For one family in Chicago, a usual evening game of fetch turned into an emotional search that has left a young girl without her beloved service dog. Blossom, an 11-month-old merle Yorkshire terrier, is much more than a pet. She is a necessary support for 9-year-old Damali Beene, who has autism. Losing Blossom has been especially difficult for Damali as she copes with the sudden absence of her constant companion.
The incident occurred on a Sunday evening in the family’s backyard in the Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side. While playing fetch, Blossom slipped through a wooden side fence and wandered onto South King Drive.
Footage captured by a doorbell camera shows Blossom approaching two young people riding on a motor scooter. The video reveals one of the riders calling the small service dog over before picking her up. The pair then rode away with Blossom, leaving the family in turmoil. Damali’s mother, Destiny Dockery, recounted the distressing scene, noting that one of the individuals exclaimed, “Look at this. Ok, go, go, go, go, go.”
For Damali, Blossom is more than a pet waiting at home after school. As her service dog, Blossom offers comfort and stability throughout the day. The girls’ bond, built on countless hours spent together, amplifies the pain of their current separation. Unfortunately, the impact of losing a service animal extends beyond emotional turmoil. These specially trained animals provide consistency, reduce anxiety, and support for individuals with various conditions.
Damali’s family has been left navigating the emotional fallout and the challenging practicalities of everyday life without Blossom in it. Desperate to find Blossom, relatives swiftly embarked on a search across the neighborhood. They have reached out to local animal shelters, informed veterinary clinics, and distributed flyers in hopes of someone recognizing the little Yorkshire terrier.
The family has also taken their appeal to social media, circulating the doorbell camera footage with the hope that someone might know the individuals involved or be moved to return Blossom safely. Damali’s mother made a public plea, addressing those who might know the individuals, “If their parents see it, their grandparents, just do the right thing.”
With the police report filed, the family emphasizes that they only want Blossom returned safely, with no questions asked. Blossom plays an irreplaceable role in Damali’s life, and her family is optimistic that humanity and community support will lead to a joyful reunion.
As they wait, Damali and her family continue hoping that whoever holds the service dog will recognize her importance and return her to the arms of the little girl who dearly misses her. Blossom stands as far more than a pet; she’s a critical support system for a young girl with autism. Her absence is felt deeply, and everyone is determined to bring her home.
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