In St. Paul, Minnesota, Gilbert the golden retriever was tragically killed alongside Democratic leader and State Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband during a violent attack. Gilbert, their beloved dog, was also wounded in the incident and had to be put down due to his injuries. Mourners gathered at the Capitol in St. Paul to pay their respects to the Hortmans, with Gilbert being the first nonhuman to receive the honor of lying in state.
The tribute included a memorial outside the House chamber, where a box of dog biscuits and a touching note for Gilbert were placed. The community came together to support the Hortman family and honor Gilbert’s memory, with volunteers from a service dog training nonprofit providing comfort to mourners with cheerful golden retrievers.
Gilbert, described as “sweet and gentle,” had brought joy to many before his untimely passing. Despite not making it as a service dog due to being “too friendly,” Gilbert had a lasting impact on those around him. Melissa Hortman’s decision to keep him despite his “flunking out of school” showed her deep love for him.
