Mazda Stories explores the heartwarming connection between Mazda owners and their loyal dogs
Dogs and Mazda vehicles have more in common than you may realise. The benefits felt by owning a four-legged friend are myriad, including lowering blood pressure, reducing depression, and improving fitness by encouraging regular outdoor activity. This, and boosting the ‘happy hormones’ serotonin and dopamine, make it “a mutually beneficial relationship for both species,” explains Donna Arnett, PhD, and provost of the University of South Carolina.
These benefits echo Mazda’s own mission to improve the wellness of every driver getting behind the wheel. Through the entire driving experience, every detail is carefully enhanced and curated to elevate an ordinary drive into an extraordinary moment that stirs both mind and body. And, as Mazda Stories explores below, a combination of the two can lead to even greater things.
“He always reminds me to live in the moment.”
Kaz Paul, The Netherlands
Getting Out There
“We like to inspire everyone to go and enjoy the great outdoors,” explains Kaz Paul, co-owner of Dutch outdoor magazines The Outdoors, The Hike, and The Bike. “We inspire readers to explore nature… it’s all about passion and community. The joy of discovering hidden trails, testing gear, and exchanging stories motivates us to bring people together.”
A key member of Kaz’s team is 10-year-old Edi—a rescue dog from a shelter in Spain. “He’s a mix between a German Shepherd and a Labrador. He’s energetic, curious, very fit, and the best companion for outdoor adventures,” says Kaz. “He’s a motivator to get outside, even on rainy days, and he always reminds me to live in the moment.”
For Kaz and his wife, Mechteld, taking Edi out in their Mazda CX-60 “brings an incredible sense of grounding and joy, especially during stressful times,” Kaz shares. “Outdoor activities provide an escape and a connection with nature that I love to share.”
Their passion for Mazda, Kaz reminisces, “started with my granddad’s 1984 Mazda 323 and his classic 323, which I absolutely loved,” and has since seen the trio take the CX-60 on a range of adventures. “The 230V outlet in the trunk is a game-changer for road trips. It’s perfect for charging devices or even small appliances, like a SUP,” he says. “I also had a roof-top tent on top of it.” As for Edi, “We’ve explored diverse landscapes together—from hiking trails in the Alps to beach walks in The Netherlands,” says Paul. “Edi loves every moment, and it’s amazing to see new places through his enthusiasm.”
“Owning dogs keeps me active, happy, and motivated to build a career around a purpose.”
Taylor Starcher, USA
Creating for Communities
Managing a YouTube community of 630,000 subscribers—and counting—can be a creative challenge for anyone, but doing so while making content centred around four dogs? Doubly so. Thankfully, in Texas USA, it’s Taylor Starcher who is taking it in her stride, publishing videos to her loyal subscriber base “about my life as a photographer and as a dog mom,” she explains, and publishing “educational information including natural dog products and maintaining a multi-dog household.”
Taylor’s pack is comprised of Teddy, Max, Callie and Maya, each rescued from a local shelter and now thriving with Taylor in Texas. “Owning dogs has kept me busy, to say the least, but it keeps me active, happy, and motivated to build a career around a purpose,” says Taylor, who also uses pet ownership as a way of upskilling and creating new experiences. “I love learning new skills every day, like installing turf to help with muddy dog paws, dog training or new ways to capture fun content.”
As for her six-figure audience, they’re “a huge community of likeminded people [who offer] an overwhelming amount of support,” says Taylor. And, when not making watchable content for this subscriber base, Taylor’s enjoys getting behind the wheel of her new Mazda CX-90, which offers plenty of room for her dogs during long road trips.
When the Texan sun gets too hot, the CX-90’s three-zone climate control and air-conditioned seats help keep Teddy, Max, Callie, and Maya cool. “There’s enough space for all of them,” she says, “especially when I fold down the back seats and cover the space with blankets.”
“He always reminds me to live in the moment.”
Vanessa Wong, Australia
A World of Change
For Vanessa Wong, a transport engineer from New Zealand now living in Sydney, Australia, her eight-year-old German Shepherd, Shadow, made the transition between countries significantly easier. “Making the decision to move to Sydney from New Zealand was nothing short of life-changing,” Vanessa recalls, reflecting on the six-month journey that led to her relocation. “It meant selling everything—my house, belongings, and even my beloved one-year-old Mazda CX-5—to start fresh.”
“One of my key priorities was ensuring I had a reliable vehicle as soon as Shadow and I arrived in Sydney,” she continues. “Involving Shadow in as many aspects of my life as possible is essential. Experiencing new things, visiting new places, and meeting new people with him has enriched both of our lives,” she says. “I believe it’s a fundamental part of responsible dog ownership—treating your pet as an extension of yourself.”
Vanessa was determined to “continue driving the same model” as soon as she touched down in Australia. “The day after I landed in Sydney, I took a taxi to pick up my brand-new Mazda CX-5.” For Vanessa and Shadow, the CX-5 not only offered familiarity in a new place, but also a sense of safety. “Being a transport engineer, I’m always reminded of how important safety is on the road,” she explains. “So, if I can provide myself and Shadow with a safe car, it means I’ve done everything I can control.”
Vanessa also creates lifestyle content on YouTube and Instagram, sharing her experiences with Shadow in Sydney with her loyal audience. “For me, it’s about staying authentic and sharing the highs and lows of life with Shadow. Whether it’s capturing his goofy antics, our daily routines, or moments of training and bonding, I love giving people an honest look at what it’s like to own a German Shepherd,” she says. “Viewers often share how Shadow’s personality brightens their day.”
So, what’s next for the duo? “I’m currently planning a road trip with Shadow in our Mazda,” says Vanessa. “Travelling with him is always an adventure, and I’m excited to hit the road and create more memories with him while exploring New South Wales.”
For many Mazda owners like Kaz, Taylor and Vanessa, their pets aren’t just companions—they’re integral to their daily lives and adventures. Whether it’s a road trip or simply a hop across town, the bond between dog and driver enhances the joy of every journey. Just as Mazda aims to enrich the driving experience, so too do dogs enrich the lives of their owners, one wag at a time.
