Critter Tails

LIFETIME FRIENDS—Hanna and Max prepare for their “bark mitzvah,” a ceremony their families hosted when the pair turned 13. The two cocker spaniels were neighbors who came to know true puppy love together. Suzanne Levenson Goldstein told us about two cocker spaniels, Hanna Fern Levenson (also known as Hannie or Hanna Banana) and Max Sternbach, who lived to 14 and 15, respectively. The dogs were born six weeks apart and lived across the street from each other. Hanna would often run across the street and wait at Max’s front door, play with him in his backyard and eat his food.

Hanna and Max’s “moms” both worked at Bay Laurel Elementary School and their students decided to host a “wedding” for the two dogs. They got married in the school courtyard with a student serving as the Justice of the Peace. The dogs walked down an aisle of red butcher paper to the top of the stairs to a bowl of dog food. Hanna was adorned in a veil and garter and Max wore a bow tie. Spaghetti and meatballs, homemade bone-shaped candy and a cake were served at the reception.

When the dogs turned 13, they had a “Bark Mitzvah” at de Anza park. Hanna’s “grandma” knitted religious garments for both dogs.

Goldstein said, “Both dogs. . . gave their owners and those around them lots of love. They both brought joy, smiles and happiness to many people.”