Vet's Service Dog Missing 115 Days: 'Praying For A Christmas Miracle'

NORTH FORK, NY — After a Long Island veteran's beloved service dog went missing in July, her heartbroken family — and the North Fork community that has rallied to help — have never stopped wishing with all their hearts for her safe return.

And now, with Christmas coming, Gigi's family has only one fervent wish: To see her curled up safe and sound at home, where she belongs.

Kathleen Stewart DiSilvio said Gigi is a black Labrador Retriever, just a year and a half old. She was last seen on Saturday, July 15, on Marratooka Lane in Mattituck.

But despite the rays of hope and optimism a few potential sightings have offered, to no avail, grief blankets the family's home; her husband Michael, DiSilvio said, is also struggling with Gigi's loss, battling anxiety and PTSD. A combat vet, he served with the 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, KY; he later served at Fort Drum in Jefferson County, NY.

Christmas is especially hard, DiSilvio said.

"She is so much a part of Christmas, from 'helping' us wrap, to laying on the paper so you wouldn't. She would unwrap the gifts before Christmas Day. She would sniff them out."

DiSilvio added: "She made things a little difficult, but you couldn't help but laugh. She just wanted to be a part of everything. She loved to lay under the tree on the skirt. We had to twist tie and or move the ornaments up a notch."

Last Christmas was only Gigi's first, DiSilvio said. "This would be her second. Her birthday is right around the corner after the holidays and she will be turning 2."

Her voice filled with tears, DiSilvio said while it's hard to talk about — the grief and yearning are still too real and raw — she and her family want Gigi's story to remain out there, for the search to continue. It has to, she said — because n their hearts, they believe she is alive and waiting to be reunited with her family.

Even decorating is difficult without Gigi, the memories just a heartbeat away, DiSilvio said. "We pulled out our red blankets for the holiday, and her memory is all over them," DiSilvio said. "She would chew holes into them, making them look like Swiss cheese."

No matter how many presents are piled under the tree, her family, she said, shares only one wish: "To bring Gigi home. It would be a miracle."

The search has been long and filled with pitfalls, including false sightings and "missing" posters that were constantly and mysteriously removed.

At Christmas, advocates for Gigi's return have asked that those hoping to help light trees for Gigi and also, put her "missing" signs on their lawns — to keep the candle of hope alive.

Because, despite the many long days and nights without her, DiSilvio and her family have never given up believing that one day, Gigi would come home.

"I’ve always felt hopeful," she said. "I've never felt that she's no longer around. I truly believe that she is out there."

DiSilvio said she and her family want to thank the many who've come forward to help, making flyers and posting them, sharing Gigi's photo and story on social media, and rallying to search.

"I have people that pull up in cars in front of our house and just pray," she said. Prayer groups are also remembering Gigi when they meet.

"All of us in our heart of hearts — we believe she’s alive," she said. "Every day when I wake up, I feel like today could be the day."

The community has been tireless in their support, she said.

"They write me, and we talk and pray together. Everything's just so positive — there’s nothing like it," DiSilvio said. "There’s an army looking for her."

Their family has gotten calls from as far away as Martha's Vineyard with possible Gigi sightings.
"All we can do is think about how we can repay these people, and thank everyone for their time," DiSilvio said.

Her family has said when Gigi is found, they'd like to host a meet-and-greet, so everyone can finally see Gigi.

DiSilvio is resolute in her belief that her family will be reunited with Gigi. "Love is going to bring her home," she said. "The hearts that she has touched, of people who want her to be reunited, mean that she will be coming home."

That's their singular prayer.

"She is everything to our family," said DiSilvio. "It's very hard to put into words because she is more than just a pet. She is also a family member."

If you see Gigi, call or text 516-443-4902.