It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Gigi McGillicutty Gies, “The Wonder Dog,” in her Berkley, Michigan home on May 8th 2024. She was 80 years old in dog years, 15 and a half in human years. She is survived by Alison, Ashton, Pumpkin Holly, and Buster Brown. Gigi was amazing, a true presence that filled the room. She was a graduate of Petco Puppy School, where she completed Dog Training 1, Dog Training 2 and Agility Training. For many years she was an active member of the McGolrick Park Dog Run in Brooklyn, New York. She met many of her best friends at that dog run. The star of numerous movies, her most famous include Gigi, Danger Dog and Summer with Gigi part 7. Her fans were numerous and came running to give her a scratch whenever she was spotted. Gigi travelled the country often and with great excitement. There was nothing she liked more than hopping on a plane or getting a seat on the Metro North for a quick adventure. Chicago, New York City, Houston, New Haven, and Up North Michigan are just a few places she visited. She was an advent hiker. She walked the Appalachian Trail, Breakneck Ridge, and the Catskill Mountains. She took much joy in out hiking larger dogs. Gigi was always up for a trip, whether she was in the passenger seat of a car or riding in the basket of a bike; Gigi loved wind flowing through her fur. Although she went camping, canoeing, and loved jumping in the river for a swim, Gigi was a city dog at heart. She spent the majority of her adult life in Brooklyn, New York. Her daily walks around her city allowed her to know most of her neighbors. They would routinely call out her name in greeting as she trotted past.

Gigi spent her final years in Berkley, Michigan, enjoying sunshine in the green grass of her backyard or sitting atop the bench in her living room, watching the world through the front windows. She was always there for a snuggle on the sofa or an adventurous walk around the neighborhood. Gigi was truly the best friend anyone could ever wish to find.

The dates of Gigi’s memorial will be soon posted. Please collect your personal stories to share. We will be displaying her many portraits created by artists of her over the years. If you wish to submit your own version of her theme song to play at the memorial please send it to Ali as soon as possible.