Legally Blind Man Reunited With His Elderly Service Dog Months After Heartbreaking Theft

In a story that has captured hearts across Chicago and beyond, a legally blind man has been joyfully reunited with his beloved service dog months after the pup was stolen.

A Desperate Search for Bam Bam

Angel Santiago, 58, has lived with glaucoma for years and depends on his 14-year-old Dachshund, Bam Bam, for support and companionship. When Bam Bam disappeared from Santiago’s yard in Logan Square on June 5, his world turned upside down.

Determined not to give up, Santiago walked 7 miles every single day, handing out flyers and pleading with his community for help.

“Let your eyes be mine and look out for Bam Bam for me, please. I beg of you to help me,” Santiago said in an emotional plea on his GoFundMe page.

The Viral Story That Changed Everything

As Santiago’s heartbreaking story spread online, his community and strangers across the country rallied behind him. Soon after, on August 19, Bam Bam was mysteriously left at Chicago’s 16th District police station by an unidentified man and woman, according to the Chicago Tribune.

Nearly three months after going missing, Bam Bam was finally safe.

An Emotional Reunion

A photo shared on GoFundMe shows Santiago holding Bam Bam tightly in his arms, visibly emotional as he embraced his best friend once again.

Pasalich, the GoFundMe organizer, shared in an update:

“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.”

Community Support Raised Over $20,000

The GoFundMe campaign not only helped spread awareness but also raised over $20,000 by August 21. The donations will help cover reward money, pet detective services, flyer distribution, volunteer efforts, and outreach to gather any potential video footage from the day Bam Bam was taken.

Thanks to the community’s compassion and Santiago’s unshakable determination, a man and his service dog are together again—proving that hope, love, and persistence can overcome even the darkest moments.