A Chicago pet owner who has been declared legally blind was reunited with his service dog
Angel Santiago, 58, said his 14-year-old Dachshund named Bam Bam was taken from his yard on June 5
“What matters most is that Angel and Bam Bam are safe and together again,” a GoFundMe organizer wrote
A Chicago service dog has been reunited with its owner months after the canine was reportedly stolen from the resident’s home.
Angel Santiago and his 14-year-old Dachshund named Bam Bam are back together again after the legally blind 58-year-old walked “7 miles every day looking for his beloved service dog and handing out flyers,” according to a GoFundMe account.
Soon after the heartbreaking story went viral, Bam Bam was left at Chicago’s 16th District police station by an unidentified man and woman on the night of Tuesday, Aug. 19, per the Chicago Tribune.
His safe return came nearly three months after he went missing from Santiago’s yard in the Logan Square neighborhood on June 5.
A photo of Santiago holding his beloved pet was shared to the GoFundMe. In the picture, the owner appeared to be emotional as he was finally able to embrace Bam Bam.
“Let your eyes be mine and look out for Bam Bam for me, please. I beg of you to help me,” Santiago, who was diagnosed with glaucoma, previously said via GoFundMe as he called on his community’s help to find his dog.
The fundraiser was organized by Amy Pasalich.
“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,” Pasalich said in the GoFundMe account’s most recent update on Aug. 20, thanking those who helped to make the reunion happen.
As of Thursday, Aug. 21, the GoFundMe brought in just over $20,000. Pasalich said the donations would cover expenses such as reward money, pet detective services, making flyers, and organizing volunteer groups to canvas the area posting flyers, as well as inquiring if anyone has any ring footage from the morning Bam Bam was allegedly taken.
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Citing reports, PETA said Bam Bam was taken from his backyard in Chicago by two unknown men who entered the yard through his gate. Santiago allegedly tried to intervene and even grabbed one of the suspects, but he was unable to stop them.
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