Stolen Service Dog Reunites With Legally Blind Owner

A legally blind man in Chicago recently endured the loss of his elderly service dog, who was stolen from his yard. A GoFundMe page called on people for support, all the while keeping them updated about the story. Recently, news has come out that the story had a happy ending. Local authorities have also shared details about the story.

Angel Santiago’s Service Dog Bam Bam Was Stolen From His Yard In Early June

Angel Santiago is a 58-year-old resident of Chicago who is legally blind thanks to glaucoma. He had found support with the help of a service dog, Bam Bam, a 14-year-old Dachshund.

However, tragedy struck the pair back in early June. Bam Bam reportedly went missing from Santiago’s yard in the Logan Square neighborhood.

The story later gained traction online thanks to a GoFundMe campaign, which sought to support Angel’s search for Bam Bam. At the time, it was noted that Santiago was walking seven miles daily to search for Bam Bam and hand out flyers.

The campaign, which was started by Amy Pasalich, had hoped to raise funds for “reward money, pet detective services, making flyers, and organizing volunteer groups to canvas the area posting flyers and inquiring if anyone has any ring footage from that morning!” Santiago was also quoted as asking, “Let your eyes be mine and look out for Bam Bam for me, please. I beg of you to help me.”

The GoFundMe page kept supporters updated with the story, including a “flyers” event. As it shared, things took a turn for the better by late August.

Local Police In Chicago Also Shared Some Details About The Story

On August 20th, 2025, it was shared that Santiago and Bam Bam were reunited. An update read, “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 post ended by thanking patrons for their support during this time. In a final update, released the following day, it was shared that funds would go to a home security system and tracking collar, vet care and food for Bam Bam, investigation fees, legal expenses, and donations to organizations for the visually impaired.

Angel Santiago & Bam Bam - GoFundMe — Angel Santiago & Bam Bam – GoFundMe

According to The Chicago Tribune, local police confirmed that a man and woman dropped Bam Bam off at the Chicago police 16th District station. It was said that Bam Bam appeared to be in good health. The investigation was also said to be ongoing.

Michael Davis, who runs Best Furry Friend Pet Rescue and Discovery, described the reunion as “miraculous.” It was noted, according to the publication, that stolen dogs are at a greater risk of ending up in more distant and less predictable places than lost dogs. Davis emphasized the importance of getting the word out fast, as was the case for Bam Bam.

Have you been following this story? What do you think of the photos of Bam Bam being reunited with Angel? Make sure you come back to TV Shows Ace for all the latest reality TV and celebrity news.