His name is Mr. Wilson and despite having such a strong name, his life has been nothing but neglect and pain.  A few days ago we got a 911 email from a woman in a rural part of Louisiana, pleading for help for a dog chained up behind her home.  A "friend" had gone to jail for a very violent crime and he literally chained and staked his dog into the ground to ask her to "take care of him".  The chain was so heavy that Mr. Wilson couldn't lift his head off of the ground.   Mr. Wilson's caretaker was too scared to say anything but she finally pleaded with his owner to at least put a smaller weighted chain on him.  For a short time she tried her best to take care of him with limited funds and 3 Pit Bulls of her own.  Finally she couldnt take it anymore and she gathered up her courage and called us to come and set Mr. Wilson free.

We arrived and were heartbroken at what we saw.  A chain so heavy that I could barely pick it up.  His spine was hunched and his legs bowed, probably from years on this heavy chain.  The once leather collar had hardened into what felt like petrified wood and we had to use bolt cutters to cut it off of his neck because the chain was too thick.  And despite all of this, Mr. Wilson was happy and so grateful for all we had done.  He ran around the grass and peed on every bush, of course in between licks and hugs.  Barely able to see out of his infected eyes, he still mananged to run to our van and practically jump in to a warm crate with lots of clean blankets.  But what Mr. Wilson needs now is a sponsor to help with his vet bills and what he would love more than anything at this time is his very own dog house/igloo.  Not only has this bug ole lug of a dog never had a kind hand to pet his head or slept indoors, but to have a real dog house of his own and filled with fluffy blankets, would give him such happiness. 

Because we have taken in so many dogs since arriving in New Orleans, we are completely out of dog houses/igloos.  Any help towards sponsoring this very special dog would be so appreciated.  Once healthy, he is going to make someone a very special companion.  And though we have many special dogs here……a pooch like Mr. Wilson only comes around once in a lifetime.

His name is Mr. Wilson and despite having such a strong name, his life has been nothing but neglect and pain.  A few days ago we got a 911 email from a woman in a rural part of Louisiana, pleading for help for a dog chained up behind her home.  A "friend" had gone to jail for a very violent crime and he literally chained and staked his dog into the ground to ask her to "take care of him".  The chain was so heavy that Mr. Wilson couldn't lift his head off of the ground.   Mr. Wilson's caretaker was too scared to say anything but she finally pleaded with his owner to at least put a smaller weighted chain on him.  For a short time she tried her best to take care of him with limited funds and 3 Pit Bulls of her own.  Finally she couldn't take it anymore and she gathered up her courage and called us to come and set Mr. Wilson free.

We arrived and were heartbroken at what we saw.  A chain so heavy that I could barely pick it up.  His spine was hunched and his legs bowed, probably from years on this heavy chain.  The once leather collar had hardened into what felt like petrified wood and we had to use bolt cutters to cut it off of his neck because the chain was too thick.  And despite all of this, Mr. Wilson was happy and so grateful for all we had done.  He ran around the grass and peed on every bush, of course in between licks and hugs.  Barely able to see out of his infected eyes, he still mananged to run to our van and practically jump in to a warm crate with lots of clean blankets.  But what Mr. Wilson needs now is a sponsor to help with his vet bills and what he would love more than anything at this time is his very own dog house/igloo.  Not only has this big ole lug of a dog never had a kind hand to pet his head or slept indoors, but to have a real dog house of his own and filled with fluffy blankets, would give him such happiness. 

Because we have taken in so many dogs since arriving in New Orleans, we are completely out of dog houses/igloos.  Any help towards sponsoring this very special dog would be so appreciated.  Once healthy, he is going to make someone a very special companion.  And though we have many special dogs here……a pooch like Mr. Wilson only comes around once in a lifetime.

Mr. Wilson, his chain and collar, and that's all he had.

Mr. Wilson safe at Villalobos, no more chains.

Mr. Wilson snuggling into his fresh bedding.

Tia struggling to even hold his first chain.

Getting ready to set Mr. Wilson free.

Her story made international headlines. When Prada escaped from her home in Nashville, TN., she did what many dogs on the loose do…she got into a little trouble.  As this overly energetic gal ran thru the neighborhood, she got into a couple of tussles with some local dogs.  Animal control took her into custody and this is when things got ugly.  Prada's owner tried to get her dog back, but Nashville law has a "one strike you're out" policy.  So Prada was condemned to death because she was ruled a "dangerous dog".  So her owner decided to fight back.  But it was during Prada's incarceration at the animal shelter, that made things get really heated.  On video surveillance tape, it showed Prada getting loose from a worker and somehow making her way thru secure gates to another area of the shelter and getting into a fight with another loose dog.  Workers kicked and kicked to try and break up the dog fight.  Thankfully no one was hurt but what this became was a case of the "pot calling the kettle black".  The shelter and law enforcement were accusing Prada's owner for not being able to contain her dog…..yet they did the exact same thing.  So the very lengthy and expensive court battle began.  Prada sat in the animal shelter for almost a year and a half while the entire world stopped to watch the fight to save a Pit Bull's life unfolded. Rulings were made to once again euthanize Prada but then…appeals were filed and she got yet another stay of execution.  Then finally on April 27, 2012, the judge decided to release Prada into the custody and care of us (Villalobos Rescue Center) where she must remain for her entire lifetime.  And this is where you come in.  Prada needs support just like our other Pit Pals.  Become her sponsor and take a trip out to the Big Easy to meet this sweetie in person.  This is one designer gal that looks great on everyone!

Many of you are already familiar with the story of Prada, (http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/47088154/ns/today-today_pets_and_animals/t/prada-pit-bull-gets-death-row-reprieve/#.T7MGp79Yuxc) and here, (http://digitaljournal.com/article/319394).  Her story made international news.  So she's settled in here in New Orleans and hanging out in "our backyard" down by the river…

Probably one of the cutest dogs we've ever taken in, Humperdink is the most huggable dog we have.  We adore him to no end and its hard to even believe that he came from a horrible dog fighting raid. He is quiet, loves his walks, crate trained and so far seems to behave around other dogs.  Despite living in mud and filth and forced to drink only green and moldy water, he so appreciates being inside the house and each day shows his appreciation for being rescued.  If I didn't have my own pack of hounds, Humperdink would definitely be on my "pick of the litter" list of dogs to take!

We were warned that New Orleans would be tougher to deal with than Los Angeles when it came to the "dog problem". But nothing could prepare us for what we're dealing with now. We are literally drowning in dogs, dogs turned loose in front of our facility, dogs chained up, dogs in boxes, you name it. We haven't quite figured out a "plan" yet, per se, but we are putting our heads together to try and help these poor dogs. And so many think that because we have a TV reality series, that we're "rollin' in the dough" but all that does is help us put a dent in what monies we put out. We know that it is frustrating for everyone when they send us a plea for help to take their dog or a dog they found, but the truth is, until we figure out how we're going to handle what is here before us in New Orleans, we are very limited. For now we have to try and save what we have. And right now 40 dogs, most of them heartworm positive, is what is taking up our time and funding. Here are just a few of the dogs that have now entered the Villalobos family……….

This little cutie's owner tried to dump him here and after we told him we were completely filled up, he took of his collar and tag and dumped him at the end of our street.

Panda and his 19 siblings.

found running the streets of a very dangerous neighborhood with scars and cuts all over her back.

a drop dead gorgeous German Shepherd, filled with heartworms, left on the side of a swamp highway by his owner

had been running loose in the 9th Ward for months because no one could catch him. He was/is extremely sick and we are nursing him back to health.

dumped back on us after 7 years of being adopted from us as a Katrina puppy.

the hero neighborhood dog who found Lucky drowning in a canal

he was saved by a little girl and the neighborhood dog Beaux after being discovered almost dead and drowning in a canal

found wandering the streets and by all appearances, she seemed like she had an owner: pretty embroidered collar, trimmed toenails, smelled like a freshly bathed dog but....no one came to claim her

was found running around a truck stop in Shreveport, LA

Claiborne was hit by a car and her leg broken in several places.

Ebony was thrown out of a truck at a park along with her little friend Ivory.

Marie was brought here in the back of a pick up truck and trembling. Owner said "I don't want that dog in my house!"

Join the fun as Villalobos Rescue Center brings PUPPIES to The Bulldog Bar this Sunday, May 13th from 2-6pm.  Come meet some fantastic, well socialized puppies and make this Mother's Day special for their moms, to know their pups found some great new homes.  

View from the Old Dogs Home

We are almost complete with our latest "adventure".  About an hour outside the city of New Orleans, in a small river town, we are setting up an "Old Dogs Home".  We have a small group of seniors that have been overlooked throughout the years despite still being very adoptable.  So instead of them living their golden years out in a kennel environment, we are moving them to a beautiful yet small country town where they will get to live indoors in a home-like environment and have lots of green grass to play outside on.  This project should be completed within the next couple of weeks but for now just look at our front yard view.  Yes, it's okay to be jealous.  But think how much fun our oldies but goodies will have.  As soon as we are ready, we will announce which dogs have been moved there and update you with happy pics!

Puppies are one of the most innocent creatures on the planet.  Yet the cold hearted people who brought her to us were nothing short of…..well you get the picture.  A man and woman pulled up to our facility here in New Orleans claiming they had "found a puppy".  As they were telling the "story", I looked into the cab of their truck to see what/who they were talking about.  I saw nothing so I asked "where is the puppy?"  The woman gave me this look of disgust and said, "ah Hell no.  I can't stand dogs" and she pointed into the back of their pick up truck.

There huddled under a tool box was a shaking and scared to death little 8 week old Pit Bull puppy.  It took everything I had not to go off on this woman.  To even think what could've happened, well I don't want to think actually. Now that we are an actual public shelter, I now see what city and county animal shelters have to go thru on a daily basis and I have an all new respect for their workers.  This is so frustrating and heartbreaking at the same time.

Marie has been raised in our puppy foster home and has been crated trained, started some beginning basic training and spends her days playing with other dogs including a couple of 120 lbs. Mastiffs.  Her photo doesn't do her justice as she is breath taking and a fine example of the breed. You can't go wrong with this little redhead!

Nani (named after one of my twins Kanani who rescued him) is the class clown.  But his life wasn't always to funny.  Kanani brought him home after one of his friends died, leaving "Nani" with no one to love him anymore. So he became a part of the Villalobos family and joined so many others who are also looking for a new home of their own.  Nani knows all sorts of tricks and has some training on him. But he is still a little "monster" who loves to have fun and will need an active owner who loves to play, wrestle and really make this dog a part of their life.  He LOVES his toys and will look for ANYTHING to toss in the air and keep himself entertained.  If you need someone to go jogging with or even hang out and watch the football game, then this pooch will help you cheer on your favorite team and maybe even jump up and down for the cute cheerleaders. FUN FUN FUN is Nani's motto.

Chalmette first came to us thru the Katrina hurricane disaster.  Not only was she and the rest of her family victims of the country's worst natural disaster, but they also lived in an abusive and horrible living situation.  Her story is a complicated one but one that restores faith and that truly shows that "things happen for a reason".

It was a couple of months of Katrina had come and gone and Villalobos was dealing with the 60 or so Katrina Pit Bulls that they had taken in.  Despite trying desperately to reunite dogs with their owners, we only had two come forward.  One of those was a little white Pit Bull named Taz.  His owner had identified him and we couldn't be happier.  Sounded like a caring man on the phone so we decided to bring the little guy back to New Orleans to what we thought would be a happy ending.  Unlike many other rescue groups who simply put their dogs on a plane and shipped them back, we drove Taz back to the Big Easy.  Despite this being Taz's rightful owner, we still wanted to make sure that his home was a safe one.  Upon arrival, our two volunteers stood their in shock.  Pit Bulls everywhere and chained up to fences, living in mud and no shelter.  One vision that caught their eyes immediately was a little brindle mama dog and her 3 puppies.  Quickly my volunteers jumped back in their car as Taz's owner and family members chased them down.  

Our volunteers and Taz made the drive all the way back to California but could not forget what they had seen. So we reached out the Jefferson Parish Animal Shelter and begged them for help.  Now mind you, all of the animal shelters were OVERWHELMED with Katrina animals and still dealing with no power, no supplies, etc.  But they stepped up to the plate and confiscated all of the dogs at Taz's former owners house.  The dogs were all then shipped to us: Phoenix, Spice, Pibbles and her 3 pups: Monroe, Alexandria and Chalmette.

Everyone eventually got adopted and we thought we had our happy ending…..finally!

Seven years later, I got "the phone call".  It was Chalmette's adopter.  She needed to "return" Chalmette.  Apparently she had gotten herself up to 3 dogs (unbeknownst to us) and the dogs were all fighting.  Despite Chalmette being with her seven years, she wanted to let her go.  It was heartbreaking to watch this adorable little girl, go from living in Hell, being saved and getting her own comfy bed to sleep on in a home….to now living in a kennel here at Villalobos.  I would have to say, my heart breaks most for her right now.

Chalmette is absolutely PERFECT and sooooo well behaved.  If someone is looking for a cuddle partner, then this little dollface is the one!

PROFILE COMING SOON