Reward offered for return of stolen support dog belonging to blind Chicago man

Reward offered for return of stolen support dog belonging to blind Chicago man

Forty-eight hours after his story gained attention, Angel Santiago is still clinging to hope that he will be reunited with his emotional support dog, Bam Bam.

CHICAGO - Forty-eight hours after his story gained attention, Angel Santiago is still clinging to hope that he will be reunited with his emotional support dog, Bam Bam.

Santiago, who is legally blind due to glaucoma and Type 2 diabetes, said he’s received calls from across the country — some even offering to start a GoFundMe. But he declined the financial help. 

All he wants, he said, is to hold his 14-year-old dachshund mix again.

What we know:

For more than two months, Santiago has stood outside Tony’s Fresh Market at North Monticello and West Fullerton avenues, asking for help to bring Bam Bam home.

On June 5, two individuals entered his backyard in the 2300 block of North Monticello Avenue while Bam Bam was outside for a brief bathroom break. Santiago said he tried to stop them, but was overpowered.

Since then, he’s walked miles each day distributing flyers. Volunteers have joined the search, but Santiago has refused donations. His only focus is finding Bam Bam.

What's next:

Bam Bam has a one-inch dark brown patch on his forehead. A $1,000 reward is being offered for his safe return.

Additionally, PETA is offering a reward of up to $5,000 for information leading to the safe return of Bam Bam and the arrest and conviction of those responsible for stealing him.

If you have any more information on the dog's whereabouts, call 1-866-597-2424. Chicago police can also be contacted at 312-746-6000.

RELATED: 'Let your eyes be mine’: Blind man pleads for help finding stolen service dog