Our Mission
We are on a mission to challenge the status quo of traditional comedy shows by supporting animal rescue and wellness, fostering a community of support and inclusivity, and creating space for underrepresented performers
Our Story
When NYC started reopening after COVID quarantine in Spring 2021, people were eager to get back to live entertainment, but they faced an unexpected problem. The dogs who’d kept them company through lockdown couldn’t handle being left behind, and shelter dogs desperately needed visibility to find forever homes.
Must Love Dogs & Comedy was born as our answer to both. We produce dog-friendly comedy shows where attendees bring their pups, adoptable dogs get spotlighted on stage to find families, and talented comedians get paid opportunities to perform.
Every show raises money for animal rescue while proving that comedy is better when the whole pack is included.
Areas of Impact
Animal Rescue
We raise money and awareness for dogs in need of adoption and fostering
Diversity & Inclusion
Lineups heavily feature Womxn, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, and POC Performers AND diversity in talent (i.e., stand-up comedy, sketch, character, musical performances etc.)
Pet Care
Educate pet-owners on latest products/services to best care for their furry pals
Must Love Dogs and Comedy is a 501(c)(3) organization that produces public, private, and corporate dog-friendly comedy events that also raise money for animal shelters and rescues. So far, we have:
Raised over $36,000 for animal rescue and wellness
Featured over 600 diverse comedy acts
Sold out over 150+ shows nationwide
Our Team
Knope (Woof/Bark)
Chief Barking Officer (CBO)
Knope (like Leslie Knope from Parks and Rec) is the Chief Barking Officer of Must Love Dogs and Comedy. She is a 9-year-old Cattle-dog mix (allegedly) rescued from Companion Animal Alliance in Baton Rouge, LA. Knope has been hailed as “the cutest and sweetest dog there ever was” by her pet parents Jolie and Nick. She can be found following Jolie and Nick around each show, hoping to perform, but she does not have a tight 5. Her duties include being cute, napping, and filing our taxes.
Jolie Dudley (She/Her)
Co-Founder
Jolie’s mission was born of her own rescue story: in 2017, she adopted her dog Knope (named after Leslie Knope) from a Louisiana shelter, and Knope now lives her best life as an NYC celebrity in her own right. Guided by a belief in connection, inclusion, and creativity, Jolie builds spaces where everyone, human and canine, can find their pack.
Nicolas Polanco (He/Him)
Co-Founder
Nicolas Polanco is the Co-Founder of Must Love Dogs and Comedy where he focuses on finances, operations, and legal matters. He was recently featured in Legal Zoom’s small business stories in June 2022.
Additionally, Nicolas is currently a cybersecurity advisor where he helps large multinational companies secure their IT investments. In the past, he has held positions at Microsoft, SAP, Deloitte and JPMorgan.
Nicolas is a first-gen college graduate and holds a BS in Information Management & Technology and a minor in Finance from Syracuse University. Nicolas was born in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic and immigrated to the United States at a young age. Outside of work, Nicolas is passionate about volunteering in his local community and mentoring underrepresented groups of rising Juniors/Seniors.
Board Members
Alex Chang
Alex and Drogo (my dog) are originally from Arkansas and currently live in Brooklyn. For work, he’s a Product Manager at Amazon and for fun, we enjoys snowboarding, traveling, and making things (woodworking, 3D printing, food, etc). Drogo enjoys peeing at McCarren Park, getting treats at our local bar, and sneaking a NYC slice off the ground when Alex is not watching.
Julia Waldow
Julia Waldow is a New York City-based business journalist originally from Los Angeles. She grew up with Wheaten Terriers and often dogsits pups in her building. A huge fan of comedy, Julia also enjoys reading, listening to podcasts and going to museums.
Paulina Canalizo
I am Paulina, I am a creative designer with a passion for visual, storytelling and of course dogs. With English as my second language, I could accidentally make up a word once in a while that will definitely make you laugh.
Tara Ciccone
Tara Ciccone is a New York–based publicist, dog mom to the amazing Mindy, and proud board member of Must Love Dogs and Comedy. She’s passionate about using her PR skills to give back and amplify voices that matter most..
We produce public, private, and corporate dog-friendly events that raise money for animal rescue. Book your event with us today!