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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

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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