Every dog owner dreads experiencing the heartbreak of losing their beloved furry companions.
Recently, Angel Santiago, a blind man from Chicago, Illinois, lived through that ordeal after his fourteen-year-old service dog, Bam Bam was reportedly stolen from his yard.
Santiago was heartbroken to lose his best friend, who was his whole world. All he wanted was to reunite with him, and he did everything he could to find him.
The Dog Reappears
According to a GoFundMe account, the man walked seven miles every day, searching for Bam Bam. He distributed flyers, hoping someone would see his dog and help bring him back home.
As months passed, Santiago didn’t lose hope of holding Bam Bam in his arms again. He continued looking for his beloved dog with whom he formed a wonderful bond.
“He is my world. He is my heart. He helped me in so many ways,” Santiago told NBC 5 Chicago.
The devastated dog owner asked the 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, who suffers from glaucoma, said via GoFundMe.
Amy Pasalich helped him organize a fundraiser so that he could cover the cost of pet detective services, reward money, organize volunteer groups to search for Bam Bam as well as to make flyers.
Once his story spread across social media, Bam Bam was found. According to the Chicago Tribune, a man and a woman dropped him off at the 16th District police station on August 19, 2025.
When Santiago learned that his dog was safe and sound, waiting for him at the police station, he was thrilled.
Once he reunited with Bam Bam, Santiago took him in his arms, struggling to contain his happy tears. After three long months, destiny brought them back together.
Bam Bam Receives Necessary Care
A GoFundMe organizer gave thanks to anyone who helped Santiago reunite with his furry companion.
“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 update on August 20.
PETA reported, based on available information, that two unidentified men stole Bam Bam from his backyard.
The doggo started barking which alarmed Santiago.
He reportedly tried to step in and grabbed one of the suspects, but they escaped. Authorities continue to investigate.
Bam Bam is now receiving medical care and is doing well. Hopefully, he will soon reach full health, forget about his hardships and continue enjoying his life.