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Stolen Service Dog Bam Bam Reunited with Owner After Two Months
For more than two months, Angel Santiago’s world was filled with fear and heartbreak after his beloved service dog, Bam Bam, vanished from his backyard in Logan Square, Chicago. Bam Bam, a white-and-yellow dachshund mix, had been Santiago’s constant companion, providing crucial support as he navigated life with blindness caused by glaucoma and diabetes. His sudden disappearance on June 5 left Santiago devastated and uncertain if he would ever see his loyal friend again.
The loss quickly rallied an entire community. Volunteers posted flyers across neighborhoods, strangers raised over $10,000 through GoFundMe, and social media spread the story far and wide. National attention poured in, with PETA offering a $5,000 reward for Bam Bam’s safe return. The overwhelming response highlighted how deeply the dog’s story touched people well beyond Chicago.
Finally, on a Tuesday evening, Santiago’s prayers were answered. An unidentified man and woman carried Bam Bam into the 16th District police station before leaving abruptly without explanation. Officers confirmed the dog’s identity, and Santiago rushed to the station. At 9:30 p.m., he and Bam Bam were reunited in an emotional moment that ended weeks of anguish and uncertainty.
Afterward, Bam Bam was taken to Niles Animal Hospital for a full evaluation. Veterinarians found him in generally good condition. While his nails were severely overgrown and he showed signs of cardiac enlargement—a condition often seen in his breed—he was otherwise healthy. The relief of having him back far outweighed any lingering concerns.
Chicago police confirmed that five detectives are actively investigating the case to determine who was responsible for taking Bam Bam and how he ended up at the station. While those questions remain unanswered, Santiago is simply grateful to have his 14-year-old service dog safely home. For him, the reunion restores not only a cherished companion but also a renewed sense of hope and faith in others.
To celebrate Bam Bam’s safe return, PETA announced it will launch billboards across Chicago, serving as a public reminder of the power of compassion, persistence, and community action. What began as a story of heartbreak has transformed into one of resilience, love, and triumph, as a man and his most trusted companion find their way back to each other.
Click the video below to watch the full story:
This content was created with AI assistance and edited by the iHeartDogs team.
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