Meet Jeff and Mozy, Dover's unofficial ambassadors

DOVER — Jeff Berstein and Mozy, Dover's unofficial ambassadors, are not on anyone's payroll, yet they are a common sight and well-known around the city.

Bernstein, with support from Mozy, a 10-year-old Jack Russell terrier, have made it their mission to promote Dover and its local businesses. Bernstein's Mozy & Me Facebook posts and videos are well known.

"I have lived here for 36 years," said Bernstein, 76. "Mozy's dad lived to be 20, so he has good genes. My mission now is to live as long as he does and to keep making people smile. If you have a dog that makes you smile every day of your life, that's incredible. I can share Mozy."

Jeff and Mozy have an unofficial mission to help promote local businesses and events. He has created T-shirts and stickers, too.

Bernstein said all profits from sales of his merchandise is donated to nonprofit organizations such as the humane society or Brendan Madden, who works to aid service dogs.

"I want everyone to know what a great place this city is and have them love it as much as I do," said Bernstein

Bernstein said he started his campaign simply as a fun Facebook post to make people happy in 2020, but when he realized COVID-19 was taking a toll on retail and restaurant businesses, he decided to start using his voice, hoping to help save them in Dover.

"I decided to visit as many businesses as I can, me and Mozy, and to write about them. Now people ask me to come," he said.

Dover Mayor Bob Carrier last week presented Bernstein and Mozy with a proclamation, honoring his dedication to promoting the city during a City Council meeting.

"I was tricked into going," Bernstein said. "A friend asked me to come to support a presentation she would be giving. Of course, I went. I got a little suspicious when I saw a person wearing one of my T-shirts."

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"He is a great ambassador for the city, for the community," Chris Parker, Dover's deputy city manager said, praising Bernstein. "He loves to talk about our businesses and also our special events. I love to see his spirit. He is a great guy."

"I have done over 100 videos, and the result has been gratifying," Bernstein said. "Businesspeople ask me what it costs to do a visit with us, and the cost is zero. I just want to do it. People who have left Dover to retire to Florida or Arizona tell me it's a great way for them to keep in touch with the city. Many of them miss it here."

Berstein said he visits city officials each week, so he can learn about new businesses or about ones who might benefit from him and Mozy visiting.

"I say hello to everyone," he said. "I talk to the homeless people in the city, so they know someone cares. For three years, I said hello to one such man, and he never responded. Finally, he started to acknowledge me, maybe with a cursory glance. We finally talked one day after he thought I had been in Henry Law Park throwing a ball for Mozy. It wasn't me, but that conversation was enough to open the door. People drive by and beep and call out to me. We love that."