Polly the long-haired dog holds a microphone with sparkly collar while wagging her tail and celebrating with balloons at the

Shelter Throws Epic Festival for Forgotten Dog

At a Glance

Polly the shelter dog relaxing on her bed with favorite toys and a calendar showing her long wait for adoption
  • A free party called Pollypalooza celebrates Polly, a seven-year-old cattle dog mix who has become the longest long-stay resident at Best Friends Pet Adoption Center in West LA.
  • The Jan. 17 bash runs 1-4 p.m. at 1845 Pontius Avenue and includes a DJ, craft station, vegan treats, wristbands, giveaways and raffles.
  • Organizers hope the event will spotlight overlooked shelter animals and finally send Polly home as the only pet in a devoted family.

Why it matters: One festive afternoon could turn months of waiting into a forever match for a dog who has watched hundreds of peers leave the building.

Every pup enjoys extra ear scratches, but that affection feels critical when a dog has spent month after month behind kennel glass. Polly, a gentle seven-year-old cattle dog mix, knows that reality firsthand; she currently holds the record for the longest stay at the Best Friends Pet Adoption Center on Pontius Avenue. To change her luck, staff are throwing Pollypalooza, a no-cost, music-festival-themed party on January 17 from 1 to 4 p.m.

A Party With a Purpose

Best Friends bills the gathering as “a fake music festival” and promises the trappings of a real one:

  • Colorful wristbands for every attendee
  • A DJ spinning dance-worthy tracks
  • A bracelet-making station themed to Polly
  • Vegan snacks baked by Sweet Coyote
  • Company-hosted giveaways and raffles

Admission is free and open to the public; well-behaved kids and adults alike are welcome. The guest of honor will work the crowd at her own pace. “Polly will be in attendance vibing and meeting everyone – she just asks for your patience while she warms up to this whole stardom thing,” staff said.

Polly’s Wish List

Behind the sparkle lies a simple goal: find one adopter willing to make Polly their solo dog. She prefers to soak up all the attention without canine competition and dreams of a home where daily walks, brain games and couch cuddles are part of the routine. Staff stress that she has waited longer than any current shelter resident, so the stakes feel high.

Key facts about Polly:

  • Breed: cattle dog mix
  • Age: seven years
  • Personality: affectionate, intelligent, initially reserved
  • Ideal home: adults or families with dog-savvy kids, no other pets

More Than One Dog Needs You

While Polly commands the spotlight, she is not alone. The center houses dozens of cats and dogs awaiting placement, and the team runs recurring “foster slumber parties” that let locals host an animal for a night or weekend. Social media updates announce the next sleep-over dates, giving hesitant adopters a low-pressure trial run.

How to Join the Fun

Visitors should mark January 17 on the calendar and arrive anytime between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. Parking surrounds the 1845 Pontius Avenue campus. No tickets or RSVP required; simply show up, grab a wristband and celebrate. Those who fall for Polly – or any four-footed attendee – can complete an adoption application on site.

Event snapshot:

Detail Info
Date January 17
Time 1 p.m.-4 p.m.
Location 1845 Pontius Avenue, Los Angeles
Cost Free
Star attraction Polly, longest-stay dog

Key Takeaways

  • Polly’s record-breaking shelter stay prompted staff to create a festival in her honor.
  • Pollypalooza turns a routine Saturday into a lively adoption drive complete with music, crafts and food.
  • One patient adopter could end Polly’s wait and open a kennel for the next dog in line.

Stop by, snag a vegan cookie, dance to the DJ and, just maybe, leave with a cattle dog mix who has waited long enough for her encore.

Author

  • My name is Marcus L. Bennett, and I cover crime, law enforcement, and public safety in Los Angeles.

    Marcus L. Bennett is a Senior Correspondent for News of Los Angeles, covering housing, real estate, and urban development across LA County. A former city housing inspector, he’s known for investigative reporting that exposes how development policies and market forces impact everyday families.

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