After Months Of Searching, Vet's Lost Service Dog Possibly Spotted

NORTH FORK, NY — After searching since July for a Long Island veteran's beloved service dog, the many community members who've banded together to help saw their hopes skyrocket Tuesday — as a post circulating on social media showed a pooch, looking very much like Gigi, on the beach in Orient.

The photo, although blurry, shows what appears to be a black Lab wearing a color much like the one Gigi was wearing when she disappeared in July — and the image sparked a flurry of excited responses, all hoping beyond hope that the lost dog could finally be reunited with her heartbroken family.

Kathleen Stewart DiSilvio said it was the second sighting in that area of a dog that looked like Gigi — and she and her family have been praying that Gigi could finally be back in their arms.

When asked if she believed the dog was Gigi, she said, "It's very possible."

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, 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.

It makes sense that Gigi would be at the beach, she said. "She likes rocks, she likes the water."

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.