Any information regarding her disappearance would be appreciated.

Thanks to Kathy for caring enough to help Tom over the weekend and providing flyers and the photos for this blog.