From The Editor: The Power of Pets in a Time of Tragedy

To open Lavender’s Pride in Pets issue, I’d like to dedicate this column to one particular pet, Gilbert, and his owners: Minnesota Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark Hortman.

As I’m sure most of you are aware, Melissa and Mark Hortman were killed inside their home by a gunman on June 14. Their dog, Gilbert, was shot during the attack, badly injured and later euthanized, as reported in multiple local news outlets.

The attack on the Hortmans and Minnesota Sen. John Hoffman and his wife, Yvette Hoffman, was a horrific and indefensible act. I offer my sincere condolences and well-wishes to the family and friends of the Hortmans and Hoffmans and everyone who was affected.

Of all the wonderful work the Hortmans did during their lives, their love for dogs provided a focus for the outpouring of support in the wake of the tragedy.

The social media account We Rate Dogs highlighted the Hortmans’ volunteer work with Helping Paws, Inc., a nonprofit that trains service dogs and places them with people with physical disabilities. Helping Paws has received thousands of individual donations since We Rate Dogs’ social media posts went live.

The Hortmans left behind a massive legacy, and their work with Helping Paws is just one part of it. The attention it has drawn reflects the importance pets can have in our lives, especially in our most vulnerable moments. After an incredibly horrific event where it can be difficult to see any positives, service animals and the Hortmans’ love for them still provides a much-needed source of hope and positivity.

As their love for service dogs was only part of the Hortmans’ lives, providing comfort in times of tragedy is only one of many ways pets can benefit our lives. However, in this moment of mourning, their intersection has made an incredible impact.