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PAGE 2 ASSOCIATED NEWSPAPERS OF MICHIGAN September 8, 2022

PLYMOUTH - WAYNE
PLYMOUTH - WAYNE

Death of Plymouth

celebrity mourned

Stella, a Bernese Mountain Dog who ored, he said, when the two of them
became one of the iconic figures in threw out the first pitch at the Miracle
Plymouth, died Sept. 1, according to her League opening day game in 2018.
owner and best friend Bob Ostendorf. The large, friendly dog accompanied
Stella, who was immensely popular, Ostendorf to “her restaurant” and greet-
was the mascot and namesake of Stella's ed thousands of guests during the past
Black Dog Tavern and was the subject of years, much to the delight of both young
a children's book. She and Ostendorf and older guests. When Stella was unable
were a familiar sight walking throughout to come to the restaurant due to health
the community. Stella was 12, exceeding issues, almost everyone asked after her,
the usual life span of her breed, her Ostendorf said.
owner said, and died of cancer. Stella spent the last few weeks doing
Stella and Ostendorf were well known her favorite things, taking truck rides, Bernese Mountain
for their altruistic efforts in the commu- eating ice cream and liverwurst (yes, Dog Stella was a
nity. They raised tens of thousands of dol- sometimes together), devouring rare celebrity through-
lars during Stella's birthday parties for filets and steaks, watching old movies, out Plymouth,
Humane Society of Huron Valley. With and hanging out at the lake. Most impor- earning funds for
Dogtopia, Stella raised enough money to tantly, she was almost constantly with several charities
buy and train a service dog for a veteran. Ostendorf, her very favorite person in the and and the sub-
She greeted children with Santa in the world. ject of a popular
fire engine as he arrived for the holiday Ostendorf expressed his gratitude to book. A registered
service dog, she
in downtown Plymouth and Stella, a reg- all those who cared for Stella and the spent hours at the
istered service dog, spent countless hours entire team at “her” restaurant. Veterans’ Hospital
at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor comfort- “Thank you to everyone who has made in Ann Arbor visit-
ing the many veterans who met her. her feel so special over the years. She ing patients.
Stella and Ostendorf visited local was an extraordinary soul. God was a
schools and had her books read to groups genius when he created dogs,” Ostendorf
of children. She and Ostendorf were hon- said.

Church break in

Wayne police continue to seek the man
who broke into St. Mary School in the
early morning of Wednesday, Sept. 1.
Video surveillance cameras recorded the
incident at about 2 a.m. according to a
church spokesman. The man gained
entry into the school after throwing a
brick through one of the doors facing
Michigan Avenue, shattering the glass.
Church officials are asking the public for
help in identifying the man whom, they
said, was in the building for only about
two minutes. Anyone with information
regarding the incident or who recognizes
the man is asked to contact the Wayne
Police Department at (734) 721-1414.