In Chicago this week, a blind man was reunited with his stolen service dog after more than two months apart.
JUST IN: Elderly blind Chicago man reunited with his service dog ‘Bam Bam’ after the dog was stolen from him by people who sounded like ‘teens.’
In June, Angel Santiago said he was in his yard with his 14-year-old dachshund when multiple individuals took him.
Santiago spent the… pic.twitter.com/bj5BEVfMOo
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) August 20, 2025
On June 5, 58-year-old Angel Santiago let his dachshund mix, Bam Bam, out for a bathroom break in the fenced backyard of his Logan Square home.
Santiago suffers from glaucoma and Type 2 diabetes, and Bam Bam isn’t just a pet – he’s his helper and emotional support.
In the early morning darkness, Santiago heard the gate open. Two young men slipped inside, grabbed Bam Bam, and ran.
Santiago tried to stop them, even grabbing one of the thieves, but they got away. The little tan-and-white dog, who needs daily medicine and didn’t even have his collar on, was gone.
A Citywide Search
For many people, losing a pet is heartbreaking. But for Santiago, losing Bam Bam meant losing his daily lifeline.
Instead of giving up, he started walking – up to seven miles – every day, posting flyers, calling out Bam Bam’s name, and asking neighbors for help.
The story quickly spread beyond Chicago. Organizations like PETA even offered a $6,000 reward for Bam Bam’s safe return.
Former police officer John Garrido, who now runs a rescue foundation, stepped in to help organize the search.
It became a cause that pulled people together. Strangers online cheered Santiago on, prayed for Bam Bam, and blasted social media with messages of support.
After 75 Days of Waiting…
Finally, on the night of August 19, two months after the theft, an unidentified man and woman walked into the Chicago Police Department’s 16th District station. With them was Bam Bam.
Officers scanned the dog’s microchip, confirmed his identity, and called Santiago. By 9:30 that night, Santiago and Bam Bam were back together. Reports say the dog looked healthy and well cared for, with no signs of abuse.
The reunion was pure joy. After weeks of worry, Santiago finally had his loyal companion back by his side.
The Investigation Continues
As of August 20, Chicago police are still investigating who took Bam Bam. No arrests have been made. Stealing a service dog is not just cruel, it’s a crime that takes away independence from people who need help.
Sadly, pet theft is on the rise across the country. It’s often tied to black-market breeding, resale, or sometimes just plain cruelty. While Chicago saw this happy ending, too many families never see their pets again.
Here in Nevada, animal thefts and shelter overcrowding have also been major issues. Stories like Santiago’s remind us why accountability, both for criminals and for organizations, matters.
One Man’s Refusal to Quit Inspired Thousands
Santiago’s story struck a chord because it wasn’t just about a stolen dog. It was also about his owner, with health challenges, who walked miles every day refusing to give up on the friend who never gave up on him.
As Santiago held Bam Bam again after two long months, the relief was written all over his face. For once, a story with all the makings of tragedy ended the way it should – with a loyal dog safe in his owner’s arms.
The opinions expressed by contributors are their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Nevada News & Views. This article was written with the assistance of AI. Please verify information and consult additional sources as needed.
