A 14-year-old dachshund has been reunited with its legally blind owner, who had been praying daily for the dog’s safe return after it was stolen from an Illinois home in early June.
Bum Bam was dropped off at Chicago’s 16th District Police Station by an unidentified man and woman around 8 PM on Tuesday night.
After being identified through a microchip, Bam Bam is finally back with his owner, Angel Santiago.
During their reunion, Santiago held the senior dog close, planting a loving kiss on his nose, clearly overwhelmed with joy.
Bam Bam was taken from Santiago’s garden on June 5th, leaving the blind man to face his daily challenges without his loyal companion to guide him.
Santiago recounted that he heard two men trying to take his dog from his yard. He attempted to intervene but felt helpless as they whisked his beloved pup away.
While searching for Bam Bam, Santiago said he spent countless hours and even walked up to seven miles a day. He was constantly handing out flyers to find his furry friend.
“Every day and night, I prayed for Bam Bam,” he said, reflecting on his desperate hope for the dog’s return.
Santiago shared his thoughts, expressing intense feelings toward the individuals who took his dog: “I hope you never sleep again. You had no right to take my best friend away.”
Support poured in for Santiago from all over, including international calls from people as far away as Spain and New Zealand.
PETA had plans to put up signs in Chicago to help with the search, but Bam Bam was returned to the police station just days before that was set to happen. The signs will still be posted across the city, now indicating that the dog has been found.
It remains unclear whether the individuals who dropped off Bam Bam at the police station were involved in his theft. The investigation is ongoing, and no suspects are currently in custody.
