Local (not social media or tabloids)
‘Kind and generous’: Minnesotans remember Mark Hortman, family dog killed in lawmaker shootings
Brittney Ermon KSTP
Updated: 52 minutes ago
Published: June 16, 2025 - 8:37 PM
"An Eden Prairie non-profit,
Helping Paws, explained that serving others was also one of his passions through volunteering.
Eric Elsner, a Helping Paws recipient, was diagnosed with PTSD after serving our country.
“I felt probably about the lowest I ever felt in my life,” he said. “I was treated almost like a broken tool.”
In 2016, the non-profit matched him with a service dog named Minne.
“I take such good care of her, which helps me take good care of myself. It’s been just ever life-changing,” Elsner said.
But the other hero behind the hound was Mark.
“Mark was just such a kind, kind person,” Elsner said. “It’s just so hard. They gave so much and now they’re just not here.”
Mark’s daughter started Minne’s training. When she went off to college, Mark volunteered to finish the course. That bond he helped create saved a veteran’s life."
"Melissa trained a golden retriever that did not become a service dog, but became part of their family.
Gilbert, the family dog, was also killed in the home invasion."
More
Tributes are pouring in on social media calling Mark an avid pool player on a house league in Coon Rapids. Minnesotans who worked with him call him kind and generous.
kstp.com
Melissa and Mark Hortman's work lives on through trained service dogs
By Marielle Mohs
June 16, 2025 / 7:14 PM CDT / CBS Minnesota
"Melissa and Mark Hortman served their community in many ways, including training dogs to be service animals for people in need.
WCCO spoke with the volunteer group and a veteran who has benefited from their efforts.
Minnie, 11, is a special Labrador. She's the perfect companion for veteran Aric Elsner.
"She's just the greatest gift, and I've told many people, and I still say this, this dog saved my life," Elsner said."
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Melissa and Mark Hortman served their community in many ways, including training dogs to be service animals for people in need.
www.cbsnews.com
Remembering Melissa Hortman, Minnesota giant with humble beginning
By Corin Hoggard
Published June 16, 2025 7:05pm CDT
Melissa Hortman will always be remembered as a giant in Minnesota politics and she’ll live forever in the memories of thousands of people whose lives she touched.
www.fox9.com