THIS WEEK AT VRC

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

This week, we received an urgent call about a mama dog and her 10 puppies living under a home and in desperate need of rescue. Thanks to the quick action of M2 and Assumption Parish Animal Control, this super mama and her little ones were brought to safety. Unfortunately, with the overwhelming number of dogs currently in our care, we didn’t have the space to provide the environment they need. That’s where our incredible transport partners, Pet Pack Rescue Initiative, came to the rescue, offering to foster this precious family. Their willingness to step up made all the difference, and we can’t thank them enough for their support.

If you are interested in fostering one of our eligible VRC dogs, please email us at: [email protected] 

WORK FROM YOUR HOME AS A “MINI-VRC” LOCATION.

So this will be a first for us but during these desperate times, we have to think outside the box...way outside the box!

We are offering to pay dog-loving people to foster our senior dogs in their homes. There are some stipulations, one of them being that in order to receive pay, you have to be able to comfortably foster (5) dogs.

Our dogs are crated-trained, and we pay for ALL of the dogs’ expenses and supply you with everything you would need to take care of them until they (hopefully) find a forever home.

To learn more about this program and the other guidelines, please email us at: [email protected]

If you are interested in fostering only one dog, we welcome those as well, but there is no monetary compensation. But we can give you some cool free merchandise from the rescue.

Slobbers and Drools,

Tia Torres

_{THE ADOPTABLES}

Rojo is a 10-month-old mixed-breed puppy with a shy side that quickly gives way to her outgoing and loving nature. Crate-trained and great with other dogs and kids, she’s ready to be your perfect cuddling partner. Rojo has so much love to give and is eager to find her forever family!

Audria’s journey began when she was rescued at 3.5 years old from the streets of New Orleans, emaciated and on the brink of death. Despite her condition, she was sweet and loving, seeking comfort in cuddles when our employees rushed her to the vet. Now healthy, Audria remains a gentle soul who adores kids and gets along wonderfully with other dogs. She’s ready to share her love with a family of her own!

To adopt Rojo or Audria and learn more about other adoptable dogs at Villalobos click below.

VRC SPONSOR PROGRAM

CECILIA NEEDS A SPONSOR

Meet Cecilia, the ultimate “mother of the year”! She arrived with her newborn litter in tow, along with her older kittens, Luke and Bo Duke. Due to her shy nature, Cecilia will stay with us as a cherished permanent member of the Kajun Kitty krewe. Your sponsorship helps us provide her with the love and care she deserves!

To sponsor Cecilia, or any of the other cats or dogs in our sponsor program, click below.

VRC dog sponsors get access to a private Facebook group moderated by Tia.

Starting Out: From Farm Life to Rescue Work

While her position at Villalobos is her first official job in animal care, she has been surrounded by animals all her life. “Growing up, my family lived on a horse farm, and I’d rescue animals on my own whenever I could. I’ve always felt comfortable around them,” she shares. Five years ago, she and her partner moved to New Orleans specifically to work with the rescue, and now she runs the B&L program, overseeing the daily care of 25 dogs.

Finding Her Place with the Wolfdogs

Reflecting on some of her favorite moments, she speaks fondly of her early days at Villalobos, where she connected deeply with the wolfdogs. “I bonded with them really quickly,” she says. “Being Native, it was a special experience for me, and that connection with the wolves felt meaningful.”

The Drive to Help Animals in Need

For her, animal rescue is a natural fit. “I don’t know if I’d call it ‘inspired’ – it’s just something I’ve always felt connected to,” she explains. She emphasizes that a strong foundation of knowledge is essential in this work. “It’s important to understand each animal individually, their breed, and their unique needs. Adoption is really the most important part of this journey, so that knowledge and patience go a long way.”

Life at Home with Her Own Pack

Beyond Villalobos, she has a small pack of her own animals at home “My sausage dog has a bit of a possessive streak – he doesn’t like it when my partner, Travis, touches me.”

If She Were an Animal

When asked which animal she feels most connected to she says… “I’m a lot like a pit bull – resilient. But if I could be any animal, I’d choose a Pomeranian. Let’s be honest, they get pampered!”

Finding Moments of Relaxation with the Animals

She shares that one of her favorite ways to relax is napping with her pets. “I made sure we got the biggest couch we could fit in our house so there’s plenty of room for all of us to pile on. Travis has taken so many pictures of me napping surrounded by our pets,” she says.

A Rescue Story that Stands Out

One rescue stands out above all: her dog, Tank. She found him in a shelter, just one day away from being euthanized. “He was a 3-year-old owner surrender, and he was terrified, sitting at the back of his kennel. He looked big and intimidating, especially with his cropped ears, so nobody wanted him. We took him home immediately,” she recalls. Today, Tank is a loving 9-year-old who adores snuggling with kittens.

With a lifelong passion for animals, she has found her place at Villalobos, bringing patience, knowledge, and love to every animal in her care. Whether she’s rescuing dogs on her own, bonding with all the pups, or taking in a dog like Tank, her dedication shines through her hard work!

Thank you, Choo Choo!

KAJUN KITTIES CORNER

From the Kajun Kitties Manager, Jenny:

Thank you for your continued donations and support for Marigny, the cat missing part of her face. She’s holding on and doing well as we focus on helping her gain weight and ensuring she’s as comfortable as possible.

Exciting news—this month we have our first out-of-state cat adoption! Our sweet Jupiter is heading to his new home this coming week. In the meantime, we have several other cats and kittens who are ready and waiting for their forever homes. If you’re interested in adopting one of our Kajun Kitties, please email us at [email protected].