Straight Outta Swampton

Issue #49

 We have re-launched our

Coffee Partnership with Puppy Paws Coffee & Company!

Shop now for coffee, tea, and even coco! 10% of your order comes back to the rescue when you use our special code “VRC” at check out.

We hear you—you miss us on TV!
While we won’t be returning to television, you can still keep up with us across all our social media platforms. We’ve created multiple mini-series, filmed and produced by our team that give you an inside look at the work we do every day.

From our spinoff of Pit Bulls & Parolees, "Life With the Underdogs," to heartwarming updates in "Dog Diaries,"there’s so much to explore!
You can even hit the road with Mariah and her crew as they travel the country on motorcycles in their own adventure series.

And for the most personal and unfiltered look behind the scenes of the longest-running show on Animal Planet, don’t miss Tia’s brand new series: "Pit Bulls, Parolees & Me."
It’s raw, real, and straight from the one and only Tia herself.

Volunteer Opportunities

RSVP for our our Saturday morning dog walks at our beautiful 13 acre sanctuary!

Our newest volunteer program allows you to stay with us for up to a week. We will supply you with free housing and lunch every day. In return, you will get to walk a day in our shoes, caring for some of the most amazing, loving dogs on the planet.

For more information and to see about signing up, email: [email protected]

We are looking for devoted dog lovers to work at our sanctuary in Assumption Parish, Louisiana.

Due to the remoteness of these facilities, you MUST have your own vehicle. We are also offering limited free housing. For more information and/or to apply, email: [email protected]

HAPPY TAILS THIS WEEK!

Felony & her new mom Megan

Felony was officially adopted this week! 

She was apart of our 90 Dog Fiancé Foster Program.

Stay tuned, there will be a Dog Diaries Episode coming soon!

FOSTER FILES (90 DOG FIANCE PROGRAM)

Out of the 5 dogs that went into foster homes, we still have 2 sweet pups waiting for their forever home.

Gnocchi is a gentle soul — quiet, kind, and full of potential. Naturally shy in new situations, it’s easy to overlook the quiet magic he carries. Since being in his foster home, he has opened up and become more confident. He is dog and cat friendly! He would do great in a calmer home that understands he just takes a little time to warm up to you, but once he’s comfortable you have a companion for life.

If you’re interested in adopting Gnocchi, apply here: https://www.vrcpitbull.com/dogs/gnocchi/

Chanel is also waiting at her chance at forever! She is a respectful girl, and perfect in the house. She is about 7 ½ years old.

Chanel is a loyal lovebug who bonds deeply with her humans. She can be a bit timid in new situations and needs a little time to feel safe, especially around unfamiliar men. But once she knows she’s home, her true personality shines through.

She’s great with kids and would do best with a calm, laid-back dog companion who gives her space to adjust. Chanel still has a bit of energy and would benefit from some continued training—but she’s smart and eager to please.

Apply to adopt Chanel: https://vrcpitbull.com/dogs/chanel/

And if you’re located in the Midwest or East Coast and would like to open your home to a dog in need, we’re always looking for compassionate fosters — please reach out to us!

THE ADOPTABLES

These dogs are currently available for adoption.

If they have been “virtually adopted” that means that their adoption fee has been covered by their virtual adopter for an approved application.

Slider

This confident boy is never in a bad mood and approaches life with curiosity and joy. He’s still working on some basic manners, but he’s smart and eager to learn and would do well in just about any home willing to continue his training and give him lots of love and playtime.

Humans, kids, and fellow dogs alike, he’s incredibly dog-friendly, kid-approved, and thrives in an environment where he can be part of the fun.

For more information or to adopt: https://vrcpitbull.com/dogs/slider/

Chowder

This charming boy is dog-friendly, though he prefers the company of calmer canine companions over high-energy playmates. He’s an ideal buddy for a laid-back home where naps and cuddles outweigh chaos.

Chowder is house-trained (he keeps his space spotless!), crate-trained, and a perfect gentleman at the vet. He does get nervous during storms and would rather be close to his person than in his crate. He’s also improving in the car. While he may need help getting in, once inside he rides like a champ.

For more information or to adopt: https://vrcpitbull.com/dogs/chowder/

Elmie

Elmie is a 1½-year-old purebred Husky (we did her DNA) with a story that will break your heart—but a spirit that will absolutely steal it. In the early hours of the morning, Elmie was seen being thrown from a car in a neighborhood, desperately trying to chase after the people who abandoned her. The heartbreaking moment was caught on a neighbor’s Ring camera, and thankfully, kind locals stepped in to help.

lmie is dog-friendly and adores children. She has a silly, goofy side that shines through during playtime, especially when she’s bouncing around the yard or dipping her toes into water. True to her Husky nature, she’s confident, curious, and occasionally dramatic (in the most charming way possible). No cats for this girl, as she has a typical Husky prey drive and is a bit too interested in smaller animals.

For more info or to apply for Elmie: https://vrcpitbull.com/dogs/elmie/

Silver Snoots

Adoptable Seniors at VRC

Dogs 10+ are apart of our Senior Dog Program

Senior Progam: they are covered medically by us at VRC for the remainder their life.

Saturn (Senior Program AND Virtually Adopted)

Meet Saturn – a 12-year-old Lab/Chow mix with a heart full of sunshine and a whole lot of spunk left to share.Don’t let the number fool you — Saturn is still full of life and love. He enjoys the finer things: basking in the sun, car rides with the windows down, and leaning into his human’s side for all the affection he can soak up. One of his favorite games? “Catch me if you can” in the yard, where his playful spirit truly shines.

Saturn would do best in a home with no other animals and older kids who understand that he’s earned his peace and space.

Yup… its Breakfast AGAIN (Senior Program + Virtually Adopted)

We are determined to find this sweetheart the loving home she deserves to enjoy her golden years in comfort, joy, and lots of snuggles.

📩 Apply today or share to help her find her forever home!: https://www.vrcpitbull.com/dogs/breakfast/

Interested in other adoptable dogs at Villalobos? Click below!

CAN’T ADOPT BUT WANT TO HELP OUT?

Check out our current programs

Go to the website https://www.vrcpitbull.com/dogs/ and pick out a dog who isn’t already virtually adopted and then email us for more information. [email protected]

VRC SPONSORSHIP PROGRAM

At Villalobos Rescue Center, we are dedicated to provide lifelong care and love to dogs and cats that face significant medical or behavioral challenges , making them unlikely candidates for adoption. Our Sponsorship Program offers a meaningful way for our supporters to contribute to the well-being of these “lifers” through monthly donations. While becoming a sponsor, you help us with the essential care, as well as medical costs.

VRC dog sponsors get access to a private Facebook group moderated by Tia, Katie & Jenna.

In 2018, she was pulled from the evil depths of the Korean dog meat market by a high-profile rescue group. Her body was saved — but her spirit remained locked in survival. Too shut down. Too afraid. Too feral for anyone to truly see her. So, they left her behind. For seven long years, she sat in a shelter — forgotten. Until Tia heard her story and went to pick her up.

Phoenix has been spiritually broken.  She will be with us for a long time as we deal with her medical issues and try to work with her behaviorally. But if someone comes along after she gets through her medical, and who would like to give her a safe place to call home permanently, we would explore an adoption for the right fit. But for now we would love sponsors and supporters to join Phoenix’s flight into a new life. She

She has been growing more comfortable at Tia’s house and starting to show more of her personality. The swamps do something magical when you are on a healing journey. If you want to join our sponsorship program and be apart of Phoenix healing journey check out her story, and sign up here: https://vrcpitbull.com/dogs/phoenix-2/

You will even be able to send her special care packages off of her very own Amazon wishlist.

Check Out Our Wolf Dog Sanctuary Linktree!
Everything you need—right in one place. From sponsoring one of our incredible wolf dogs, to shopping their Amazon storefront, to following all their latest adventures on social media—you’ll find it all here. Explore, support, and stay connected with our pack!

Marca needs sponsors

Some hearts bloom in an instant, rushing toward affection like a river spilling over its banks. Others, like Marca and Dewey, unfold slowly—delicate, hesitant, as if waiting for the world to prove itself worthy of their trust.

They were born of this land, their spirits woven into the fabric of the Texas sanctuary long before it was truly theirs. But where others found their footing in time, Marca remained a ghost—a whisper of a creature, so fragile in her fear that even a glance in her direction sent her trembling, the weight of human eyes too much for her gentle soul to bear.

For a time, she was sent to live with Tia, a hopeful attempt at bringing her into a world where love could mend what fear had frayed. But some spirits cannot be forced into the light. Marca was not ready, and the world beyond her sanctuary only made her retreat further into the shadows. And so, she was brought home—to the land she had always known, to the one soul who could understand her quiet kind of survival.

Learn more or to sponsor Marca: https://vrcpitbull.com/dogs/marca/

💛 By becoming a Kajun Kitties sponsor, you’ll help cover food, vet care, and daily needs — and ensure they gets the love and support they deserves.

We currently have 9 Kajun Kitties available for sponsorship!
While these 9 are ready for virtual love and support, we’re still caring for hundreds of cats and continuing our TNR (Trap-Neuter-Return) efforts across Assumption Parish.

Right now, we have 38 kittens under 20 weeks old in our care, and the calls for help with feral colonies or abandoned kittens just keep coming.

Your support means the world to these cats. Whether it’s sponsoring a Kajun Kitty or spreading the word, every bit makes a difference.

Check out our Kajun Kitties Linktree here for all things needed to help the cats of VRC: 👉 https://linktr.ee/VRC_Kajun_Kitties

🎙️ Good Morning, Villalobos! 🐾
Your Saturday Morning Talk Show

Every Week at 9 AM!

Grab your coffee, get cozy, and join us for “Good Morning Villalobos” — your behind-the-scenes pass into the world of Villalobos Rescue Center.
🎤 Hosted by Katie & Jenna

Whether you're a longtime supporter or new to the pack, this is the perfect way to kick off your weekend with purpose and paws. 🐾💬

📍 Tune in every Saturday at 9 AM!

LIVE ON TIKTOK and YOUTUBE 

Employee Appreciation

Meet Debbie!
She’s the one behind the wheel, making the miles count from coast to coast. Whether she’s transporting dogs and cats to trusted rescue partners or delivering them straight into the arms of their forever families—Debbie makes it happen. Her dedication, heart, and countless hours on the road are a vital part of every happy ending we help create.

“These dogs saved my life.”

Debbie’s love for animals started early. “I got my first dog when I was 5,” she says. In high school, she worked at a veterinary hospital and nature center, and that passion followed her into adulthood. Over the years, she’s cared for animals of all kinds—from dogs and cats to turtles and baby gators—developing both hands-on skills and a deep emotional connection to the work.

After losing her beloved pet to lymphoma in 2013 and then her husband in 2019, Debbie found herself in a dark place. “I was not okay. I was functioning as if I was fine, but I needed something to make me feel like life was worth living.” While living in Chalmette, she searched for volunteer opportunities and came across the Villalobos dog walking program. That decision changed everything. “I honestly feel these dogs saved my life.”

She started walking dogs every evening in February 2020. “An employee suggested that I apply for a job since I was there every day, so I did, and soon after I was hired.” Now a core part of the Transport Team, Debbie is responsible for getting animals safely to their next destination—whether it’s a prison program, another rescue partner, or their forever home. “Seeing a dog happy. It can be a little thing like a new toy or a car ride, but when they are happy, you know it. And for rescue dogs who have probably been through absolute hell, they deserve it.”

Debbie’s favorite part of the job? The joy of watching dogs get a second chance. “I have shed so many tears of joy for so many of these dogs… seeing them get into their forever home is everything.” One unforgettable pup was Coconut. “He was such a character, and I called him my stalker. When I had him out in the yard and I was cleaning and doing stuff, he would hide and watch me… I’m sure he didn’t know his nose stuck out that far. When I was done, I would surprise him by ‘finding him’ and then we’d play.”

Debbie has worked in multiple vet clinics, assisting with everything from animal care to client visits. “Sometimes we would have Parvo puppies that required fluids that I would administer during my shifts,” she recalls. Her lifelong instinct to protect and nurture animals began when she was just eight years old. “I tried to save my first animal, which was a baby chick getting run over by all the other chickens.”

Though she doesn’t currently have pets of her own, she says, “I get my fix at work.” Over the years, she’s had three American Eskimos and a Lab/Golden Retriever mix. “All breeds have different traits and personalities. Sometimes it’s really cool to see them do what their DNA tells them to do.”

Working at the rescue has been eye-opening for Debbie in many ways. “It’s so much different than working at the hospitals where people cared about their pets. It’s shown me how truly horrible a lot of people are.” But it’s also shown her just how resilient and deserving dogs can be.

Her advice for adopters? “It may take time for a rescue/adopted dog to adjust to its new surroundings. These dogs can’t tell you what they’ve been through. It takes time to learn what makes them feel safe. And I’m talking about more than just a couple of weeks.”

Debbie believes every piece of the rescue puzzle is crucial—rehabilitation, adoption, and community education. “They all go hand-in-hand,” she says. “If you can help your community be educated on spaying/neutering, microchipping, and other ways to be a Responsible Pet Owner, then hopefully the need for rescue will be less.”

And if she had to pick a dog breed to be? “I think I would like to be something like a Doberman… something a person will see and just keep walking.”

When asked to share a happy ending that always makes her smile, Debbie says: “All of them make me smile… every single one of them.” From reuniting with adopted dogs like Coconut and Alcee, to seeing adopter updates and pictures come in, Debbie lives for those full-circle moments. “I just love seeing them so happy and loved in their homes.”

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