Gilbert, the happy-go-lucky golden retriever who lost his life as a result of the tragic shootings in Minnesota, could have been a pal of Moes. With his big grin and sparkly eyes, I could envision them playing in the park together.

According to colleagues, the late Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman once quipped, “She loved Mark Hortman, but the true love of her life was Gilbert.”
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I get that in my bones.

Tragically, 4-year-old Gilbert lost his own life after being gravely injured in the tragic shooting that killed his parents Melissa and Mark Hortman.

He was humanely euthanized by the Hortman’s adult children, adding yet another layer of indescribable pain they were already experiencing.

Gilbert was part of the non-profit Helping Paws, which trains and places service animals with the help of volunteers like the Hortmans. Though he was initially trained by Rep. Melissa Hortman to be a service dog, he was too friendly for a working dog’s life. So he ditched his career and became the family pet, much to their delight.

I know that private delight of a service dog turning into a beloved family pet. Years ago, we fostered a Guide Dog in training, our puppy Emerson. After much work and months of training, it was decided that he was not suitable to move on to the next level of guide dog training. We had the privilege and delight of adopting him as a family pet.

Rep. Hortman was dedicated to Gilbert’s lessons, moving caucus meetings to attend Gilbert’s weekly training. Colleagues recalled that Gilbert had been well known for making appearances in legislative Zoom meetings and barking and jumping on Hortman.

I get that too.

Let’s remember Gilbert in this tragedy. It’s exactly what Melissa would want us to do.