Straight Outta Swampton

Issue #18

THIS WEEK AT VRC

Hi Villalobos Pack!

As the summer heat kicks into high gear here in Louisiana, we’re all working hard to take care of the dogs—both in our homes and in our rescue. Just like us, our dogs feel the effects of the scorching sun, and the signs of overheating can look surprisingly similar. Heavy panting, exhaustion, and even dizziness are all things we might experience in the heat, and our dogs are no different. While we’re out there making sure they have plenty of shade, cool water, and a safe place to rest, it’s important to keep an eye out for these signs.

Early detection is so important to preventing heat stroke! Here are the warning signs:

  • Excessive Panting: Rapid, heavy breathing is the first sign your dog is overheating.

  • Increased Heart Rate: A fast pulse may indicate your dog is struggling to cool down.

  • Excessive Drooling: Thick, sticky saliva can be a sign of heat stress.

  • Lethargy: Sudden tiredness or difficulty walking could mean heat exhaustion.

  • Vomiting/Diarrhea: Digestive issues can signal that your dog is too hot.

  • Bright Red or Pale Gums: Red gums indicate heat stress; pale gums may suggest shock.

  • Confusion/Dizziness: Disorientation or stumbling are signs of severe overheating.

  • Collapse/Seizures: In extreme cases, your dog may collapse or have a seizure—seek emergency care.

Preventive Tips:

  • Provide fresh water and shade.

  • Avoid outdoor activities during peak heat.

  • Use cooling products like mats or vests.

Let’s make sure our four-legged friends (and yourself!) stay safe and cool this summer, even in this sweltering weather!

Slobbers and Drools,

Tia Torres

THE ADOPTABLES

Cinnamon

Meet Cinnamon, an 11.5-year-old hound mix with the heart of a puppy! After losing her owner on Christmas Eve 2023, this playful girl is ready for a fresh start. She loves playing fetch, snuggling on the couch, and soaking up belly rubs. Cinnamon would be happiest as the only pet in the home, where she can enjoy all the love and attention she deserves. If you’re looking for a loyal companion, Cinnamon is the perfect match!

Bitta

Britta is a 3.5-year-old German Shepherd with a heart full of love. Though she can be a bit shy at first, once she feels comfortable and trusts you, she’ll become an incredibly loyal and affectionate companion. Britta is both dog and cat-friendly, making her a great fit for multi-pet households. She loves car rides and is crate trained, so she’s ready to join you on all of life’s adventures. If you're looking for a gentle and loving friend, Britta could be the perfect match.

To adopt Cinnamon or Bitta and learn more about other adoptable dogs at Villalobos click below.

VRC SPONSOR PROGRAM

Worm

WORM NEEDS A SPONSOR

This is a story of inspiration and a little dog named Worm who will always have my heart.

In 2012, we rescued Worm from a rural shelter in Assumption Parish. She was one of the first dogs we pulled from the area, and she was in a heartbreaking state—unwilling to walk on a leash, not social, and completely shut down. We brought her to our main facility in New Orleans, hoping to help her, but the shelter environment only made things worse. Worm became even more withdrawn, losing weight, pacing in her kennel, and showing no interest in life.

Worm became one of many dogs lost in the overwhelming demands of rescue work. However, when we acquired new property in Assumption Parish thanks to an estate donation, we decided to bring Worm back to a more peaceful environment. Within days of living with me, Worm started to show her “hidden talents”, and her new life began. Although there's still work to be done, she has given us hope and renewed our determination to keep going.

Worm was brought "home again," where she feels most comfortable, and we have been finally getting to know the real Worm. As she continues to heal and grow, we are grateful for the support that allows us to help dogs like her.

Sadly, Worm’s age and health have declined. At approximately 14 years of age, her lungs are weak and she is not as active as she used to be. She is now in hospice with me (Tia Torres) on medications to keep her comfortable. Worm has always had my heart and when her time comes, mine will be broken to pieces. Until then, please feel free to send her goodies so that we can make her remaining time feeling the love that she so much deserves.

To sponsor Worm, 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.

HAVE YOU HEARD AT VRC?

The day has finally come! Tuesday, August 13th marked the start of what we hope will continue to be a successful foster dog program: 90 DOG FIANCÉ!

Ten dogs left VRC Tuesday morning. We are so thankful for the foster homes that stepped up to help these dogs have the best 90 days of their lives (until they hopefully get a permanent home of their own).

Prepping the van!

I will keep everyone posted on the Villalobos Facebook page as each dog is dropped off.

In the past, we have not had the best of luck with foster homes. So this time, all we ask is that the fosters allow our dogs to remain with them for 90 days so that we can get past hurricane season and have (10) less dogs in our care in case a storm hits us here in Louisiana.

While these foster dogs are in their foster homes, we will begin promoting them on all of our social media platforms with the hope that we can get them homes before the 90 days is up so that they do not have to come back to kennel life here at VRC.

90 DOG FIANCÉ sponsors will be invited to our private Facebook group for the 90 DOG FIANCÉ dogs and their foster homes. In this group, sponsors will be able to keep up with the latest on their progress within their foster homes as well as some "one on one" with the VRC krewe and the fosters through livestreams and daily posts.

And for the 90 DOG FINACÉ fosters...you will get a free shirt!

If you are interested in becoming a 90 Dog Fiancé foster home, email us at: [email protected]

90 Dog Fiancé T-Shirts

Also when you purchase one of our 90 DOG FIANCÉ shirts, that money will go towards travel expenses as we make our way up the East Coast and into the East side of the Midwest to drop off dogs.

To purchase one of our shirts to help with the transport trip, click here:

Crossing fingers and paws that none of these dogs have to come back to VRC in November!

TEXAS SANCTUARY

Baloo

Dex

From Texas Manager Amy: This time of year in Texas is all about battling the relentless heat and trying to keep up with the ever-growing grass. The summer sun seems to be on a mission to slow us down, but Dex and Baloo (aka Black) remain completely unfazed by it all. Dex, our ever-energetic boy, got to enjoy a refreshing stop by the local lake this week after being such a trooper during his vet visit. His joyful splashes were the perfect reward for his good behavior. Meanwhile, Baloo, with his regal demeanor, lounges comfortably on his throne, surveying his domain like the true king he is. As we work hard to keep his enclosure beautiful and lush, it’s clear that nothing disturbs his royal relaxation. The heat might be intense, but for Dex and Baloo, these summer days are just another opportunity to soak up life and enjoy the little moments.

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