TIA IS AIRING OUT HER DIRTY LAUNDRY

Well actually its doggie dirty laundry. Because we give our dogs daily housekeeping, the dirty blankets from their dog houses have piled up due to all this horrible rain. With only one working washing machine, its more than we can keep up with. If anyone out there wants to stop by and pick up a bag or two and wash it for the pooches, we'd so appreciate it. Yeah I know, its not as exciting as what could be "Tia's dirty laundry" but we'll save that for another time :)

ADOPTIONS OF THE WEEK!

This week Vamp and Ruby went to their new homes. Poor Vamp has been adopted out before so for him this was something special. Ruby has had a horrible life so now she is on the road to recovery. Both are now out of our kennels and now schnoozing away on a warm bed in a warm house. Our job is done and we are happy.

REST IN PEACE MY CRAZY LITTLE GIRL

I've been running Villalobos Rescue Center for around 17 years. I've obviously seen so many dogs that they tend to become one big blur. But Darla, oh man, did she ever make an imprint on me from the day she landed here. As a pup, Darla had always been a little "different" She definitely walked to the beat of her own drummer. Despite this, we did try to adopt her out a couple of times only to be returned for her "oddness". So this crazy little girl became a part of our family and actually became a household member, sleeping next to me each and every night for over 10 years. Each morning, her sunrise ritual was to completely shread her blanket until it was sawdust. By the time the afternoon came, she loved nothing more than to play with her frisbee. We called her "hardcore" because nothing phased her. She would march right out into the rain and run around like it was any other day. I loved reciting that adorable scene from the Lil Rascals when Alfalfa spoke his mind to Darla......"Dear Darla, I hate your stinking guts. You are the scum between my toes....Love Alfalfa..." I started each morning with this silly little speech and she loved it. I loved it. My day started with crazy Darla. She's only been gone a matter of hours and I miss her so much already. Maybe tonight I'll go and toss a frisbee in her honor. Love you crazy girl.

HOT DIGGITY DAWG!

Sarah, Peanut and Zoey sent us a Merry Pitmas greeting and all I can say is guys....if this gal is single, you're all blind. This is one GORGEOUS family!

THANK YOU FROM OUR FRIENDS ON THE EAST COAST

Jane from New Jersey sent us a big hug from Camelot, a dog that she helped find a home at the animal shelter. Obviously there are MUCH better things coming out of Jersey other than Snooki..hehehehe

NOELLE - Our Spicy Southern New Arrival

Noelle is the first rescue to have been saved thru our new program: LA. to L.A. Pit Bull Project which was made possible by a grant received thru the Pearl Family Foundation out of Louisiana.

As you can see this gal has got alot to say. She is so happy to be out of the shelter and now a California Girl (Now thinking about it, maybe she's singing that Katy Perry song). As we get to know her better, keep on watch on our Dogs for Adoption link on our website. This is one hot Mama!

COOPER - NEW ARRIVAL

It was a busy morning. We had (4) dogs come in (no more for awhile or at least until after we move) Cooper, a sweet and shy big boy, came all the way here from San Antonio, Texas. As we get to know him, stay tuned for his full profile on our Dogs for Adoption page.

TIA'S WEAPON OF CHOICE

When it comes to handling this breed as I have for 17 years, I've seen it all. First and foremost we don't use any negative training devices or methods. A true trainer uses the best tool of all: his/her mind. But in order to do that, a good and effective trainer must have the proper equipment to make the dog successful, safe and happy. This past year I was introduced to Ray Allen's equipment, specifically the Ram-Tech leashes/leads. The feel of real leather and the clasps are hardcore strong yet not so bulky that they get in the way or are too heavy for the dog. I absolutely love them. They are a MUST for all Pit Bull and Bully owners!

http://www.rayallen.com/category/RAM-Tech_Working_Leads/?r=villalobosrc

OUR ELVES ARE AMERICAN BULLIES

A big thanks to the Chavez Family (sorry Benny for cutting off your head) and the rest of the American Bully gang for their donations and a truck load of goodies. Thanks to all of you, our dogs will have a Merry Pitmas!!!

WELLS FARGO BANK - SECRET PIT BULL LOVERS?

So I'm standing in line yesterday at my bank, admiring the cool mural on the wall. True to Wells Fargo history, it is the famous stagecoach with an array of other vintage type photos. Then my eyes catch the image of a cute little dog on top of what looks like an old safe. Am I imagining things? Is this really what I think it is? A Pit Bull being admired thru the pages of history? Yes folks, even corporate American can't deny our breed's history!

THE BACHELOR(S)

So the search continues for Creature as he still awaits that home of his own. The legend of the Gargoyle is one of devotion and protection. Though at a glance they appear to be almost demonic, they are actually protectors from Evil. They give a feeling of security and safety and this is all Creature wants.....to be secure and safe in someone's home. And because so many of our stories overlap, another "tough guy on the outside" too remains a "bachelor". To answer one of the most common asked questions....yes ladies.....Jake is single and up for adoption. But if you don't act quickly, the spicey gals of Baton Rouge, Louisiana might be armed with those roses before the competition even starts. But all kidding aside, though both of our bachelors are available, they both share a few similarities.....they are kind, have a great sense of humor.....AND MAKE GREAT ARM CANDY!

BILLY BOUNCES BACK

Since the filming of Billy's episode, things have changed for the best. Besides turning over a new leaf or should I say "leash".....Billy has taken the "bully" by the horns (geez I'm full of corny cliches' tonight) and not only has he taken on more pride in his work, he has become the property manager of our new location. On his own, Billy had taken the responsibility of learning our new green system for our new mountain location, introduced himself to all the neighbors and learned the area well but has become a happier person all around. His sense of humor has gotten him thru some bumps in the road and has also found him a new friend here at Villalobos: Naja one of the sweetest Pit Bulls we have here. And Billy is one of the most honest parolees I've ever hired and though he likes to play silly and dumb, he is actually soooooo smart. Some fun facts about Billy: he's a GREAT cook, he loves cats (he's gonna kill me for letting the cat out of the bag...oh brother there I go again), and his nicknames consist of Billy Willy Goat (given to him by the twins) and HillBilly (now that he's living on the mountain at the new place) And yes, I've given Billy a couple more chances past that "second chance" but it was well worth it. To us, he is our Prince William.

A GIFT FROM BEYOND THE WALLS

As most of you know, we are big advocates to inmate rehabilitation and giving a second chance to those that have made mistakes. So how endearing is it when the "gift" is returned. The inmates of the prison dog program in the Refurbished Pets of Southern Michigan program made us this sweater for one of our dogs. They crochet/knit these doggie sweaters and sell them to help support their cell dog program. We were honored with one (Dutch is proudly modeling) and we can't thank them enough for trying to turn their lives around. If you have a chance, read more about their program at: http://www.rpsm.us/Home.html

The LA. to L.A. Pit Bull Project begins

This past year, I visited Louisiana for the first time. I walked the streets of New Orleans and the Lower 9th Ward and witnessed for myself the devastation left behind by Katrina. It had been 5 years and still, the people and their pets were suffering. Pit Bulls are the most abundant and neglected breed of dog in the area. With little to no resources for these dogs, we vowed to step in and help. Thanks to a grant given by the Pearl Family Foundation, we can finally begin our project. Today Jake and Mando and a group of spicey Southern gals, rescued "Noelle" from a shelter in Baton Rouge. As I type this she is now resting quietly in her own hotel room (well she has to share it with Jake and Mando), awaiting her journey back to Villalobos where she will await for a new family to adopt her. Anyone out there looking for their own Southern Belle?

THE PORCUPINE DOGS!

The journey has begun. Today Jake and Mando left on the long drive to Texas to pick up these poor dogs. A few weeks ago I received an email from a nice woman who had been feeding a couple of shy stray dogs for a long long time. Then one day they showed up with hundreds of quills from a porcupine, pertruding from their heads, mouth, neck, etc. She called everyone she could think of but no one would help. Because the dogs were so shy no one could get near them. She watched in horror as days passed by and the dogs' injuries became more infected. Villalobos stepped up to the plate to take them in but because of the distance there was no way for us to get out there in time to trap these dogs. That's when the Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center became our heroes. Because of their experience with handling wild and exotic animals, capturing a couple of Pit mixes was a piece of cake. Not only did they catch them within one day, but they then rushed them to their on site vet who spents hours and actually days, removing the porcupine's "daggers". Now on the road to recovery, we are in the road to rescue them and bring them back here. We are asking that anyone who wants to help with these dogs to please make a donation to the Wildlife Rescue Center at: http://www.wildlife-rescue.org/ Without these people, these dogs would've died!

MEET AND GREET THIS SATURDAY!

This Saturday, Dec. 11th, meet Tania and Mariah aka the sisters of Pit Bulls and Parolees at the "Bully Give Back Show" in San Bernardino, CA. The Bully community has been very supportive for Villalobos Rescue Center and has helped raised thousands of dollars to keep our doors open. This event specifically is one that donations are being gathered all in the spirit of "Pitmas"

Hope to see you all there!

FIRST THERE WAS DANCES WITH WOLVES....

Now.......RUNS WITH CHIHUAHUAS! Jake and Taco having a fun time at the River Walk Spay/Neuter event.

FUN TIMES AT RIVER WALK PARK

We had a great crowd and most hung around getting to know each other and exchanging Pit Bull stories.....all good ones of course. Add to that, everyone did the responsible thing by licensing their dog with the county. Not only is this the responsible thing to do and is also for the safety of your dog, but it gives the county much needed funding to be able to help more dogs. Nothing like a devoted and caring Pit Bull owner to make the day a great one!

ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL SPAY/NEUTER EVENT IN BAKERSFIELD

What a great day we had today: 40 dogs total that took advantage of our program. Free spaying and neutering, vaccinations and microchipping. Then for a $15 cost for your county license, you then got all sorts of freebies from us. But the best part was meeting the people and dogs of Bakersfield. I am quickly falling in love with the Pit Bull and Bully owners of "Bako". Despite it being such a big city, everyone still has that small town attitude which I just adore.
Everyone was great and we can't wait to go back in January. Anyone interested in getting involved with the Kern County Pit Bull Project, email us at: kerncountypitbullproject@gmail.com or call: 661-238-3030. Again, you guys are absolutely the best!!

KERN COUNTY PIT BULL SPAY/NEUTER EVENT TODAY!!!

Well I'm on my way up to the big town of Bakersfield for yet another successful free spay/neuter event. We are so excited and feel so honored that the Heigl Foundation gave us a $50,000 grant to give out this fantastic service to the desperate Pit Bull owners of Kern County. Kern County is the 3rd largest county in the state of California and they have such a hard time out there with little to no resources for their dogs. Being that Pit Bulls make up the majority of the stray dog population, times are pretty damn rough for our breed out there. Our first event on Nov. 20th, got 37 Pit Bulls spayed and neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and licensed. Today we hope to break that record or at least come close. Anyone who wants to stop by and say "hi", we will be at River Walk Park on Stockdale Hwy, Bakersfield.

PETRA - WE WILL MISS YOU

One of the hardest things to deal with are the dogs that come here and never get adopted before their time comes to an end on this Earth. Petra was one of those dogs. And though her last few days were spent with our gals Rita and Heidi, its just not enough. But its the best we can do for them in their final hours. Petra, your happy go lucky smile will be so missed.

THE FIRST SNOW....

at our new place on the mountain. We got an early snow up at our new place and one of the twins, "Moe" and Monster enjoyed the day.

LOUISIANA HERE WE COME!

One of our dream projects is finally under way. Thanks to a grant gifted to us, we are able to start our LA. to L.A. Pit Bull Project. The funding given will allow us to drive into various parts of Louisiana on a case by case basis and bring back a Pit Bull in need, back here to Villalobos. With the state of Louisiana literally without any Pit Bull rescue facilities, we offered our assistance after a visit earlier this year to New Orleans and the Katrina area. Next week we will be bringing back "Noel", a little black and white female who ended up at a very high kill shelter in Baton Rouge. Thanks to the kindness of the Pearl Family Foundation, we will be able to help the Pit Bulls of the South.