FOR THE NEW ORLEANS COMMUNITY

I want to clarify an important update: Villalobos Rescue Center is NOT closing down. We are simply closing our New Orleans location and consolidating operations at our Assumption Parish, Louisiana location, where we have been since 2012. However our New Orleans City Location is permanently closed. If you are in need of assistance in the city please reach out to the rescues listed below. This change allows us to focus our efforts and continue our mission of rescuing and rehabilitating dogs in need. While it’s bittersweet to leave our New Orleans site, we are excited to keep moving forward from our Assumption Parish base. Thank you for your continued support!

• Take Paws Rescue

• Zeus’ Place

• Trampled Rose Rescue and Rehab

• Animal Rescue New Orleans (ARNO)

• Big Easy Animal Rescue and Pet Shop

• Humane Society of Louisiana

• LASPCA

IMPORTANT UPDATE FOR ALL OF OUR DONATIONS, PACKAGES ETC.

We are NO LONGER receiving mail at our old Claiborne or Galvez addresses in New Orleans. All packages, donations and mail can be shipped directly to us at:

 VRC (Villalobos Rescue Center)

  5541 Hwy 1, Napoleonville, LA 70390

EXCITING WEBSITE PUPDATE!

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re updating our website daily with new adoptable dogs!

Now that all of our dogs have been relocated from the city to our beautiful country property, we can finally focus on getting each one listed on our website. During this major transition, we simply didn’t have the manpower to keep up—but now, we’re making it happen!

Our dedicated team is now working hard to capture new photos, write bios, and upload every dog to the website so they have the best chance at finding their perfect home.

 New dogs are being added every day!

Follow our social media for featured pups!

Let’s find them their forever homes!

WE ARE HIRING KENNEL TECHS

With consolidating our city location to our Assumption Parish one, Our "Bayou Crab" location is a small satellite facility tucked away in the serenity of the swamp and surrounded by woods and nature. We have full-time employment available, and if you are interested, email us at: [email protected]

MARDI GRAS VRC MERCH

🎭🐾 New Merch Alert—Just in Time for Mardi Gras! 🐾🎭

We’re rolling out fresh new gear to celebrate the season, alongside our infamous “Show Me Your Pits” and “Show Me Your Ticks” designs! Whether you’re hitting the parades or just repping your love for the rescue, we’ve got the perfect fit for you.

Check out all the new merch and fan favorites at VRC Store and let the good times roll! 💜💚💛

#MardiGrasMerch #ShowMeYourPits #ShowMeYourTicks #SupportRescue

Slobbers and Drools,

Tia Torres

URGENT MEDICAL DONATIONS NEEDED!

Hey there, VRC ARMY. We need your help with this little sweetie. She was brought to us by animal control, and it appears she was attacked by another animal. We brought her to our vet and she underwent emergency surgery.

FROM OUR VET:

It's pretty bad, and she’s worried about the chest. She did code (meaning her heart stopped beating), but they got her back, and she’s going to be on fluids for at minimum 3-5 days she wants her to stay.

She had a penetrating wound into the abdomen (could see her stomach and liver through her skin). The two outside wounds connected. She started slowing and going agonal (basically dying) right when I finished. Her heart rate responded to a dose of epinephrine/atropine. Her lung, which was on the down side is collapsed because of being under anesthesia on that one side for extended time. Keeping her on oxygen overnight. Will re-evaluate in morning.

We are so thankful for the donations that have been sent. You have no idea how much they are appreciated. We had no idea she was this bad and we are all in agreement that she was attacked by "something." Probably another dog.

But it sounds like Coddle is going to be at the vet for quite a while and if anyone would like to donate to her vet care, we have various ways to do so: https://vrcpitbull.com/how-you-can-help/donations/

We will keep everyone updated on this sweet little baby. She's only the size of a Beagle so whatever got ahold of her, she stood no chance to defend herself

THE ADOPTABLES

Meet Ariat & Droup: Future Graduates of Our Prison Program!

Ariat and Droup have been hard at work in our PA prison program, mastering obedience skills, learning good manners, and proving just how amazing they are. These two incredible dogs have put in the time, and now they’re ready for their next big step—finding a loving home!

With their training complete and hearts full of love, Ariat and Droup are officially parole-ready and looking for their forever families. Could that be you?

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.

Interested in other adoptable dogs at Villalobos? Click below!

Want to help a VRC dog but can't bring another pooch into your home?  

Virtually adopt a VRC dog and get…

•A welcome email

•Your name under their bio on the website!

•The ability to send your dog care packages

•An invite to the exclusive VRC virtual adoption group page where you will get inside information, pictures and updates and much more!

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]

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 “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.

This week we spotlight Big Willie and River who have been added to our Sponsorship Program this week.

 🐾 Meet Big Willie and River: A Love Story from Villalobos Rescue Center 🐾

Big Willie, a gentle giant, was found in rough conditions on the streets of New Orleans. While his physical wounds have healed, his emotional scars have left him uncertain around strangers. Recognizing his need for a stable environment, we’ve made Villalobos Rescue Center his forever home.

During his time with us, Big Willie met River, and the two have become inseparable. River was born into our care at Villalobos Rescue Center. Due to severe anxiety and trust issues, she has faced challenges in becoming an adoption candidate. Despite these hurdles, River has formed deep bonds with her dedicated caretakers and, most importantly, with Big Willie. Their connection has provided River with the love and companionship she desperately needed.

Their love story highlights the importance of patience, understanding, and the transformative power of love in rescue.

Tassin needs Sponsors 

One of our employees spotted this gorgeous German Shepherd as she was driving through our small rural town. She barely noticed the dog chained up to this abandoned house.  It was evident that she had a severe injury because her entire hip area/back leg was “caved in.”  So we called our new animal control officer, who met us out there, and that’s when the story became questionable.She was confiscated and put into our care.

After the vet looked at her and going by the x-rays, we suspected blunt force trauma (her leg/hip was completely dislocated), and we opted to do the expensive surgery to save her.

Once she heals from her surgery, she will be put through heartworm treatment and then eventually we will put her up for adoption.  Tassin’s time will come. There is a family out there who will see her for the beauty that she is. But for now, we here at VRC and the VRC Army of donors, supporters and fans will treat her like the royalty she deserves to be.

To sponsor Big Willie, River, Tassin or any of the other dogs in our sponsor program, click below.

"I MISS YOUR SHOW" "HOW CAN I ASK TIA A QUESTION?"

As you can imagine, we get TONS of phone calls/emails daily. There is simply no physical way possible for me to sit at my desk and answer each call or email as they come in. Again, it is NOT physically possible. Add to this, I would not be able to get any other work done when it comes to actually running the rescue.

So.....I created a platform where you can have all of the above AND we can generate donations for the dogs. Oh and did I mention that you will also be able to watch the new online version of Pit Bulls & Parolees called "Life with the Underdogs?"

It's all here on our Patreon platform. We have several levels available (and yes, we have a YouTube channel). Check it out! There's even a "free" level!

WHERE CAN YOU FIND US?

VRC EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

In the heart of animal rescue lies a unique breed of human—one driven by compassion, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the creatures we share this world with. Kyle is one such person, a manager at Villalobos Rescue Center (VRC) with a lifelong passion for helping animals. With over a decade of experience at VRC and a background teeming with hands-on work and professional training, Kyle’s journey is nothing short of inspiring.

𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐧𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬.

“I grew up with all sorts of animals, and I was constantly bringing animals home to help rehabilitate. I had a fox, a bunch of raccoons, squirrels, birds of all types, fish, lizards, snakes, frogs, spiders, chickens, opossums… And of course cats and dogs. Most of my dogs have been larger breeds, Malamutes, Huskies, Great Pyrenees, German Shepherds, Dobermans, but I’ve also had a few smaller dogs like Pitbulls and even poodles.”

𝐇𝐨𝐰 𝐝𝐢𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐭 𝐕𝐑𝐂?

“I discovered VRC by accident, took a tour, volunteered for dog walks, and was offered a job. I’m one of the managers now. I’ve been the tour guide, I do behavioral work, training, go out on rescues—I work with the dogs. I’ve been here about a decade.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐟𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐥 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐬𝐮𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐫?

“I’ve taken the Karen Pryor courses, the Ian Dunbar courses, some of the Victoria Stilwell classes. I attend as many conferences as I can and have a library dedicated to dogs that make most other trainers jealous.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐝𝐨?

“For me, the most rewarding part of the job is when you see a dog coming out of its shell and showing you some trust and personality.”

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐭𝐢𝐦𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐕𝐑𝐂?

“One of my favorite stories to tell is when the WWE is in town for a show. A lot of their wrestlers love dogs and would come by for a tour or to walk dogs. It is usually the ‘bad guy’ wrestlers who stop by, and it is cool to see a 6-foot-8 tall tattoo-covered bad guy absolutely melt over a puppy or an older dog.”

𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐝𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐢𝐬 𝐬𝐨 𝐢𝐦𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐭?

“I work with animals because I believe that humans owe them. We domesticated them, we breed them, we have to step up and not abandon them.”

𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚 𝐟𝐨𝐫𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐞𝐝 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧:

“I remember as a little kid, maybe 4 or 5 years old, going to the playground by myself and seeing a stray dog. For some reason, I got scared and called it a ‘bad dog!’ and told it to go home. I started walking home when suddenly it hit me that this dog was scared and lost and came up to me for help. I was sick with guilt and I spent hours looking for it. After that day, any stray, any hurt or sick animal I brought home and still do.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐥𝐢𝐤𝐞 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?

“When it comes to animal rescue, people should know that we pour our heart and soul into this, and sometimes we can become exhausted not only from the rescuing and seeing the abuse out there, but from the abuse people give us, both online and in real life. If you know someone who works in rescue and they seem grumpy, buy them a coffee or send them some funny memes. We cry more than you think we do, and a good chuckle at a video or cartoon or a kind word of encouragement can help us get through a tough day.”

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚𝐝𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬?

“When it comes to adopting, if you aren’t sure if you are ready to adopt, why not foster first? It gets a dog out, you can discover if you are ready for a dog or not, and everyone wins.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐰𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐟𝐞𝐞𝐥 𝐬𝐭𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐥𝐲 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐢𝐧 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?

“When it comes to rescue work, two things that I feel strongly about are rehabilitation and community outreach. Too many times people have felt that they need to surrender a dog because they didn’t have the resources or knowledge to improve their situation with their pet. Sometimes all it can take is a simple fix like repairing a fence, or even showing someone how to properly hold a leash to make a world of difference for them and their dog. Sometimes people just need a little updated education to learn how to improve their relationship with their dog. When we have empathy and help others in those situations, we can build stronger communities that are more knowledgeable in animal welfare.”

𝐓𝐞𝐥𝐥 𝐮𝐬 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐨𝐰𝐧 𝐩𝐞𝐭𝐬.

“I have dogs and lizards and chickens. Everyone in my neighborhood knows my dogs and will come out of their houses to say hello to them when I take them for a walk.

“Teriyaki, my Doberman, is the one most people know best. One of my dogs, Mule, met a USPS driver delivering a package one day. The driver was nervous and asked me if he was friendly, and I told him all of my dogs are, and he can pet Mule if he likes. The driver gave him a butt rub and then asked me if Teriyaki lived here. I told him yes, and he got all excited, telling me he has heard of him. The driver asked if he could give Mule a cookie and ran back to his truck. After a few moments, he came back with a chicken sandwich to split with Mule, who loved every bite of it.”

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐭𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞?

“Something that dogs have taught me is better control of my emotions. When approaching a stray that you don’t know, being calmer and happy helps win a dog over. Even after you have the dog secure, if a dog is scared or unsure, being calm and respectful, and using your head can help bring that dog around much faster and build trust.”

𝐈𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐜𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐛𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐠, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐛𝐞?

“If I could be any dog, I would want to be an Irish Wolfhound. Gigantic, powerful dogs with a kind heart.”

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐲, 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐛𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐣𝐨𝐲 𝐢𝐧 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤?

“At the end of the day, I sleep in a pile of large-breed dogs in my bed, drifting off to the sounds of them snoring. Any happy ending story will always make me smile. I love seeing pics of dogs I’ve rescued or worked with living their best lives.”

Kyle’s passion, empathy, and wisdom shine through in his work at VRC and beyond. His dedication to animals and his community serves as a reminder of how one person’s efforts can ripple out to make the world a better place!

𝐉𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐮𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐊𝐲𝐥𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐝𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐕𝐑𝐂!