In Logan Square, Chicago, residents are rallying together to locate Bam Bam, a cherished 14-year-old dachshund who was abducted from his backyard in June.
Angel Santiago, a 58-year-old man who is legally blind and lives with glaucoma and Type 2 diabetes, has been diligently searching for Bam Bam since the dog was taken.
After receiving significant media attention in the past week, a coalition of neighbors, local rescue organizations, and animal welfare advocates have come together to raise awareness about the missing pup.
Although Bam Bam has yet to be found, the community has set up an email tip line, organized a fundraiser for the search, and created a dedicated Facebook page to streamline and update the search efforts on behalf of Santiago.
Additionally, a website has been established that compiles all relevant information, including downloadable flyers to assist in the search.
This week, Santiago received help from community members in filing a police report regarding Bam Bam’s disappearance, a step he had not taken immediately after the incident.
A flier canvassing event is scheduled for 12 p.m. Saturday, with two designated meeting points: one at Logan Square Monument Park and the other at the southwest side of the Lincoln Park Passerelle, the arch pedestrian bridge that crosses Lake Shore Drive.
Volunteers who wish to assist are encouraged to gather at either location, where they will distribute flyers in Logan Square and Humboldt Park.
The organizing group hopes that more individuals will partake in flyer distribution, both in person and through local social media networks, urging widespread sharing in Chicago and its suburbs.
To augment the search efforts for Bam Bam, the group has decided to extend their outreach to Lincoln Park, especially with the anticipated influx of visitors for the Air and Water show that weekend, as noted by co-organizer Amy Pasalich.
“We are very hopeful that the more pressure we put on this, the more pressure from the community and the reward, that somebody will come forward,” Pasalich stated.
“I don’t want Angel doing this alone anymore. This has truly just floored me. Animals are so important to all of us. If people put themselves in Angel’s shoes, they’d know how devastating this would feel.”
Pasalich, who also initiated the fundraiser, mentioned that Santiago and the team are focused on bringing Bam Bam back safely without any questions.
They are not pursuing legal action and welcome anonymous tips, which can be sent to [email protected].
The fundraiser has surpassed its initial financial goal within a week of its launch, raising almost $16,000 as of Thursday afternoon.
The funds will cover flyer printing costs and potentially increase the reward, currently set at $5,000, sponsored by PETA.
Some of the volunteers have previous experience in organizing search efforts, having looked for Minnie, a South Loop lab who has been missing since escaping from daycare earlier this year.
Santiago expressed his desire to stay positive amid the challenging situation and is touched by the community’s outpouring of support over the past week.
He is now collaborating with a police detective, the alderman’s office, and numerous neighbors and animal organizations in the ongoing search for Bam Bam.
While Santiago admits that he was initially reluctant to have his situation publicized, he is grateful for the assistance and hopes that any surplus funds raised will benefit another blind individual in need.
“I just want my dog back,” Santiago said.
He added that any excess money could help another blind person acquire a dog, a navigation walking stick, or even comfortable shoes to aid them in daily life.
image source from：blockclubchicago
