THIS WEEK AT VRC

Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Villalobos Rescue Center!

To our friends, family, adopters, and supporters—we are so incredibly thankful for each and every one of you. Your generosity, love, and dedication make everything we do possible, and we couldn’t do it without you.

Wishing you a joyful and cozy Thanksgiving holiday filled with love, gratitude, and maybe a few wet noses!

WE’RE UP TO OUR EARS IN DOGGIE LAUNDRY!

Our daily to-do list is never-ending, and we could really use your help restocking some of our most-needed items for the dogs.

Did you know we’re an Amazon Affiliate? When you shop through our Amazon Storefront using our special link, not only do we receive the items you purchase, but we also earn a small commission that goes straight to supporting the rescue. It’s a great way to double your impact!

To see our list of needed items and donate, be sure to use this shipping address at checkout:
VRC, 5541 Hwy 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390

Shop and support here: Amazon Storefront

We’re so grateful for your support—it makes all the difference for our dogs!

Howls,

Tia Torres

THE ADOPTABLES

Meet Boyfriend! This gorgeous, strong boy may have started shy, but once he’s leashed, his true personality shines through. He’s a gentle marshmallow who adores brain massages and nose smooches. Boyfriend is a water enthusiast, whether it’s swimming in a pool or playing with a hose, and he’s the perfect shotgun rider for road trips. He loves kids and is ready to share his big heart with a forever family.

Mex is a 3-year-old Malinois who starts off shy but quickly warms up into a bundle of energy. Dog-friendly and affectionate, he’s loyal to his person and thrives in a quieter home with older children. Fully crate trained and treat motivated, Mex knows basic commands like “sit” and “paw” and would excel with further training. If you’re looking for an intelligent and devoted companion for your adventures, Mex is the perfect fit!

To adopt Boyfriend or Mex and learn more about other adoptable dogs at Villalobos click below.

VRC SPONSOR PROGRAM

MICEY NEEDS A SPONSOR

When we found Micey and his brother Derek tied to a fence in a vacant lot in New Orleans’ Lower 9th Ward, the sun was mercilessly beating down on them. Without water or shelter, they were only hours away from a tragic end. Fortunately, we rescued them in time, but the cruelty they endured left lasting scars.

Despite their rough start in life, Micey has found safety and love at Villalobos. While behavioral challenges mean he isn’t a candidate for adoption, Micey thrives under the care of our staff, who provide him with the stability and kindness he deserves. By sponsoring Micey, you can help ensure that he continues to live his life surrounded by compassion and protection. Your support makes all the difference for dogs like him.

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

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

This holiday season, we’re thinking way outside the box to help our senior dogs!

For the first time ever, we’re offering to pay dog lovers to foster senior dogs in their homes. Our goal is to get as many seniors into loving foster homes for the holidays as possible. To qualify for the paid program, you must be able to comfortably foster five dogs at once. Don’t worry—our dogs are crate-trained, and we cover all expenses, including food and supplies. You’ll be fully equipped to care for them while they await their forever homes.

If fostering five dogs isn’t feasible, we’d still love to have you foster a single senior! While there’s no monetary compensation, you’ll receive some awesome free merchandise as a thank-you for opening your heart and home.

To learn more about the program and all guidelines, email us at [email protected]. Let’s make this holiday season special for our senior dogs!

VRC EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭:

𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑃𝑎𝑤𝑠：𝐽𝑜𝑒’𝑠 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝐴𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑒

For Joe, working with animals wasn’t part of the original plan. But after years of watching the popular TV show, Pitbulls and Paroles that features Villalobos and focused on rescue dogs and the people who care for them, he felt compelled to seek a career with deeper meaning. “This is actually my first job working with animals,” Joe explains. “What led me here was the show and the desire to do something more important than just earning a paycheck.”

Five months into his role at the sanctuary, Joe is thriving as part of a team responsible for caring for twenty dogs. “I’m still learning, but I love it,” he says. Joe’s responsibilities include cleaning up after the dogs, maintaining their outdoor spaces, and giving each dog time for play and affection. “There’s a lot of hard work involved, but their happiness makes it all worth it.”

One of the most rewarding parts of Joe’s day is the warm greeting he receives from the dogs. “Their excitement to see me, their unconditional love – that’s my favorite part,” he shares.

Joe has already formed memorable bonds with some of the dogs, each of whom brings a unique personality. One special dog named Sea has proven herself quite the helper. “One day, I was pulling weeds in the yard, and Sea came over and started helping,” Joe recalls, laughing. “She grabs the weeds with her mouth and pulls them up! And whenever I clean the pond, she likes to walk through it, stirring the water as I scrub algae off the rocks. She’s got so much personality.”

His experience at the sanctuary has only deepened Joe’s appreciation for rescue dogs. “I feel like rescue dogs are more loving and grateful when they’re given a good home,” he reflects. “It’s like they know they’re getting a second chance, and they just shine with love.”

Although he doesn’t currently have a dog of his own, Joe says he’s drawn to pit bulls for their playful and affectionate nature. “I love all dogs, really, but pit bulls are just so adorable and silly,” he admits.

What sets this job apart for Joe is that he rarely feels the need to “unwind” after a shift. “I don’t have to worry about de-stressing – spending time with these amazing dogs keeps me grounded,” he says. “Their joy and energy keep me stress-free.”

Working alongside experienced animal caretaker Jenny Doher, Joe has embraced the challenges and rewards of animal care. These dogs have been through so much, and they’re still so resilient and loving. I know Joe recognizes it’s a privilege to work with them.

Joe’s journey from inspiration to purpose has brought him to a place where he’s found fulfillment beyond just a paycheck – a journey guided by wagging tails and boundless love.