By John Q. Hosedrinker 
The Logan Square community has rallied to find Bam Bam, a 14-year-old dachshund stolen from his legally blind owner, Angel Santiago, in June. A team of neighbors and animal lovers have established a tip line, a Facebook page, and a website to aid the search, and a flier canvassing event will take place this weekend. A fundraiser has already surpassed its goal, with the funds earmarked for flyers and to increase the reward for Bam Bam’s safe return, currently at $5,000. The group hopes the increased awareness and pressure will lead to Bam Bam’s safe return, with no questions asked, and are open to anonymous tips.
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Chicagoans Unite To Expand Search For Bam Bam, The Service Dog Stolen From A Blind Man, and their collective efforts highlight the power of community in the face of heartbreaking circumstances. The story of Bam Bam, a 14-year-old dachshund, being stolen from his Logan Square backyard has resonated deeply within the city, prompting an outpouring of support and a united front in the search for the beloved pet.
The person at the center of this tragic event is Angel Santiago, a 58-year-old man who is legally blind and battles both glaucoma and Type 2 diabetes. His dependence on Bam Bam, his service dog, is immeasurable. The bond between them transcends the ordinary; Bam Bam was not just a pet but a lifeline, a crucial part of Angel’s daily life. The anguish and desperation Angel feels, coupled with the vulnerability of his situation, has fueled the community’s determination to help.
Since the story gained considerable media attention in the past week, the response from neighbors, local rescue organizations, and animal welfare groups has been nothing short of remarkable. The focus has quickly shifted to not only finding Bam Bam, but also streamlining the search process and maximizing the reach of their efforts. The creation of multiple avenues to provide information has been a significant element in this increased awareness, showing a unified front.
One of the first practical steps taken by this impromptu team was the establishment of an email tip line. This allows anyone with information, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant, to contribute to the investigation. This is coupled with a dedicated fundraiser, designed to support the costs associated with the search itself, and the creation of a Facebook page, providing a central hub for updates, sharing information, and coordinating volunteer efforts. A website with consolidated information offers another single point of contact and easy access to download missing dog flyers, enabling the dissemination of critical information.
The details surrounding Bam Bam’s theft are particularly heartbreaking. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of June 5th, when two individuals entered Angel’s yard while Bam Bam was outside. Despite Angel’s attempts to intervene, even physically grabbing one of the suspects, the men managed to escape with the dachshund. The sounds of Bam Bam barking as he was taken, would certainly be echoing in Angel’s mind. The cruelty of this act, especially knowing the dependency of the owner on their dog, is something that is heavily discussed.
Many comments underscore the potential motivations behind the theft, with speculation that the dog may have been stolen for malicious purposes, or could have been mistreated and set free. The fear that Bam Bam’s life could be in danger is, sadly, very prominent in the conversation, adding another layer of emotional weight to the search. The focus then shifts to the importance of examining any security footage from the day of the disappearance, as well as the identification of suspects, indicating the urgent need for concrete investigative steps.
The sheer scale of the community’s compassion and the tangible actions taken to assist Angel are truly inspiring. The outpouring of support is a testament to the values of empathy and collective responsibility. From the grassroots efforts of individual neighbors to the involvement of local organizations, the search for Bam Bam embodies the spirit of Chicago – a city known for its resilience and its commitment to supporting its residents.
The hope remains that Bam Bam will be found safe and returned to Angel. The community’s unwavering commitment to the search, and their genuine concern for Angel’s well-being, offers a powerful beacon of hope in what is a truly awful situation. The message is clear: Chicagoans will not stand idly by while a beloved member of their community is missing.