13-Year-Old Pug Celebrated With a Bark Mitzvah That Melted Hearts Everywhere
When Frankie the Pug turned 13, his moms, Nicolette Mason and Nina Kossoff, knew they had to do something special. So they threw her a “Bark Mitzvah,” a joyful, treat-filled celebration of their little guy’s big milestone. The love-filled party, complete with wagging tails and bagels, quickly went viral after Nicolette shared it on TikTok, with over 360K views and more than 88,000 likes. (Watch Video Below)
@nicolettemason It’s a perfect day for my perfect pug’s bark mitzvah 🤍🥹 13 years of Frankie!!! #barkmitzvah #pug ♬ Perfect Day – Hoku
How Frankie’s “Bark Mitzvah” Came to Life
In an interview with People, Nicolette shared how the grand birthday party for Frankie came to be. They picked a date close to Frankie’s birthday, September 1, 2025, and invited friends to a backyard brunch celebration.
Nicolette and Nina even planned a loose “program,” complete with a dog-themed interpretation of the week’s Torah portion. To tie it all together, they chose a theme inspired by New York’s iconic Jewish delis: Frankie’s Delicatessen & Appetizing, paying tribute to local favorites like Russ & Daughters.
A deli-style logo and an adorable portrait of Frankie, designed by Nicolette, adorned the decorations and party favors. Meanwhile, the guests enjoyed fresh bagels, schmear, pastries, and fruit, all while celebrating the little pug of honor.
Their friend Joanna led a short ceremony with Frankie front and center, ending in a joyful hora dance. In the words of Nicolette, “It ended up being the perfect balance of heartfelt cultural nods and lighthearted fun, and equal parts reverence and ridiculousness.”
A Celebration Fit for a Pug Queen
Frankie’s big day didn’t end there. She was lifted in her chair like the true queen she is, surrounded by laughter, cheers, and shouts of “mazel tov” that echoed through the backyard. The love and joy were infectious, and it was clear that Frankie adored every moment of being the star of the show.
Nicolette and Nina had been talking with their friends about how important it is to create little moments of joy, so they decided to lean all the way in. From the “Frankie’s Delicatessen & Appetizing” theme to the custom gift bags filled with pug-themed merch and black-and-white cookies, every detail reflected their love and humor.
Why Not a Bark Mitzvah For Your Dog?
Frankie’s mom, Nicolette, encourages other dog owners like you to consider hosting their own “Bark Mitzvahs” or similar celebrations, because according to her, any gathering that brings joy and honors the pets we love is something everyone could use more of.
So, are you now convinced of throwing a Bark Mitzvah for your own furry friend? If yes, then here’s how you can do it:
- To start, pick a venue that fits your guest list. Backyards, dog-friendly parks, daycare centers, or pet-friendly hotels all work well. If outdoors, make sure there are plenty of poop bags for potty breaks.
- Decorations can include banners, bandanas, and even tiny Yarmulkes for the pups, and Etsy is a treasure trove for these.
- Invitations should go out to close friends, family, and other beloved pets.
- Food is a highlight for both humans and dogs: dog-friendly cakes and treats from bakeries like The Dog Bakery, and snacks for people.
- Activities like tug ropes, frisbees, and games for human guests keep everyone entertained.
- A small ceremony or blessing, followed by brunch and dessert, rounds out the celebration.
- Most importantly, capture photos and savor the memories — it’s a day your dog will never forget!
