Send us a text

Join me on a fun and fascinating episode of the Mazel Pups podcast as I interview the talented Laurie Staller, a passionate dog lover and gifted painter. Our conversation kicks off with the story of how we met on a trip to Morocco, where we bonded over our love for our Jewish heritage and stray dogs. Laurie shares delightful anecdotes about her pit bull, Button, and her journey as an artist of hyperreal portraits. We also explore her vibrant connection to Jewish traditions, as she reminisces about family Passover seders. And you can find out which yummy Passover treat (my favorite!) she's reproduced in a painting.

Listen in as Laurie opens up about her artistic evolution, from a hobbyist attending art classes to hosting her own exhibition at the Jewish Community Center. And learn how she went from a focus on painting objects like sneakers and jean jackets to including dogs in her repertoire. Laurie also offers valuable insights for aspiring artists.

I guarantee that you'll enjoy hearing about Laurie's creative process and her personal stories. Her enthusiasm for painting and the cultural connections to her Jewish identity resonate deeply, and after listening you'll surely be eager to see her artwork. Good news is that you can check out Laurie's work on her website lauriestaller.com and on Instagram @laurie_staller_artist.

Don't miss the chance to stay connected with us—subscribe, leave a five-star rating, and follow Mazel Peps on social media for more engaging conversations and content.



Keywords

Jewish heritage, Laurie Stoller, artist, dog lover, Morocco, Passover, painting, hyper-realistic, portraits, pets, Jewish Community Center, everyday objects, pandemic, animals, mastiff, aspiring artists, unique styles, inspiration, unexpected places, art, culture, connection

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at www.PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Send us a text

Join me for a second episode exploring the world of service dogs with Kevin Osborn, a former US Military Sergeant and now a Senior Veterans Service Representative for the Department of Veterans Affairs. In this episode you’ll discover the critical role that service animals play beyond the realm of regular pets, especially when wearing their service vests. Kevin opens up about his personal stories from public interactions, offering valuable insights into the unique bond between service dogs and their handlers, while highlighting the essential etiquette for engaging with them in various social settings.

Traveling with a service dog presents a whole new set of challenges and considerations, which Kevin and his dog Eddie navigate with grace and humor. Whether they're visiting a synagogue, traveling to Iowa, or contemplating a cruise, Kevin shares the complexities and joys of including a service dog in travel plans. From navigating legal rights under the ADA to addressing common misunderstandings like hotel fees for service animals, Kevin's experiences shed light on the broader implications and importance of understanding the rights of service animals.

Kevin passionately addresses the often-misunderstood distinctions between service animals and emotional support animals. Through engaging anecdotes, we unravel the legal and practical differences that can lead to common misconceptions.

Kevin's stories and insights provide listeners with an understanding and appreciation for the profound impact that service animals have on the lives of their handlers.

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Send us a text

Join us for the first of two inspiring and heartfelt episodes with Kevin Osborn, who shares his remarkable journey from small-town Iowa to his service in the Iowa Army National Guard. Listen in as Kevin introduces his five-year-old PTSD service dog, Eddie and shares the joy and support that Eddie brings to his life. Kevin also talks about his family’s rescue dog, Maggie.

Kevin tells about the unique bond he formed with stray dogs during his deployments, focusing on his experiences in Kosovo. Kevin recounts how soldiers at checkpoints found companionship and an early warning system in local dogs. Kevin also shares the emotional and challenging journey of returning home from deployment and the comforting role pets play in reintegrating into everyday life. He shares how his service dog, Eddie, has greatly improved his quality of life.

Lastly, the conversation shifts to the financial challenges and support structures involved in obtaining service dogs for veterans. Kevin discusses the significant costs associated with training these essential animals and highlights the disparities in government support. This episode underscores the critical impact service dogs have on veterans' mental well-being and the importance of access to these life-changing resources.

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at www.PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Send us a text

Have you ever been to a Bark Mitzvah, or even heard of the concept before? Whether you’re thinking of having a Bark Mitzvah for your own dog, you’ve never heard of a Bark Mitzvah but want to learn more, or you just want to smile and have a good time listening to a great conversation…you don’t want to miss this episode of the Mazel Pups Podcast.

Join me for a delightful discussion with Melissa Goldman – who’s joined by her beloved dog, Lucy. We begin with Melissa sharing about her relationship to Judaism and her meaningful connection to Israel.

Then Melissa talks about how she got Lucy 15-years ago and about their relationship. After that Melissa takes us on a whimsical journey of planning the Bark Mitzvah to celebrate Lucy’s 13th birthday. Melissa's narrative is filled with humor and heartfelt moments while at the same time offering practical advice and inspiration for anyone considering a similar celebration. Melissa did an amazing job of skillfully balancing traditional elements with fun activities, making the Bark Mitzvah a memorable event for both dogs and humans alike.

Melissa shares the intricacies of hosting such a unique event that both honored and respected Jewish tradition. This included playful yet meaningful touches like Lucy's attire, consisting of a kippah and “tallit” - not a real one with tsitsit/fringes, but an adorable dog-appropriate creation handmade by Melissa’s mom – Lucy’s Bubbe – Linda. There was also a mix of human and canine-friendly food, as well as adorable take home gifts that Linda made for each of the dogs.

Melissa's love for Lucy is incredibly touching. Don’t miss this heartwarming and engaging episode!

You can follow Melissa on Instagram @itsmel_g

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Send us a text

Join me for an enlightening conversation with Jeremy Cohen, Esq. from Boston Dog Lawyers in which we explore the fascinating world of pet law. Jeremy takes us through his intriguing journey from aspiring high school basketball coach to a renowned pet lawyer. We discuss his early experiences with Jesse, a German Shepherd, and how this bond steered him towards a career in pet law.

Listen in as we explore the evolution of this niche legal field. We cover a range of topics, including cases involving dangerous dogs, pet custody disputes, wrongful pet injury cases, and the legal intricacies of emotional support animals.

From the battle over a rescued squirrel to cases involving snakes surviving fires to the practical and emotional aspects of pet custody cases, we uncover the unique aspects of pet law. Throughout, Jeremy shares anecdotes about how his pets have enriched both his personal and professional life.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about pets or the law. And if you're interested in about both pets AND the law - you absolutely cannot miss this.

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Send us a text

Join us for a heartwarming episode of the Mazel Pups Podcast as we welcome Heidi Silverstone and her adorable Instagram-famous Coton de Tulear, Shayna Maydele. Shayna Maydele (who is the January “calendar girl” for Mazel Pups and PrintArtKids’ Positively Jewish 2025 Calendar) has a fluffy coat and calm demeanor that make her the perfect ambassador for blending Jewish traditions with delightful doggy snapshots.
Discover the charming tale of how Shayna Maydele came into Heidi's family and how she got the name Shayna Maydele (“beautiful girl” in Yiddish). And learn how Heidi’s using Instagram as a simple way to share pictures of her new puppy with friends and family turned into a vibrant community celebrating Jewish customs and the whimsical life of Shayna Maydele. Hear about the amusing encounters that happen on the streets of New York City resulting from Shayna Maydele's fame.
Heidi also offers practical advice on taking pictures of dogs for social media, managing a popular Instagram account and the joys of engaging with the online community.
Don't miss the moving reflections and humorous anecdotes that make this episode a delightful listen for dog lovers and those interested in Jewish culture alike.

You can follow Shayna Maydele on Instagram @shayna.maydele.the.coton

You can purchase the Pawsitively Jewish 2025 Calendar at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars

And Shayna Maydele is the only non-human in the “Humans of Judaism” book. The book is being released in October 2024. For information: https://humansofjudaism.com/book

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Send us a text

In this episode I sit down with Dr. Deborah Aronson, a trailblazing veterinarian specializing in palliative, hospice, and end-of-life care for small animals. We begin with the Mazel Pups “Four Questions,” which give us insight into Dr. Aronson’s love for her rescue dogs, Rascal and Nava. She then shares about her deep connection to Judaism and how it shapes her sense of community and identity.

Next we delve into Dr. Aronson’s decision to become a veterinary acupuncturist and hear about her experience providing acupuncture to pets. And we then explore what it means to provide truly compassionate care for pets nearing the end of their lives. Dr. Aronson shares the journey that led her to this unique field, including her certification in veterinary medical acupuncture and her experience with Clinical Pastoral Education.

This episode sheds light on the delicate balance of empathy and emotional boundaries that veterinarians must maintain. Dr. Aronson shares that after years of being neglected, the critical skills necessary to guide families through their pets’ end of life care are – thanks to her and others – now being taught to veterinary students so that they will be more prepared for the emotional challenges both they and their clients face when a decision needs to be about whether or not to euthanize a pet, or when a per is being euthanized. Dr. Aronson emphasizes the importance of withholding judgment and understanding each family's unique situation. We also explore various aftercare options, from cremation to creative memorial products.

We also explore the evolving perception of pets as family members and the ethical quandaries that arise when pet owners can't afford costly treatments.

The conversation also covers the importance of self-care for veterinarians to fend off emotional burnout and moral distress. Dr. Aronson notes that suicides are high for veterinarians and describes her personal involvement in working to help her peers avoid suicide. She highlights organizations like Not One More Vet (NAMV) that support veterinarians' mental health.

Whether you're a pet lover or considering a career in veterinary medicine, this episode offers invaluable insights into the compassionate world of veterinary end-of-life care.

Dr. Aronson makes house calls in the Main Line, PA area for acupuncture, palliative care, and end of life care for all pets. She also does telehealth consultations. Her website is https://mainlinevip.weebly.com/

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn

Send us a text

In this episode we speak with Shiri Homler, from the touching new Instagram initiative Bark Them Home. Shiri shares how shaken up she was by the events of October 7, 2023 in Israel and how – though she lives in Connecticut – she wanted to do something to help Israel. Ultimately, Shiri joined Barry and Cindy, who both live in Canada, in creating Bark Them Home.

Bark Them Home uses Instagram to make people aware of and educate them about Oketz, the canine unit of the IDF. Shiri shares the moving history of the Oketz Unit and the indispensable role the soldiers and dogs in this elite canine unit play in recovery and security efforts. Shiri talks about, among other things, Oketz’s urgent needs for supplies, as well as the dignified and moving ways that fallen dogs from the Oketz Unit are honored, underscoring the critical contributions of these canine heroes and their handlers.

We also talk about Bark Them Home’s sharing about hostages who have dogs, exploring themes of grief, healing, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and their dogs. Shiri emphasizes the importance of balancing heart-wrenching stories with moments of joy, highlighting the cathartic power of these narratives.

Shiri concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to follow Bark Them Home on Instagram and to share their posts, and to support the Oketz Unit by donating to help procure new dogs and essential supplies.

You can follow Bark Them Home on Instagram at @barkthemhome

You can read about the Oketz Unit at https://www.idf.il/en/mini-sites/our-corps-units-brigades/oketz-unit/oketz-unit/

I hope you enjoy listening to the Mazel Pups podcast as much as I enjoy making it. If you have an idea for a future episode or want to be in touch, email me at mazelpups@gmail.com.

If you want more of Mazel Pups, you can:
* Follow on Instagram @mazelpups
* Follow the Mazel Pups Facebook Page
* Join the Mazel Pups Facebook Group
* Check out the Mazel Pups Store with fun Jewish dog-themed items for dogs & humans (mazelpups.com.shop)

And the PAWSITIVELY JEWISH 2025 CALENDAR, which features super-cute dogs dressed up for & celebrating Jewish holidays, and includes Jewish & Israeli holidays, dog holidays & national US & Canadian holidays, is now for sale at PrintArtKids.com/Calendars. A portion of the proceeds from the calendar will go to the Israel Guide Dog Center. Check out this awesome calendar and get one for yourself - and they make great gifts for friends and family, while helping to support an awesome cause.

Finally, I'd love it if you'd subscribe to the podcast and let us know if you enjoyed it by giving it five stars.

Thanks for listening!
Rabbi Robyn