Thousands of people lined up at the Minnesota Capitol to pay tribute to slain lawmaker Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, who lay in state there Friday, ahead of Saturday’s funeral. Between Hortman’s casket and that of her husband was an urn containing the ashes of the family’s golden retriever, Gilbert.

Gilbert, a former service dog-in-training, was with Minnesota House Speaker Hortman and her husband at home earlier this month in a Minneapolis suburb when the couple were fatally shot in a case that made national headlines and has left young lawmakers questioning whether politics is too dangerous as a career.

Gilbert also received multiple gunshot wounds, and despite attempts to save him, was later euthanized.

Vance Boelter, 57, from Green Isle, Minnesota, is facing state and federal murder charges for the June 14 killing. He is also accused of shooting Sen. John Hoffman (D) and his wife, who were seriously wounded in what state and federal prosecutors allege was a broader plot to assassinate politicians.

On Saturday, a private funeral will take place with Gov. Tim Walz (D) and former vice president Kamala Harris expected to attend, with Walz delivering a eulogy.

Hortman was the first woman and one of fewer than 20 Minnesotans to lie in state at the Minnesota State Capitol. Mark Hortman, meanwhile, was the first Minnesotan to lie in state who was not a public official or a military figure, while it also appeared to be the first time a dog received such an honor, according to a list from Minnesota’s Historical Society.

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The Hortmans had volunteered with Helping Paws as foster home trainers, helping to raise and train service dogs, the nonprofit said in a statement after the couple’s deaths. The family had trained another dog, who now works with a veteran, but Gilbert had been too friendly to complete his training. He “eventually career changed and became a cherished member of their family,” the group added.

“She loved Gilbert so much. The day Gilbert didn’t graduate doggy school was one of her happiest [days], because that meant Gilbert could stay with her. Gilbert was truly the best dog ever,” fellow Minnesota Rep. Kaohly Vang Her (D) wrote.

Minnesota Capitol said in a statement on social media on Friday: “We are incredibly touched by the amount of people who are visiting the Capitol today to pay their respects to Melissa, Mark, and their Golden Retriever Gilbert.”

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Melissa and Mark Hortman’s caskets were covered with large flower arrangements and placed beside their portraits, while Gilbert’s ashes were on a pedestal between them, in a golden urn encircled with paw prints.

As mourners came to pay their respects to the Hortmans, some also left tributes to Gilbert, including a box of dog biscuits with a note reading: “For the best boy, Gilbert.” Another note read: “Well done, faithful servant.”

Alyssa Golob, executive director at Helping Paws, said in a phone interview Saturday that she offered the Hortmans’ children, Sophie and Colin Hortman, an “honor guard” of dogs at the funeral, which is something the group offers to members of the community. She said around 20 dogs took up a sentry position for 30 minutes each on Friday, with one patted by former president Joe Biden as he paid his respects.

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“For me and my staff, it’s been very, very difficult. People in our community just knew them on different levels. I think everyone is still in shock,” she said. “I think everyone is going through the motions.”

Allied Emergency Veterinary Service, which treated Gilbert in the wake of the shooting, said they had worked with several experts “to fully understand the extent of Gilbert’s injuries and explore every possible outcome” and ensured he “received the very best of our knowledge, care, and compassion” before euthanizing him. The group has launched a fundraising drive for police and service dogs in need of emergency care in Gilbert’s memory.

Sophie and Colin Hortman previously released a statement saying they were “devastated and heartbroken” at the death of their parents. Those who wanted to honor the memory of their parents could consider doing things including planting a tree, baking food to share with a friend, standing up for justice and peace, or petting a dog, their statement said.