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- Straight Outta Swampton
Straight Outta Swampton
Issue #42

We Havenโt Gone AnywhereโWeโre Just on YouTube! ๐ฅ๐พ
We keep hearing how much you all miss usโbut donโt worry, weโre still here, doing what weโve always done: rescuing, rehabbing, and loving on dogs that need us most.
While we may not be on TV anymore, you can still follow the journey!
๐ถ The Dogs of VRC now have their very own YouTube channel โ VRCDogs!
From rescues and rehab stories to daily life at the rescue, youโll find everything dog-related right there.
And donโt worryโTiaโs still doing her thing!
She has her own YouTube channel and a growing Patreon platform, where she shares an even deeper, behind-the-scenes look at her life and the work sheโs so passionate about.
๐ Tia absolutely adores her Patron fam and is working hard to give them exclusive access, updates, and content you wonโt find anywhere else.
So if youโve been missing usโcome hang out online!
๐บ Subscribe to VRCDogs on YouTube
๐ Follow Tia on YouTube and Patreon for all the extras
You can find all the places to follow us on social media, where to donate and so much more on our LinkTree below!
๐ฎ๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐ โ๏ธ
๐๐ข๐ ๐ฒ๐จ๐ฎ ๐ฆ๐ข๐ฌ๐ฌ Saturday ๐ฆ๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ โ๐ฌ ๐ฅ๐ข๐ฏ๐ ๐๐ฉ๐ข๐ฌ๐จ๐๐ ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐จ๐ ๐๐จ๐ซ๐ง๐ข๐ง๐ ๐๐ข๐ฅ๐ฅ๐๐ฅ๐จ๐๐จ๐ฌ?
You can rewatch the last 2 episodes here!
This is a new weekly morning talk show where Katie and Jenna dive into everything happening at VRC: rescues, volunteer opportunities, our latest merch, what Tiaโs working on, and so much more. You can catch them live on TikTok and YouTube, but donโt worry if you canโt watch them live we will have it recorded and posted for later!
๐ฐ๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐, ๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐๐โ๐๐๐๐ ๐ฒ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฑ๐๐๐๐ ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐บ๐๐๐๐๐ ๐๐ ๐๐ 9๐๐ ๐๐๐ ๐ฎ๐๐๐ ๐ด๐๐๐๐๐๐ ๐ฝ๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐๐!
A Rescue Turns into Recovery This Week
A Harsh Reality at Michoud Blvd ๐๐พ
This past week, Tia received a call from a DOTD worker about two beautiful dogs dumped at one of the most heartbreaking places in New Orleans: Michoud Blvd.
This area has been a notorious dumping ground for decadesโa place we often call "hell on earth" for abandoned dogs. Without rescue, their fate is tragically sealed.
Despite our efforts, we have not yet located the two dogs. But our dedicated DOTD contact continues to monitor the area, and we remain on standby, ready to act the moment theyโre spotted.
Meanwhile, Jenna, Katie, Perry, and Kyle recovered the body of a young Rottweiler, bringing him to the vet so he could be cremated with dignity. They also discovered the remains of six other dogs, making this week especially devastating for our team.
Jenna and Katie went live during their search to share this harsh reality with you allโbecause these stories, as painful as they are, need to be told.
๐ฅ If you missed the livestream, we encourage you to watch and share. Awareness saves lives.
This was one of the hardest weeks we've had in a long timeโbut we won't stop fighting for the voiceless.
the two dogs we are hoping to find soon
Volunteering is BACK โ & Better Than Ever! ๐พ๐
Weโre so excited to welcome volunteers again to our beautiful property in Assumption Parish! Whether youโve volunteered with us before or youโre brand new, weโd love to have you join us.
๐๏ธ Volunteer days are currently Saturdays only
๐ Location: VRC in Assumption Parish, Louisiana
๐ง RSVP by emailing: [email protected]
๐ Please RSVP no more than 1 week in advance
Come get dog-tired, meet our amazing dogs, and be part of the work that keeps VRC going strong. Trust usโitโs worth it. ๐
OUR FIRST EVER RAFFLES

Tickets are $10, and for the first giveaway, it's a "SPEND THE DAY WITH ME/TIA TORRES"
Well, this could get interesting BUT here's the cool part...THERE WILL BE THREE WINNING NAMES PICKED!!!
Tia will draw the winning names on June 21st (more info is on the tickets after purchase), and she will do it on Facebook, YouTube & TikTok "live"
YOU ASKED AND WE LISTENED:

Win a lunch/dinner date with two of the smoothest "criminals" ever! Earl and Toney Converse will take the lucky winners out for day/night on the town and show off their Southern hospitality. Bring your empty belly and your phone for lots of selfies!
THERE WILL BE THREE WINNERS!!! Once the names have been drawn, the winners can pick the best date for their schedules. We are not able to pay for transportation here, but we will cover the amazing lunch or dinner and your time with the two guys who made the word "parolee" a positive thing.
The Big Easy Boyz will be picking the three winning names on:
JUNE 21st @ noon (central time)
Raffle tickets are $10, and all monies go to the dogs!
We will draw the names "live" on Facebook, YouTube, & TikTok.
WE HAD A HUGE MERCH BLOWOUT SALE
We are trying to empty out our store so that we can bring in some new designs! EVERYTHING is on sale for as low as $15.00. You all AMAZED US, and really showed up, so we have extended this sale until the end of the week!
All orders must be in by Friday (May 9th) to have your shirts signed! Tia (& some guests) will be signing orders Saturday LIVE!
Where:
YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/@TiaTorres)
Date & Time:
Saturday May 10th @ Noon-ish (central time)
Help us empty those shelves so we can finally share all of our new merch ideas with you! We are excited https://vrcstore.dog/

Slobbers and Drools,
Tia Torres
Transport Partners Help Save Lives!
Another Big Trip for Some Lucky Pups! ๐๐พ
Weโre thrilled to share that another amazing group of dogs made their way to our newer rescue partner, Cocoโs Heart Dog Rescue in Wisconsin this week! These sweethearts are now one step closer to finding their forever homes. ๐
Meet the travelers:
๐ถ Violet & Liberla โ two of our lovable Beagles
๐ถ Bistro โ a long-haired hound mix with charm to spare
๐ถ Gold & Nickel โ some cute little pups
๐ถ Mussel & Pummel โ two more cute little puppies
๐ถ Banjo โ the big guy with a bigger heart
We're so grateful for our rescue partners who help give these pups the second chance they deserve. Safe travels and happy tails, friends! ๐พโค๏ธ
Join our 90 Dog Fianceโ Program
We are excited for another group of dogs to make their way into foster homes soon! Fostering is an amazing opportunity to help dogs in need, and be apart of their journey. We only ask to foster our dogs for 90 days (hence the name 90 dog fiancรฉ), you will be added to a private Facebook group and be able to communicate with us at VRC about your foster pup! You will also be first in line to say โI doโ if you choose to adopt!
This is a volunteer opportunity (but you do get a 90 Dog Fiance t-shirt!) and we cover ALL expenses for our dog. If anyone is interested, please email us, and we will send you an application so that we can get to know more about your situation and hopefully make the right match!
Thank you for being part of their journey ๐พ
โค๏ธ Are you in the Midwest area to the Northeast? Can you foster?
๐ฉ Message us [email protected] to learn more!
THE ADOPTABLES
These dogs are currently available for adoption.
If they have a virtual adopter- that means that their adoption fee has been covered by one of our amazing virtual adopters! If they do not have a virtual adopter- and you would like to sponsor their adoption fee for an approved application let us know!

Big News: Atkins Is Now Available for Adoption! ๐พโค๏ธ
Thatโs rightโour boy Atkins has officially joined our list of adoptables! After spending time as a sponsorship dog since returning to us, heโs now ready to find a forever home.
Atkins is a very special soul, and he means the world to us. Because of that, Tia will be extremely selective when it comes to choosing the perfect homeโhe deserves nothing less than the absolute best.
๐ Sponsors, donโt worry!
You can absolutely continue sponsoring Atkins while he awaits his perfect match. If youโd prefer to switch your sponsorship to another dog, just email Katie and let her know. If we donโt hear from you, your donation will go to the pup most in need at that time. If you would like to be Atkins personal Virtual Adopter- email Katie email [email protected]
Letโs find this incredible boy the forever home heโs been waiting for. ๐

Hicks โ Living the Good Life! ๐พ๐๏ธ๐พ
Let us introduce Hicksโour sassy, spoiled king whoโs fully embraced the good life! ๐
Once abandoned and left tied to our picnic table in the rain, Hicks has long put those days behind him. Now? Itโs all fluffy blankets, tasty treats, yard time, and naps on demand. And honestly, he deserves every bit of it.
Hicks is:
๐พ A self-entertaining ball chaser
๐๏ธ A professional napper
๐ A certified treat connoisseur
๐โโ๏ธ Full of sass and personality
He prefers to be the only pet in the homeโno small pets or cats, pleaseโbut he does well with older, respectful kids. If youโre looking for a one-of-a-kind companion who will keep you smiling, Hicks might just be your guy.
Ready to spoil Hicks like heโs already royalty? Apply for Hicks
(His adoption fee is covered by his Virtual Adopter)

Smitty the Pitty โ From Surviving to Thriving ๐ช๐พ
Meet Smitty, also lovingly known as Smithโa resilient little pittie with a heart full of love. ๐
Smith came to us in horrific condition, rescued by a kind New Orleans police officer who refused to look the other way. She had a long road to recovery, both physically and emotionally, but sheโs come through it all with grace, strength, and sweetness.
Now healed and thriving, Smith has blossomed into a beautiful, affectionate girl. Sheโs a little shy at firstโbut can you blame her after all sheโs been through? Once she warms up, sheโs all about snuggles and quiet companionship.
Hereโs what makes Smith special:
๐พ Petite pittie (under 50 lbs)
๐ง Great with older kids
๐ถ Prefers to be the only dog
๐ฟ Loves to explore and soak in the world
๐๏ธ A cuddle bug at heart
Smith is ready for her happily ever afterโcould it be with you?
Interested in adopting or virtually adopting Smith? Check out her profile & in touchโweโd love to tell you more about this special girl.
Adoptable Senior Spotlight
All dogs featured in this section are apart of our Senior Dog Program which means: all dogs adoption fees are covered and all of their medical care is covered for life.

Meet Jubilee โ Our Overlooked Gem ๐๐พ
Sweet Jubilee has been with us for years. Despite her loving nature and wonderful personality, she continues to be overlooked.
Yes, Jubilee needs to be the only pet in the home, but what she offers in return is pure gold. Sheโs a total love bugโaffectionate, loyal, and full of joy. Her whole face lights up when she sees her favorite people, and she lives for snuggles, belly rubs, and one-on-one time. I mean, look at that smile!
We know the perfect home is out there for her. But until then, you can help support her as a Virtual Adopter. ๐ If youโre interested in becoming Jubileeโs Virtual Adopter, please email us.

Sweet Senior Spotlight: Cootie ๐พ๐ค
Say hello to Cootieโour speckled senior sweetheart whoโs been waiting far too long for her forever person. She's been overlooked for years, but we know her someone is out there. ๐ซ
Cootie struggles with anxiety, which makes her a tougher placement. She especially needs comfort during storms, when she just wants to snuggle up and watch TV with her people. But once she trusts you, youโll discover a loyal, gentle soulwho simply wants to be near her humans.
Sheโs all about the simple pleasures:
๐ Walks
๐ Car rides
๐ณ Lounging in the yard
๐ฆด Chewing on her Nylabone while keeping you company
๐ฅถ Frozen peanut butter Kongs are her favorite treat!
Cootie is crate trained and does best in a calm, understanding home where she can feel safe, loved, and never alone for too long.
We know she wonโt be the right dog for everyoneโbut for the right person, sheโll be everything. ๐
Interested in adopting or virtually sponsoring Cootie? Check out her profile or reach outโweโd love to tell you more about her.
Interested in other adoptable dogs at Villalobos? Click below!
Want to help a VRC dog but can't bring another pooch into your home?
Check out two of our favorite programs here at VRC!
Our Virtual Adoption program is for our adoptable dogs- when you virtually adopt you are sponsoring their adoption fee of $300 so when that perfect adoption application comes along it is covered! We currently have over 115 dogs in our V.A program and itโs a favorite among everyone at VRC!
Go to the website https://www.vrcpitbull.com/dogs/ and pick out a dog who isnโt already virtually adopted and then email us for more information. [email protected]
Our Sponsorship program is for our dogs who are deemed unadaptable for behavioral or severe medical issues. We also have added our Wolf-dogs, as well as our Kajun Kitties to this program!
More info on the program is at https://www.vrcpitbull.com/how-you-can-help/sponsor-a-dog/
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 โlifersโ 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.

๐พMelon Needs Sponsors๐พ
Melon has been with us for years and while he's full of personality and charm, he's also one of our more challenging placement cases due to his anxiety and dog reactivity. Because of this, he's found stability and happiness with us, thanks to a dedicated team who have carefully crafted a routine that suits him perfectly.
Recently, Melon was diagnosed with Cushingโs disease, which requires monthly medication and more frequent vet checkups to manage. As his medical needs increase, so do the costs of his careโwhich is why weโve added him to our sponsorship program.
By sponsoring Melon, you're helping us provide the consistent care, medication, and love he needs to live his best life. ๐
Thank you for supporting our long-term residents like Melon. He may not be easy to place, but heโs easy to love.
Big News from Kajun Kitties! ๐พ
A young cat recently showed up at the home of one of our wonderful employees. With patience, care, and a few tasty meals, she gained the kittyโs trust while we waited for space to open up. Last Thursday, we were finally able to bring her inโand to our surprise, she was very pregnant!
Just two days later, on Saturday morning, this sweet mamaโnow lovingly named Mother Gooseโgave us a beautiful surprise: seven tiny, perfect babies!
Weโre so grateful she found her way to us and can now raise her little family in a safe, loving environment. Stay tuned for more updates as these kittens grow!

Our Kajun Kitties have their very own Amazon Wishlist. One wish list if for our current Kajun Kitties in our care, this wish list is called Kajun Kitties Wishlist. The second wishlist is for our TNR community program (TNR Wishlist). This program helps us Trap, Neuter, and Release any community cats, and to make sure they are healthy and unable to add to the current kitten chaos. We have so many amazing people in our community that take on colonies of cats and we love helping our amazing community here in Assumption Parish but we DESPERATELY need supplies and food!
To shop for our Kajun Kitties or our TNR program please go to https://www.vrcpitbull.com/how-you-can-help/wish-list/
Wolf- Dog Sponsor Spotlight: Meet Freya ๐บ๐
This weekโs featured wolf-dog in need of sponsors is the stunning Freya! With a wild heart and a powerful story, Freya has finally found peace and safety with us at VRC's beautiful wolf-dog sanctuary in Texas.
Like many of our wolf-dogs, Freya is considered unadoptableโbut that doesnโt mean she doesnโt deserve love, care, and support. Thatโs why weโve officially added all of our wolf-dogs to our sponsorship program.
Your sponsorship helps cover:
๐ฟ Daily food and enrichment
๐ ๏ธ Enclosure maintenance and upgrades
๐ฉบ Ongoing medical care
๐ And most importantly, a lifetime of safety and respect
By sponsoring Freya, youโre not just supporting one animalโyouโre helping preserve a safe haven for all our wolf-dogs to live with dignity and freedom.
๐ Follow their journey and check out their very own website, www.vrcwolfdog.com
Thank you for being part of their wild and wonderful journey. ๐พ
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐๐ฐ๐๐๐ซ๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐ง๐๐ง๐ ๐๐จ๐ง๐๐ฒ ๐๐ซ๐จ๐ฉ๐ฌ ๐๐จ๐ซ ๐๐จ๐ ๐ฌ
๐๐ฏ
Ingredients:
- 1 ripe banana, mashed ๐
- 1/4 cup strawberries, finely chopped ๐
- 1 tablespoon honey (optional) ๐ฏ
- 1/4 cup rolled oats (optional, for texture) ๐พ
Instructions:
1. In a mixing bowl, combine the mashed banana, chopped strawberries, and honey. ๐๐๐ฏ
2. If desired, add rolled oats for extra texture. ๐พ
3. Drop spoonfuls of the mixture onto a lined baking sheet. ๐ฅ
4. Freeze until solid, then transfer to an airtight container for storage in the freezer. โ๏ธ
These drops make a tasty and refreshing treat for your dog! ๐ถ

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