Once just a stray dog wandering the streets of Los Angeles, Noelle found her way into stardom on NBC’s comedy, “Lopez vs. Lopez.” Jubel Chen, an animal trainer working for Guin’s Movie Menagerie, came across Noelle during a downtown L.A. shoot around Christmas 2017 when a passerby mistook the lost dog as part of the filming crew. Taking Noelle in, Chen’s initial search for her original owners led to a heartwarming adoption story that eventually propelled the little dog into a successful career in Hollywood.
Los Angeles rescue dog gets lucky, becomes Lopez vs. Lopez star
Initially skittish and unconfident, Noelle, who Chen estimates was six or seven months old when they first met, quickly became a cherished member of the household. Sensing the dog’s potential, Chen embarked on a six-month training program to help Noelle gain confidence and assess her interest in a potential entertainment career. It wasn’t long before Noelle demonstrated a knack for tricks and performance, setting her on the path to her first job in a Meijer Christmas commercial.
Following her commercial debut, Noelle went on to feature in several TV shows, including “Modern Family” and “Reboot.” 2022 marked a significant milestone in Noelle’s career when she clinched a starring role in the NBC comedy “Lopez vs. Lopez” as Churro, the beloved family dog of George and Mayan Lopez. Chen has shared how the canine star has embraced her role, often acting like a “little diva” on set. “She’ll walk onto set and wag her tail like she owns the place, and then people come and pet her, and she acknowledges them without acknowledging them,” Chen says.
Chen’s commitment to ensuring Noelle’s comfort on set stands out. By familiarizing Noelle with the filming environment and rehearsing scenes meticulously, Chen ensures Noelle feels safe and confident during productions. This meticulous preparation has allowed Noelle to thrive, not just as a performer but as a confident and friendly dog unafraid of strangers.
At home, Noelle leads a happy life alongside a menagerie of other animals under Chen’s care — as per PEOPLE. Chen hopes Noelle’s story will inspire more people to consider rescuing animals. The little canine’s journey from a lost puppy to a celebrated TV star exemplifies the potential of rescue animals when given love, patience, and an opportunity to shine.
