Blind Man Walked Miles Every Day Calling His Stolen Dog’s Name—Then Came the Miracle
For two long months, Angel Santiago’s world felt empty without Bam Bam, his 14-year-old Dachshund mix and loyal emotional support dog. The legally blind Chicago man never gave up hope, spending every day searching for his stolen companion who had been his lifeline for three years. (Watch Video Above)
His story spread far and wide, drawing in volunteers who joined the search. And now, against the odds, Angel and Bam Bam have finally been reunited, a moment so moving it brought tears to people across the country, as WGN9 reports.
A Blind Man’s Search for His Stolen Dog
On June 5, heartbreak struck in Chicago’s Logan Square when two people slipped into Angel Santiago’s backyard and stole Bam Bam, his beloved service dog. Angel, blind from glaucoma, confronted one of the suspects but could do nothing as his world was ripped away.
For Angel, Bam Bam wasn’t “just a dog,” he was his lifeline through years of struggle. The loss left him devastated, yet he refused to give up. Every day, Angel walked nearly seven miles, handing out flyers, calling Bam Bam’s name into the streets, and stumbling but never stopping.
“My Bam Bam is my world,” Angel said. “I don’t care how far I had to walk, day and night. I don’t care how many times I fell down.”
As Angel’s story spread, strangers from across the country were moved by his determination and heartache. A GoFundMe raised nearly $20,000 to fuel the search, covering everything from reward money to pet detective services, printing flyers, and organizing volunteer teams to comb through neighborhoods.
What began as one man’s desperate fight soon became a community-wide mission of love and compassion. And then, after two long months of tireless searching, the moment Angel had been praying for finally came.
Reunion After 74 Days of Heartbreak
Two months and 14 days later, a man and a woman walked into a police station in the 15th block of North Milwaukee on Tuesday, 19th August, with Bam Bam. The duo is unidentified as they refused to give any information and left the precinct in a hurry after dropping the Dachshund.
Angel received the call from the police station at around 9 p.m., telling him that his dog had been found. At first, he didn’t believe them, but he went anyway. After waiting a few minutes outside, Bam Bam was finally brought to his arms.
Because Angel couldn’t see him, he confirmed what his heart already knew by checking Bam Bam’s ears. That was simply enough. His boy was home.
Bam Bam was immediately taken to an animal hospital for a full checkup. Miraculously, he was safe, though his nails had grown painfully long and tests showed signs of cardiac enlargement, a condition that may be common for his breed. For now, the most important thing is clear: Bam Bam is alive, safe, and back where he belongs.
