Bracelets for a Cause: Shine On Gilbert

A special limited-edition bracelet from our local jewelry partner Embrace Our Souls is now available in the Gift Department at select Kowalski's Markets. It honors Gilbert, the 4-year-old golden retriever who lost his life alongside Minnesota State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, in the tragic June 14 assassination at their Brooklyn Park home.

Gilbert began his journey as a service dog in training at Helping Paws, an Eden Prairie-based nonprofit that supports veterans, first responders and people with disabilities. Though ultimately too friendly and playful to serve as a working dog, he found his calling as the heartbeat of the Hortman family. As volunteers at Helping Paws, the Hortmans had fostered a service dog named Minnie – a black lab who now aids a veteran with PTSD – before adopting Gilbert as their family pet.

In memory of Gilbert and his service dog journey, Embrace Our Souls has created the Shine On Gilbert bracelet to commemorate the warmth, love and joy he so freely gave. With every wag, every nuzzle and every goofy grin, Gilbert reminded us that presence is its own kind of healing.

Now through July 31, 50% of all sales of the Shine On Gilbert bracelet, along with two styles of Rest in Power bracelets, will be donated to Helping Paws, supporting their work in placing service dogs with Minnesotans who need them most.

You can find these meaningful bracelets in the Gift Department at Kowalski's Eden Prairie, Excelsior, Edina, Shoreview and Woodbury Markets while supplies last.