By Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik
Lake County Commissioner John Plecnik and his best friend, Bimmer
Yesterday, Heaven got a four-legged angel, because God took Bimmer home.
Bimmer was born in 2012, named after my BMW motorcycle, and came to be known as the first dog of Lake County. In his 12 years of life, Bimmer gave so much love and joy to everyone he met. From playing Santa for the kids to marching in parades, from pet food distributions to surprising Governor DeWine with his cuteness on live TV, Bimmer was the plucky hero of so many adventures.
In the midst of COVID and lockdowns, my students at Cleveland State University loved seeing Bimmer hanging over my shoulder every class on Zoom. To my knowledge, Bimmer was the first dog in history to attend the Ohio State University Public Leadership Academy, because I refused to go without him, and they said OK, Bimmer starred in our John Wick parody, and we took down the “Fake News” together. Thousands looked forward to Bimmer’s Christmas and Hanukkah card every year. Just about everyone loved his Christmas radio ad too! And polka fans will always remember Bimmer’s name in “The Puppy Polka” which I wrote for Bimmer.
Anyone who met Bimmer realized the myth of vicious pit bulls is just a vicious lie. When I served as Councilman and voted to abolish BSL or breed specific legislation against pit bulls in Willoughby Hills, we rightly called it, Bimmer’s Law. Bimmer did not have a mean bone in his body, and he tried to slurp everyone just to prove it.
But more than anything, Bimmer was my best friend. From Councilman to Commissioner, Bimmer was my campaigner-in-chief, and I am not too proud to admit that I never would have won a single election without him. Those of you who really knew Bimmer and me, also know how hard the last decade has been. Politics today is an unholy bloodsport, and I honestly couldn’t have made it through without Bimmer.
Win, lose or draw, good day or bad, Bimmer was there with his smiling face. When I was overwhelmed or depressed, Bimmer was glued to my side. When I was glad, Bimmer jumped (literally) for joy! I don’t know how I will manage without him. But I thank God for giving me the best puppy and best friend anyone ever had. I never could have deserved a friend like Bimmer, but Bimmer didn’t think that way, he just loved me all the same.
I love you, Bimmer…rest in peace, my best friend.
Categories: Lake County - General, Uncategorized