Death of Plymouth celebrity mourned

Bernese Mountain Dog Stella was a celebrity throughout
Plymouth,earning funds for several charities and and the
subject of a popular book. A registered service dog, she spent
hours at the Veterans’ Hospital in Ann Arbor visiting patients.

Stella, a Bernese Mountain Dog who became one of the iconic figures in Plymouth, died Sept. 1, according to her owner and best friend Bob Ostendorf.

Stella, who was immensely popular,  was the mascot and namesake of Stella's Black Dog Tavern and was the subject of a children's book. She and Ostendorf were a familiar sight walking throughout the community. Stella was 12, exceeding the usual life span of her breed, her owner said, and died of cancer.

Stella and Ostendorf were well known for their altruistic efforts in the community. They  raised tens of thousands of dollars during Stella's birthday parties for Humane Society of Huron Valley.

With Dogtopia, Stella raised enough money to buy and train a service dog for a veteran. She greeted children with Santa in the fire engine as he arrived for the holiday in downtown Plymouth and Stella, a registered service dog, spent countless hours at the VA Hospital in Ann Arbor comforting the many veterans who met her. 

Stella and Ostendorf visited local schools and had her books read to groups of children. She and Ostendorf were honored, he said, when the two of them threw out the first pitch at the Miracle League opening day game in 2018.

The large, friendly dog accompanied Ostendorf to “her restaurant” and greeted thousands of guests during the past years, much to the delight of both young and older guests. When Stella was unable to come to the restaurant due to health issues, almost everyone asked after her, Ostendorf said.

Stella spent the last few weeks doing her favorite things, taking truck rides, eating ice cream and liverwurst (yes, sometimes together), devouring rare filets and steaks, watching old movies, and hanging out at the lake. Most importantly, she was almost constantly with Ostendorf, her very favorite person in the world. 

Ostendorf expressed his gratitude to all those who cared for Stella and the entire team at “her” restaurant.

“Thank you to everyone who has made her feel so special over the years. She was an extraordinary soul. God was a genius when he created dogs,” Ostendorf said.