Polly’s Purpose: How A Shelter Dog Became a Hero - Twice!

Barbara holding Polly the hero dog. photo: Sue Andrews

Heroes don’t always wear capes. Sometimes they have four paws and a quiet presence. Polly, a senior rescue dog with incredible instincts, has defied the odds with a journey that is anything but ordinary.

Polly’s First Second Chance

Polly’s story began on the streets of Madera, California, where she was found as a stray in December 2014. She was brought to Joybound People & Pets (formerly ARF) where she was given a safe place, lots of love, and a second chance at a new life. But what no one could have known at that time was that this once-homeless dog carried within her an extraordinary gift — one that would have a profound impact on the lives of those who welcomed her into their hearts.

In January 2015, Polly — then called Molly — was adopted by Judy Kahn. A devoted dog guardian, Judy quickly realized that Molly was reserved but highly perceptive. Over time, the two built an unbreakable bond rooted in mutual trust and love.

One day in July 2023, Molly and Judy were returning from an afternoon walk in their Rossmoor community when Molly ran straight to a neighbor’s door and began barking. Her behavior was so unusual that it prompted Judy to investigate. The neighbor’s door was open, and inside they found their elderly neighbor who had fallen and had been stranded on the floor of her bedroom for nearly 10 hours.

As Judy contacted emergency services, Molly remained by the woman’s side, steadfast and alert. The neighborhood was amazed by the rescue, and Judy couldn’t have been prouder of her devoted companion.

A New Chapter

For nearly nine years, Judy and Molly had a wonderful life together and were inseparable. But sadly, in early 2024, Judy passed away and Molly — now a 10-year-old senior — returned to Joybound. Though she was back in the loving care of those who first gave her shelter, Molly once again needed a new family.

In March 2024, Barbara Stengel and her husband, Joe, visited Joybound to meet this gentle senior dog, who was now called Polly. During their first meeting, Polly was understandably reserved. But when Barbara got down on the floor with her, something shifted. Polly’s wary eyes softened and for the first time, she leaned in, as if sensing Barbara’s kindness. 

As they moved outside to Joybound’s larger space, Polly’s quiet nature gave way to something more telling: she followed Barbara’s every step, staying close as if she had already decided that these were her people. It was clear Polly was meant to be part of their family. 

With the adoption finalized, Polly stepped into her new life with the same quiet grace she had carried through every transition. On the ride home, Joe drove while Polly sat comfortably beside Barbara in the back seat, a silent sign that she was ready to start her next chapter with them.

In Joe and Barbara’s home, Polly quickly settled into a routine. But the Stengels soon realized their new friend wasn’t responding to calls, noises, or even whistles. Their veterinarian confirmed that Polly was nearly deaf, reacting only occasionally to very loud or high-pitched sounds. But Polly adapted, learning to communicate through hand signals and movement.

Polly Does It Again

Months after her adoption, Polly’s past and present collided in an unexpected way. It was a quiet Sunday evening on July 21, 2024. Barbara and Joe had just finished dinner, cleaned up the dishes, and were settling in for the night. Barbara had stepped into the bathroom to change into something more comfortable when Polly’s barking erupted from the other room.

Unlike her usual barking at the door when someone arrived, this was different — urgent and insistent. Normally quiet and reserved, Polly was barking with an intensity Barbara had never heard before. 

At first, she assumed Joe would calm her down, but as the barking continued, she realized something was wrong. Barbara hurried into the family room and found Polly standing at the sliding glass door, her body tense, with her eyes locked on something outside. Her barking hadn’t slowed; it had only grown more frantic. Barbara followed Polly’s gaze into the backyard and felt her heart drop.

Joe was lying face down beneath their large magnolia tree, motionless. He had tripped over the tree’s exposed roots and hit his head on the ground. As Barbara knelt beside her husband, Polly finally stopped barking but remained close, watching intently. Barbara quickly assessed the situation: Joe was conscious but unable to get up. She called 9-1-1 and within minutes, the EMTs arrived, carefully helping Joe to his feet and treating his wound. He needed 10 stitches, but aside from the scare and the injury, he was going to be okay.

Months earlier, Barbara had read in Joybound’s JOY magazine about a dog named Molly who had once saved her neighbor, but she dismissed it as another dog. After all, the name was different. But now, as she looked at Polly — her Polly — she knew the truth. It wasn’t a mistake. The same dog who had once rescued a neighbor had just saved her husband. Polly had done it again!

For Barbara and Joe, welcoming an older dog into their home has been a journey of patience and trust, of unconditional love and second chances. From a stray in Madera to a twice-over hero, Polly (aka Molly) is living proof that sometimes the ones we rescue end up rescuing us right back.