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Senate committee considers lending ‘helping paws’ in honor of Hortmans’ dog

On Tuesday, April 7, 2026, the Senate Health and Human Services committee heard SF 4771, a bill introduced by Minnesota Sen. Amanda Hemmingsen-Jaeger, DFL-Woodbury, to appropriate $200,000 to Helping Paws.
The legislation honors the legacy of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who were murdered alongside their golden retriever, Gilbert, in June 2025.
Nine puppies born on March 28, 2026, comprise the 'Guided by Gilbert Litter,' with Rep. Robert Bierman, DFL-Apple Valley, and his caucus selecting 'G' names for each puppy.
Helping Paws volunteer Angie Folie testified the project is a "lovely" way to honor the Hortmans, noting the puppies will assist people with disabilities or PTSD.
The bill was laid over for possible inclusion in the omnibus bill, with Hemmingsen-Jaeger noting the state's financial support will ensure a "lasting legacy" with ripple effects for years.

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Duluth News Tribune

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Senate committee considers lending ‘helping paws’ in honor of Hortmans’ dog

ST. PAUL — The fatal shootings of Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, shocked both the state and the nation. A second wave of grief hit Helping Paws Executive Director Alyssa Golob when she picked up the phone in the days following June 14, 2025, to find out that the Hortmans’ beloved golden retriever, Gilbert, did not survive the attack. “It didn’t make sense then, and it certainly doesn’t make sense now,” Golob said of the s…

11 hours ago·Cherokee County, United States

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