“He brought comfort, warmth, and a lot of laughter,” said a family friend. “Whether he was popping into Zoom meetings or curling up beside Melissa during long workdays, Gilbert made every space feel a little more like home.”
The Hortman family’s connection to Helping Paws began years earlier when their daughter Sophie took on a senior project that introduced them to the program. Their first dog, Minnie, went on to serve a veteran living with PTSD. That veteran later credited the dog with helping him reconnect with his family and community, describing her as “a life-changer.”
Though Gilbert’s path diverged from that of a traditional service dog, his impact was no less meaningful. He became a beloved presence at the Minnesota State Capitol, where his cheerful personality and occasional playful interruptions during meetings made him a favorite among staff and legislators alike.
Gilbert’s story took a somber turn in June 2025. During a tragic incident at the Hortman family’s home, Gilbert was seriously injured. Despite the best efforts of the family and emergency responders, he did not survive. The news of his passing was shared by Helping Paws, who remembered Gilbert as a dog who brought joy everywhere he went.
“He was with his family until the very end,” said Golob. “His loyalty and love never wavered.”
To honor the bond between the Hortmans and Gilbert, Helping Paws has announced a memorial fund in their name. The fund will support pairing service dogs with veterans and first responders who are living with PTSD—continuing the work that brought Gilbert into their lives in the first place.
Gilbert may not have worn a service vest in the end, but he served in his own way—with unconditional love, empathy, and an unshakable sense of comfort. His story reminds us that sometimes, the most meaningful roles are the ones we never saw coming.
Friendly to a fault and full of heart, Gilbert left behind a legacy of love—and countless memories that will be cherished by all who knew him.