Colorado Governor Mourns Loss of Longtime Family Dog
Governor Jared Polis and his family are grieving the death of their rescue dog, Gia, who lived to be 17 years old.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Dogs
Colorado Governor Jared Polis has announced the death of his family dog, Gia, a rescue from Englewood who passed away at age 17. The beloved pet was a regular fixture at the Colorado Capitol and accompanied the governor throughout his career.
Why it matters
Gia became a well-known presence in Colorado politics, representing the bond between families and their rescued companions. Her long life and involvement in official events highlighted the role of pets in the lives of public figures and their families.
Gia lived to the age of 17, a notable milestone for any dog. She was originally adopted by Jared Polis and Marlon Reis from an Englewood shelter in August 2009.
The players
Jared Polis
The current Governor of Colorado who serves the state alongside his family and their rescued pets.
Marlon Reis
The First Gentleman of Colorado who shares ownership of the family pets with the governor.
The details
Gia was a constant companion for the family, traveling between Colorado and Washington D.C. during the governor's time in Congress. Beyond state functions, she was a central part of family life, famously using her paw prints to sign the wedding certificate of Jared Polis and Marlon Reis in 2021. She remained active in the public eye, even appearing in a 2025 documentary about dogs at the Colorado Capitol.
Timeline
August 2009: Jared Polis and Marlon Reis adopted Gia from an Englewood shelter.
2021: Gia used her paw prints to sign the wedding certificate for the couple.
2025: The dog was featured in a documentary about animals at the Colorado Capitol.
September 21, 2026: Gia passed away at age 17.
The Home Front
Gia's long tenure reflects the growing trend of pets serving as prominent, stabilizing members of official households. Her public presence sets a precedent for how families incorporate rescue animals into the high-profile logistics of public life.
When dealing with the loss of a senior pet, check with your local veterinarian about memorial resources or counseling services if your household needs support. It is also a good time to review your own family pet's records and ensure you have recent photographs or keepsakes archived.
The takeaway
Gia's 17 years as a companion serve as a reminder of the deep bonds formed through pet adoption. Consider creating a digital file or physical album of your pet's milestones to preserve those family memories for the future.
Further reading
For more on the role of pets in family life, see the Dogs section of our site.
Source note: This article includes information reported by KUNC.
