58-yr-old blind man walked '7 miles every day looking for his service dog'—months later, a call from police changed his life
For many people with disabilities, a service dog is more than just a companion; they are a lifeline. For one Chicago man, the worst nightmare came true when his service dog was reportedly stolen from his home earlier this summer. What followed was months of searching, hoping, and community support, and finally, a reunion, as reported by People. But it was a long and emotional journey before that moment came.
Angel Santiago, 58, is legally blind due to glaucoma and Type 2 diabetes and lives in Chicago’s Logan Square neighborhood, per Fox 32 Chicago. His 14-year-old dachshund mix, Bam Bam, was abducted on June 5, 2025, from his yard. Santiago, devastated by the loss, began walking “7 miles every day looking for his beloved service dog and handing out flyers,” according to a GoFundMe page created to support him. The bond between Santiago and Bam Bam ran deep, as the dog played a vital role in Santiago’s day-to-day life.
The story gained attention as it spread across social media, with many expressing concern and support for Santiago. Then, on the night of Tuesday, August 19, something unexpected happened. A man and a woman, whose identities have not been released, brought Bam Bam to Chicago’s 16th District police station. This marked the end of nearly three months of uncertainty and worry for Santiago. The Chicago Tribune confirmed the safe return of the dog.
A photo shared on the GoFundMe showed Santiago holding Bam Bam again. In the image, Santiago appeared overwhelmed with emotion. “Let your eyes be mine and look out for Bam Bam for me, please. I beg of you to help me,” Santiago had pleaded earlier on the GoFundMe. That message struck a chord with many who followed the story and wanted to help bring Bam Bam home.
Amy Pasalich, who organized the GoFundMe, shared the happy update shortly after the reunion. “Out of respect for their privacy, we won’t be sharing every detail, but what matters most is that Angel and Bam Bam are safe and together again,” she wrote. Pasalich also thanked everyone who contributed or helped spread the word. It was a community effort that brought results.
As of August 21, the GoFundMe had raised just over $20,000. Pasalich noted that the money would be used for various expenses. These include reward money, hiring pet detectives, printing and distributing flyers, and helping organize groups to search the area. The funds also helped ask neighbors for any ring camera footage from the day Bam Bam went missing.
Thankfully, Bam Bam was able to return to his owner and home, but like him, there are numerous other pets out there that go missing. According to the Animal Humane Society, it is estimated that about one in three pets will go missing at some point during their lifetime. In the United States, this amounts to nearly 10 million lost animals each year. According to another statistical report by Pet911, in 2024, over 1.7 million pets went missing across the country. About 63% of dogs and 52% of cats were found and reunited with their families.