The saddest part about dogs ending up in shelters is that many never get the chance to show the world who they really are.
It’s not just about all the love they can give—it’s also about the hidden talents most people would never expect them to have.
One shelter pup in New York almost lost her chance entirely when she landed on the euthanasia list. But just in time, kind people stepped in, giving her a foster home that later became her forever one.
Little did they know, this sweet girl was hiding a talent that would leave everyone amazed.
A Hidden Talent Revealed
Vanessa and Ryan Marquette felt devastated when they learned about a dog’s fate at a New York shelter. That’s why they stepped up to foster her. A few months later, they officially adopted her from North Country Pet Adoptions.
“She was already house-trained and everything, but her sister got adopted, so she was by herself. We think that because she is blind in one eye, people overlooked her. So we fostered her and then ended up adopting her three months later,” Vanessa told PEOPLE.
They named her Nola and instantly knew they made the right choice. She settled into her new home quickly and seemed to fit right in.
But then, Nola started showing off a side of herself that surprised everyone.
Her pet sitter first mentioned that Nola was jumping the tall fence in their yard. Vanessa and Ryan didn’t believe it—after all, Nola never jumped around inside the house.
Then, after moving to their new place in Syracuse, New York, neighbors began reporting the same thing.
Curious, Vanessa decided to keep watch. One morning, she finally saw Nola scale the six-foot fence like it was nothing. After several failed attempts to capture it, she snapped a photo and showed it to Ryan.
They couldn’t believe their eyes, but they were thrilled.
Since climbing became Nola’s daily routine, the couple started filming her adventures and sharing them on her Instagram page, @noseynola.
From Neighborhood Star To Internet Celebrity
It didn’t take long for Nola to become a sensation. Neighbors often spotted her practicing her jumps, and soon, Instagram followers from all over the world joined in on the fun.
Her videos went viral, and that’s when Vanessa and Ryan discovered the secret behind her unique ability.
“The first time she went viral, everyone’s like, ‘Must be a Treeing Walker.’ I was like, ‘What are they talking about?’” Vanessa recalls. “Then I Googled it, and I was like, ‘Oh, maybe.’ So then we did her DNA test, and sure enough, she was like 26% Treeing Walker Coonhound.”
That explained everything. While her dog siblings, including Toby, couldn’t imagine making such daring leaps, Nola’s heritage gave her exactly the skills she needed. They now happily cheer her on and admire her talent.
Nola brought an incredible amount of joy into her family’s life. She also became a bright spot for neighbors and the growing number of people who follow her online.
Her story is a powerful reminder: every dog deserves a chance to live and thrive. With love, patience, and the right people by their side, they can surprise the world with just how special they truly are.