Submitted by Urszula Klinder
One sunny Labor Day afternoon, Scott Klinder ventured to the Old Bridge Animal Shelter and was disappointed to find that the dog he had chosen had already been selected by someone else. He hadn’t planned to look for a different one when a friend’s daughter, Abigail pointed to the sad-looking, thin, hairy dog and commented, “Look at this one, Uncle Scott.” That’s all it took and an hour later, they were driving home with a brand new dog.
His name was Bjorn and Scott expected from him what we all do from dogs: love, friendship, and loyalty. What he did not expect, however was that he was bringing home the World’s Greatest Dog who would stand by his side for over ten years. Bjorn accompanied Scott in his campaign for the City Council and paraded with him during the Little League Parade when Scott became Mayor. One year, he pressed the button to light up the Christmas tree by the Borough Hall. However, his favorite and most important duty was to entertain the children of Kenilworth.
Bjorn became the official Library Mascot and a huge part of the yearly Library Fest, where he patiently sat through petting, cuddling, and numerous photos, loving every minute of it. When off duty, he could also be found there, picking a book or two.
Sadly, Bjorn will not be joining the Library Fest this year as he moved to a Doggy Paradise on March 1st, surrounded by his favorite children: Annabelle, Dylan and Ally and his beloved master, Scott. He left his mark on this town and in my children’s hearts, always remembered as the kindest, smartest, and most loving friend, simply: The World’s Greatest Dog. How can one move on when a friend goes away
How could one get up and greet a new day
Without pain in the heart that’s heavy as a rock
How can one go on and smile or talk
How to fill the emptiness and how to feel whole
When the loved one is gone with part of your soul
Why the world can’t stop for one last breath of goodbye
Last breeze through the hair, last look at the sky
Who can answer questions of deepest unknown
And choose to turn your pain to diamond, not stone
With hope that someday we’ll be close again
And the time we have shared did not go in vain
Like wind that flies through skies,
you were not mine to own
And with a broken heart, I have to let you go
So run through clouds and dreams, you are forever free
Maybe when it’s my turn, you’ll stop and wait for me
(above) Bjorn greets the Library staff.
(above) Bjorn and his master Scott Klinder.
