- Straight Outta Swampton
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- Straight Outta Swampton
Straight Outta Swampton
Issue #35
Jenna Mason
March 10, 2025
❤️🐾Everything Villalobos in One Place! 🐾❤️
Want to follow our journey, support the dogs, or grab some VRC merch? We’ve made it easy—find ALL our links in one spot!
From our official website and social media pages to donation options and merch, it’s all there! Every follow, share, and contribution helps us continue our mission.
It takes a village, thank you for being part of the VRC family!
“Where’s Tia?!” – The Question We Get Asked Most
Ever since Pit Bulls & Parolees went off the air, the number one question we get is: “Where’s Tia?!” Well, don’t worry—Boss Lady is still here, still fighting for the dogs, and still finding ways to keep Villalobos Rescue Center afloat in a world where the animal rescue community is in crisis. With the show ending, she had to figure out new ways to keep going, and has been working harder than ever to make sure we can continue her mission. If you’re looking for all things Tia, we’ve got you covered! From her different podcasts to our Pit Bulls & Parolees spinoff, Life with the Underdogs, and so much more—this is where you can stay connected and keep up with everything happening behind the scenes.
The fight isn’t over—it’s just taking on new forms. Thank you for always standing by us!
MERCH IDEAS OVERLOAD….BUT FIRST!
We have SO many exciting new merch ideas brewing, butttttt…—we need to clear our shelves!
This is your chance to grab some of our current merch before it’s gone! Every purchase helps support our rescue efforts and the dogs in our care. We have something for everyone!
Shop now & stay tuned for what’s coming next! 🛒 https://vrcstore.dog/shop
#ShopForACause #VillalobosMerch #MakingRoomForMore
Slobbers and Drools,
Tia Torres
FULL CIRCLE: BACK TO OUR ROOTS
Villalobos Rescue Center started in 1993 with a mission dedicated to rescuing wolves and wolf-dogs. Seven years later, our path took a turn, and we shifted our focus to the misunderstood American Pit Bull Terrier, entrusting the care of our original rescues to another organization.
Who could have guessed that over two decades later, fate would bring us back to where it all began? Life has a way of coming full circle, and now, we find ourselves once again embracing the majestic canines that first led us on this journey.
THE STORY CONTINUES… For the past few years, we’ve been quietly building something truly special—a breathtaking wolf sanctuary in Texas. If you’ve been following our journey, you probably remember the two most intense rescues involving devastating wolfdog situations. Those moments reinforced our calling and led us back to where it all began.
Now, we’re excited to finally share the progress of this stunning property and introduce you to the magnificent canines who call it home. Welcome to our “Village of the Wolves.” Stay tuned… this is just the beginning!
TWO MORE HAPPY ENDINGS!
This week, two of our beloved dogs found their forever homes!
Ariat, one of our dedicated prison dogs, officially got his parole and landed himself in an absolutely amazing home! His journey from training to adoption has been incredible, and we couldn’t be happier for him.
Dizzy, a favorite among our volunteer dog walkers, has embarked on a new adventure all the way to Oklahoma! He now has a wonderful family and an older doggy sister to show him the ropes.
Wishing both Ariat and Dizzy the happiest lives ahead—this is what rescue is all about! 💙🏡 #ForeverHome #RescueSuccess #VillalobosRescue
Ariat and his new family
Dizzy and his new mom
THE ADOPTABLES
🐾 Welcome Bogo, Spears, Pecan, and Castle to SCI Rockview! 🐾
We’re excited to welcome Bogo, Spears, Pecan, and Castle to our Prison Program at SCI Rockview in PA! These pups are ready to tighten up their basic training, learn some new skills, and get the extra polish they need to find their forever homes. With the dedication of their handlers, they’ll be ready to be paw-rolled in no time! Stay tuned for updates on their progress. 🐶💙
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 JOHNSON – 11 YEARS OLD & STILL WAITING FOR HIS PERSON
Johnson has been with us for most of his life. Found running down a busy street near our old New Orleans location—dumped by the scrap yard—his journey hasn’t been an easy one. Life in the kennels has always been tough for him. More than anything, he craves love, attention, and a person to call his own.
At 11 years old, Johnson is sweet, sensitive, and just wants to be by your side. He’s the kind of dog who will follow you anywhere, always ready to soak up love and companionship. He doesn’t mind older, calmer kids but prefers to be the only pet in your family. Could you be the one to finally give Johnson the home he’s been waiting for? 💙
#AdoptJohnson #ForeverHomeNeeded #SeniorDogsRock #VillalobosRescue
MEET FELONY- 9 YEARS YOUND & FULL OF LOVE!
Felony’s story is a heartbreaking one—after her owner passed away, his mother was unable to care for the multiple dogs he left behind. When we found them, they were living in unsavory conditions, and we didn’t hesitate to bring them into our rescue.
Despite it all, Felony (or “FellyBellyButton” as her caregivers call her) has the sweetest soul. She absolutely loves making new dog friends and still has plenty of energy—you’d never guess she’s a senior with the way she bounces and trots around!
Now, she just needs one more thing—a forever home. Could it be with you? 💙
#AdoptFelony #SeniorsDeserveLoveToo #ForeverHomeNeeded #VillalobosRescue
Interested in other adoptable dogs at Villalobos? Click below!
💻VIRTUAL ADOPTERS UNITE💻
Well here's your chance to "adopt" a VRC dog and help us bring him/her one step closer to getting a forever home of their own.
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]
MEET FUDGE
🐶What is the name of your company and what do you do?
We’re Sphero! We make programmable robots, hands-on STEM learning tools, and supporting curricula that make school fun for kids in grades PK through 12th grade.
🐶What inspired your company to virtually adopt a dog from VRC?
We're an animal-loving bunch here at Sphero. Since we're a virtual company, with just our Warehouse and Hong Kong teams on-site, our Slack channels are where the day-to-day action happens. We have a channel called "Aww" where everyone shares pictures of their adorable critters – fur babies (and some human babies), scales, fins, you name it! That's actually where I first mentioned Dutchess and the VRC program. It turns out that we have quite a few Pittie fans among us. People were excited about the program, and someone suggested we virtually adopt a dog for our team. That sparked a whole wave of enthusiasm!
🐶Did any team members already know about VRC or Pitbulls and Parolees?
There are quite a few fans on our team, for sure! I am fortunate enough to VA Dutchess and sponsor Sugar Plum and Kenai. Others on the team are familiar with Pitbulls and Parolees.
🐶How did you select the dog you virtually adopted and why?
Realizing we would have more resources with more people, we decided to go with a larger and/or more senior dog so we could spoil them. Since the Sphero mission supports kids' education, we also searched for a cute name. After many of us took a look at the pups, the team trusted me (Jamie) to choose some options, and then we voted. Fudge was our choice! We had a hard time voting, and many people said it was the hardest thing we did that day –ha! We wanted all of them.
🐶How does this adoption align with your company’s values and mission?
One of our core values as a company is to be Changemakers. While animal rescue is outside the realm of what we do professionally at Sphero, VRC is making a change, and that aligns with what we strive to do daily.
🐶What impact do you hope to make by supporting VRC and its rescue efforts?
This started as an initiative to give back in a way that aligns with something many folks at Sphero are passionate about – we wanted to help dogs in need. It provides an outlet for our team members to support animal rescue in a low-lift way, which may inspire them to get more involved in their local rescue communities. It would also be great if other companies started doing this to spread the impact further!
🐶How does your team plan to stay engaged with the dog’s journey and updates?
I (Jamie) am leading this effort and will monitor and share the updates from the Facebook page with the team in our dedicated Slack channel for Fudge.
🐶How do you encourage employees to participate in or feel connected to this adoption?
The group that wanted to contribute to this VA all participated in choosing Fudge and chose to be involved in the VA program. Continuing to send updates on Fudge to them will help them feel connected and engaged with this pup. We will also open this to the rest of the company if anyone else wants to send treats to Fudge. He will be our “office” pup in a virtual environment like we all are at Sphero.
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.
 Melon | This sweet senior has faced many challenges, and recently, he’s been feeling unwell. After tests and vet visits, we’ve received the tough news—Melon has been diagnosed with Cushing’s disease. Melon’s journey hasn’t been easy. His severe anxiety and dog reactivity have made it difficult to find the right home. He resides in a satellite location with amazing staff that have learned different ways to give him comfort in these golden years. Melon thrives on routine and enrichment and we are grateful to have our experienced staff that take the extra steps to help our anxious dogs. Sponsoring Melon, would not only help us with his essentials, but also his medical care and medication. |
🐈The Kajun Kitties🐈
As part of our ongoing TNR efforts, we recently trapped these two beautiful cats, Wisteria and Lark. Right now, we’re getting all their medical care taken care of and learning more about their personalities. While it’s still early, they’re showing signs that they might just be adoptable—so stay tuned!
Lark
Wisteria
In the meantime, our Kajun Kitties could use some extra support! We’re in need of adult Purina cat food and, as always, Tidy Cats litter to keep these kitties comfortable. Every little bit helps! If you’d like to send supplies our way, we’d be so grateful. Thank you for supporting our feline friends!
Special Soul Looking for a Second Chance
PJ is a stunning 3-year-old Siamese who came to us in 2022 under heartbreaking circumstances. He was deeply loved by his elderly bed bound owner, but when her aid bailed on her, she no longer could care for him, and he and his feline companions were left in a difficult situation. A welfare check was done after neighbors became concerned which led to her receiving the care she desperately needed but unfortunately this left her cats behind and their future unknown. We made a promise to her that PJ would be well cared for, no matter how long it took to find him the right home. At first, PJ was very scared and unsure of his new surroundings but this past year, he has truly blossomed. While he may never be the cuddliest cat, he would make a wonderful companion for someone with a calm home who understands that he’ll need time to adjust to house life.
Could you be the patient, loving person PJ needs? If you’re interested in giving this special boy the home he deserves or other VRC cat, please email [email protected]. If you would like to purchase our Kajun Kitties Tee, please click on the link below! All money raised with this purchase goes to helping us vet the Kajun Kitties.
🐾 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐕𝐑𝐂 𝐊𝐢𝐝𝐬 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤! 🐾
This month, two of our amazing VRC kids are celebrating their birthdays! 🎉
Amelia (turning 11) and Mikayela (turning 10) have one wish this year—not for gifts, but to give back.
These incredible girls spend their afternoons helping their mom care for the dogs at VRC, running to the vet for checkups and emergencies, and making a difference every single day. Instead of presents, they want to help cover some of our ever-growing vet bills—and trust us, we have plenty!
𝐓𝐨 𝐡𝐨𝐧𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐬𝐞𝐥𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐬𝐡, 𝐰𝐞’𝐫𝐞 𝐥𝐚𝐮𝐧𝐜𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐆𝐢𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐫𝐢𝐝 𝐟𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐫𝐚𝐢𝐬𝐞𝐫 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐚 𝐠𝐨𝐚𝐥 𝐨𝐟 $𝟓,𝟓𝟎𝟎 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐮𝐩𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐞𝐝𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞𝐬. 𝐄𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧, 𝐛𝐢𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐬𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐥, 𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐩𝐬 𝐮𝐬 𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐯𝐢𝐝𝐞 𝐥𝐢𝐟𝐞-𝐬𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐫𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐰𝐡𝐨 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐢𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭.
Let’s make Amelia and Mikayela’s birthday wish come true! 🎂🐶❤️ Donate today and help the VRC kids help the dogs!
VRCkids #HelpTheDogs #BirthdayWishForRescue #GivingGrid
🎭🐶 Does Your Dog Love to Dress Up? 🐶🎭
If your pup enjoys turning heads in a stylish outfit (or if you just love seeing them in one 😆), we’ve got the perfect look! There are still some Mardi Gras muscle tees left from our pittie clothing collab—because who says the party has to stop? 🎉💜💛💚 Bonus: $10 from each dog tee or human pants sold goes straight to VRC to support the dogs who need it most.
Snag one before they’re gone! https://pittieclothing.com/collections/mardi-gras
#DressUpYourDog #MardiGrasVibes #ShopForACause #VRC
What is VRC Vintage?
If not for the kindness and generosity of our fans and supporters, VRC Vintage would not exist. It is through donations of their treasures from times past, that we can offer up some amazing memories in the way of clothing, shoes, and jewelry. All of the money raised from these sales goes 100% to the dogs of Villalobos Rescue Center.
Check out our Collection: From the Closet of…
All items have been personally worn and used by cast members of Pit Bulls and Parolees and may have appeared on the show.
REMINDER:
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
WHERE CAN YOU FIND US?
🐶🍪Healthy Dog Treat Baking🍪🐶
Tired of your dog judging you while you eat cookies? Make them their own! Here’s a super simple, tail-waggingly delicious dog cookie recipe:
✨ Ingredients:
✔️ 1 banana 🍌 (preferably not stolen off the counter)
✔️ ½ cup peanut butter 🥜 (no xylitol!)
✔️ 1 cup whole wheat flour 🌾 (fancy, right?)
🔥 Instructions:
1️⃣ Preheat oven to 350°F (or just let your dog stare at you while you figure it out).
2️⃣ Mash banana & peanut butter together until it looks like something vaguely edible.
3️⃣ Add whole wheat flour and mix until you get a dough-like substance (technical term).
4️⃣ Roll it out and cut into cute shapes: bones, hearts, your dog’s arch-nemesis, etc.
5️⃣ Place on baking sheet and bake for 15 minutes (aka one eternity in dog time).
6️⃣ Let cool, then let your pup enjoy! 🐕💖
Warning: May cause excessive drooling, polite begging, and a sudden interest in baking. 🍪🐾
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