Frankie the pug just turned 13. That’s not just “senior dog” territory—it’s a milestone.
But when his owners – Nicolette Mason and Nina Kossoff – decided to celebrate in style, it wasn’t going to be a simple candle and cake. Nope. They gave Frankie a full-blown Bark Mitzvah.
On September 1, 2025, in their Brooklyn backyard, Frankie’s milestone birthday became an event: decorations, bagels, custom tee shirts, and yes—a dog-friendly Torah “reading.”
They picked a theme called Frankie’s Delicatessen & Appetizing, complete with New York-style décor, a hand-drawn portrait of Frankie, and a dessert table worthy of Jewish deli glory.
Why a Bark Mitzvah? Because in Jewish tradition, turning 13 isn’t just celebrating age—it’s about entering a new chapter.
For pets who are family, the Mason-Kossoff team felt the moment deserved something special.
They chose to blend heart, humor, and heritage into the celebration.
Frankie’s day had all the trimmings. Friends gathered. Fresh bagels, pastries, fruit. They wrote a dog-friendly interpretation of the Torah portion of the week.
They staged the ceremony. Then came the clincher: the Hora. Frankie was lifted into a chair by his friends and friends of friends—wagging tail, delighted snorts, center of the party.
The cheers echoed, the “Mazel Tov!”s rang out.
The moment caught on social media. Videos of Frankie’s big day racked up views—hundreds of thousands—and people everywhere smiled.
They were sharing Frankie’s joy, his dignity, the fact that this dog was being honored. The couple uploaded posts too, and the internet filled with comments:
“Pure joy!” “I want one for my dog!” “This is exactly the kind of happiness we need.”
But the celebration wasn’t just for laughs.
Part of the fun included merch—tees, branded favors—and the proceeds went to mimic meaning: donations to Pug Rescue of Korea and Muddy Paws Rescue in NYC.
Frankie’s day wasn’t just about cake and parties—it became about giving back.
Mason says the party was a way of saying: “Our pets matter. They share our joys, our stories, our homes.”
Whether it’s a birthday, a senior-dog milestone, or just the everyday moments we take for granted, pets are part of the narrative.
“Any gathering that brings joy and celebrates culture, tradition, or just the things (and pets!) we love,” she says, “is something we all need more of.”
So if you’re reading this and wondering if you should throw a big party for your dog… the answer is yes. Because it doesn’t have to be expensive.
It doesn’t have to be perfect. It needs to be heartfelt. Good people + good food + good times. That’s the “Frankie formula.”
Frankie’s story is a reminder: our pets age. They carry our memories. They deserve moments of honor.
Whether they’ve just joined the family or are in the home-stretch of seniorhood, each year counts.
Frankie’s Bark Mitzvah didn’t rewrite tradition—it added to it. It said: “You’ve lived. You’ve loved. We see you.”
For Mason and Kossoff, the day was simple. It was emotional. It was a little ridiculous. It was everything. It reminded friends and strangers alike that joy is worth creating.
That love is worth celebrating. That your dog’s 13th birthday isn’t just another day—it’s a chapter worth writing.
And as Frankie soaked up the spotlight, lifted high during the Hora, tail wagging like a metronome of happiness, anyone watching knew: yes, this is what family looks like.
