Fair Lawn Library's Therapy Dog Passes Away

FAIR LAWN, NJ – One of the most familiar faces at the Maurice M. Pine Public Library has passed away.

Jersey Girl, a certified trained therapy dog, was a regular for 9 years at the library, where she helped children learn how to read.

During the Bullmastiff's bi-monthly visits, children would take turns reading to her for 10-minute sessions, an exercise that helps kids build confidence as readers in a setting free from judgement.

Over the years, Jersey Girl has helped hundreds of kids improve reading skills or become more comfortable around dogs, according to library staffer Alexandria Mendez.

On Tuesday, Mendez, who runs the library's therapy dog program, said they learned of Jersey Girl's passing from her owners, a Saddle Brook couple. Jersey Girl, 11, died in her sleep last Friday, according to Mendez.

She was scheduled to visit the library Friday, so the staff has spent the past few days notifying the families who signed up for this week’s session, Mendez said.

“It’s never an easy thing to do,” she said. “She is going to be missed. A lot of people were shocked and devastated,” she said. “Many of the kids grew very close with her because they come regularly to the program.”

"We're also still processing it," Mendez said of the staff. "We've grown close with her, too."

Besides Fair Lawn Library, Jersey Girl also dropped in to local nursing homes, senior centers and hospitals to raise people’s spirits.

Through Oct. 18, the library has a card available in the children’s department for families to send their condolences to Jersey Girl’s owners. Children also welcome to drop off their own cards, which Mendez said the library forward along to the couple.