For one Chicago family, an ordinary evening of playing fetch turned into a heartbreaking search that has left a young girl without her constant companion. What began as a brief moment in the backyard quickly became every pet owner’s nightmare when a beloved service dog slipped away, setting off an emotional effort to bring her safely home.
Blossom, an 11-month-old merle Yorkshire terrier, is far more than a cherished pet. She is the service dog for 9-year-old Damali Beene, who has autism, and she provides comfort, stability, and daily support that has become an important part of the child’s life. Since Blossom disappeared, the family’s days have been filled with worry while Damali struggles to cope with the sudden absence of her trusted companion.
The incident happened Sunday evening at the family’s home in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. According to the family, Blossom was happily playing fetch in the yard when she slipped through a wooden side fence and wandered onto South King Drive.
Doorbell camera footage captured what happened next. The video shows Blossom approaching two young people riding a motor scooter. They can be heard calling the small dog before one of the girls picks her up, climbs back onto the scooter, and rides away with the other rider. Damali’s mother, Destiny Dockery, described watching the footage and hearing one of the individuals react to finding Blossom. According to Dockery, one of the girls said, “Look at this. Ok, go, go, go, go, go,” before leaving with the dog.
A Companion Who Means Everything
For Damali, Blossom is not simply a pet waiting at home after school. As her service dog, Blossom provides reassurance throughout the day and helps the young girl feel calm and secure. Their bond has grown through countless hours spent together, making the separation especially painful.
The family says Damali relied on Blossom around the clock. Without her loyal companion nearby, everyday routines have become much more difficult. The emotional impact has been immediate, with Damali crying throughout the day as she waits for Blossom to come home.
Losing a service animal often affects far more than emotions. These specially trained companions help provide consistency, reduce anxiety, and support children and adults living with various conditions. For families who depend on them, their absence can create tremendous stress and uncertainty.
Determined to find Blossom, relatives immediately began searching throughout the neighborhood. They contacted local animal shelters, notified veterinary clinics, and handed out flyers in hopes that someone would recognize the little Yorkshire terrier.
The family has also shared the doorbell video widely, hoping it reaches someone who recognizes the two young people seen riding the scooter or encourages those involved to safely return the dog. Dockery made an emotional appeal to the community, asking anyone who may know the individuals to encourage them to do the right thing.
“If their parents see it, their grandparents, just do the right thing,” she said.
The family has filed a police report regarding Blossom’s disappearance. They also emphasized that Blossom can be returned safely with no questions asked, with their only priority being to reunite the service dog with the child who depends on her every day.
As the search continues, the family remains hopeful that compassion and community support will help bring Blossom back where she belongs. They hope that whoever has the little service dog realizes how deeply she is missed and understands the important role she plays in a young girl’s life. Until then, Damali and her loved ones continue waiting for the moment they can welcome Blossom home once again.
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