Beloved Dog Joined Minnesota Lawmaker, Husband as They Lay in State
Between Hortman's casket and that of her husband was an urn containing the ashes of the family's golden retriever, Gilbert.
A former service-dog-in-training, Gilbert was with Hortman, the Minnesota House speaker, and her husband this month at their home in a Minneapolis suburb when the couple were fatally shot in a case that made national headlines and has left young lawmakers questioning whether politics is too dangerous as a career.
Gilbert also received multiple gunshot wounds, and despite attempts to save him, he was euthanized.
Vance Boelter, 57, from Green Isle, Minnesota, is facing state and federal murder charges in the June 14 killing. He is also accused of shooting state Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife, who were seriously wounded in what state and federal prosecutors allege was a broader plot to assassinate politicians.
On Saturday, a private funeral will take place. Gov. Tim Walz (D) and former vice president Kamala Harris are expected to attend, with Walz delivering a eulogy.
Hortman was the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state at the Minnesota Capitol. Mark Hortman, meanwhile, was the first Minnesotan to lie in state who was not a public official or a military figure. It also appeared to be the first time a dog received such an honor, according to a list from the Minnesota Historical Society.
The Hortmans had volunteered with Helping Paws as foster home trainers, helping to raise and train service dogs, the nonprofit said in a statement after the couple's deaths. The family had trained another dog, who now works with a veteran, but Gilbert had been too friendly to complete his training. He 'eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family,' the group said.
'She loved Gilbert so much. The day Gilbert didn't graduate doggy school was one of her happiest [days], because that meant Gilbert could stay with her. Gilbert was truly the best dog ever,' fellow Minnesota Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (D) wrote on Facebook.
In a post on X on Friday, the Minnesota House of Representatives Democratic-Farmer-Labor Caucus said: 'We are incredibly touched by the amount of people who are visiting the Capitol today to pay their respects to Melissa, Mark, and their Golden Retriever Gilbert.'
The Hortmans' coffins were topped by large flower arrangements, with portraits set beside them. Gilbert's ashes were on a pedestal between them, in a golden urn encircled with paw prints, accompanied by a photo.
As mourners came to pay their respects to the Hortmans, some also left tributes to Gilbert, including a box of dog biscuits with a note reading: 'For the best boy, Gilbert.' Another note read: 'Well done, faithful servant.'
Alyssa Golob, executive director at Helping Paws, said in a phone interview Saturday that she offered the Hortmans' children, Sophie and Colin, an 'honor guard' of dogs at the funeral, which is something the group offers to members of the community. She said around 20 dogs took up a sentry position for 30 minutes each on Friday, with one patted by former president Joe Biden as he paid his respects.
'For me and my staff, it's been very, very difficult. People in our community just knew them on different levels. I think everyone is still in shock,' she said.
Allied Emergency Veterinary Service, which treated Gilbert after the shooting, said its team had worked with several experts 'to fully understand the extent of Gilbert's injuries and explore every possible outcome' and had ensured that he 'received the very best of our knowledge, care, and compassion' before euthanizing him. The group has launched a fundraising drive in Gilbert's memory for police and service dogs in need of emergency care.
Sophie and Colin Hortman previously released a statement saying they were 'devastated and heartbroken' by the deaths of their parents. Those who wanted to honor their memory could consider planting a tree, baking food to share with a friend, standing up for justice and peace, or petting a dog, their statement said.
'A golden retriever is ideal, but any will do.'
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"We are both incredibly lucky to be alive," Yvette Hoffman wrote. "We are gutted and devastated by the loss of Melissa and Mark." © Thomson Reuters 2025.
