On June 5, the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago was shaken when a 14-year-old dachshund named Bam Bam was stolen from a backyard. The elderly pup wasn’t just any dog—he was a beloved service dog for Angel Santiago, who is legally blind due to glaucoma. Santiago, now faced with the terrifying reality of losing his trusted companion, immediately set out to find Bam Bam, walking seven miles every day while distributing flyers and rallying community support.
“Chicagoland people, please keep an eye out for Bam Bam,” wrote Amy Pasalich, Santiago’s friend and advocate, on a GoFundMe page dedicated to the search. The page has since raised over $20,000, illustrating the outpouring of support from locals and animal lovers alike. “To anyone who considers donating, Mister Rogers’ mom said it best: When there are scary things in the news, ‘look for the helpers.’ Let’s be helpers!”
Santiago personally appeared on multiple local and national news outlets, imploring the public, “Let your eyes be mine and look out for Bam Bam for me, please. I beg of you to help me.” The story quickly gained widespread attention, highlighting not only the bond between Santiago and his service dog but also the importance of microchipping pets and community vigilance.
For 72 agonizing days, Bam Bam’s whereabouts remained unknown. The search included thousands of flyers, social media posts, and community alerts. In addition, a reward of up to $6,000 was offered for the safe return of the dachshund, with PETA contributing $5,000 to the effort. The case captured the hearts of Chicago residents and animal lovers worldwide, keeping hope alive for Santiago’s reunion with his loyal companion.
Finally, on Tuesday, August 20, a breakthrough came. John Garrido, a former police officer and founder of the Garrido Stray Rescue Foundation, received word that two individuals had dropped off a dog at the 16th District Chicago Police Department. Initially, the foundation shared information as they would with any rescued dog, unaware that this dachshund was the same missing service dog whose disappearance had captured national attention.
After confirming Bam Bam’s identity via microchip, Garrido shared the heartwarming news: “The entire city has been searching for this dog. He is safe and sound. … I am told it was a happy reunion.”
The emotional reunion took place on the evening of August 19. Santiago and Bam Bam were finally back together, safe and unharmed. Pasalich took to social media to share the long-awaited update: “After a long and emotional nearly three months, Angel has finally been reunited with Bam Bam. The reunion took place on the evening of August 19th, and both are now safely back together. 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.”
The news sparked an overwhelming response online, with supporters celebrating the reunion from across the globe. “Finally, some happy news being shared,” one person commented on an ABC 7 Chicago headline. Others noted the emotional impact of the story reaching far beyond Chicago. “This has reached Greece,” wrote a social media user after NBC Chicago posted the update on TikTok. “It’s 5 a.m. and I’m crying for these two.”
PETA joined in the celebration, updating reward billboards across the city to thank everyone who contributed to Bam Bam’s safe return. The organization also sent a “Welcome Home” basket filled with toys and treats for the beloved dachshund. “Working for this reunion brought out the best in the community, and it reminds us all to never be silent,” PETA said. “Speaking up when an animal is in danger can save a life.”
This heartwarming story not only highlights the extraordinary bond between a service dog and his owner but also serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of community, advocacy, and microchipping pets. Bam Bam’s safe return demonstrates how collective effort and compassion can bring about a happy ending even in the most difficult circumstances. Santiago and Bam Bam are now back home, reunited, and safe—a true testament to hope, perseverance, and the dedication of a community that refused to give up.