Posted: January 9, 2012
Bully Boot Camp – Week #1
Well we got thru the first week! We couldn't have made the moving into the new facility without this dedicated and very very hard working group of volunteers. Working from literally sun up to sundown, they busted their asses to get our dogs comfortable and into their new digs here in New Orleans. It was especially hard for this first group of "boot campers" because we moved approximately 50 dogs from Calif to New Orleans during this week so it was chaos here. We would also like to welcome the newest members of the Villalobos family: Josh, Armando and Beth, who attended this first week of Bully Boot Camp. They will be staying on permanently and working with us and the dogs. I can't say it enough, without this entire crew, we would've NEVER been able to get thru this week of Hell. THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!!!!
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- Pea gravel for kennels = hard work
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- Ready for the pea gravel
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- Doggy Wash
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- Bully Boot Camp Week 1
Comments
63 Responses to “ Bully Boot Camp – Week #1 ”
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So glad it all worked out and the crew did such an awesome job for the babies.
I wish I could have been there too.
Much love and hugs
Tia I Love what you are doing for this wonder loving and amazing breed and also the parolee’s. Your cause is so much more than amazing. Being a former parolee and now having changed my life around I have rescued 2 beautiful pits myself. My husband and myself always say we would love to come out and help you guys. If you are ever in the NJor PA area please let us know so we can come help. We love you guys and what you are doing for the dogs and the men. We just wish there where more people like you in the world. Keep up all the good work.
we will miss you here in California, and if you need anything please feel free to let us know what we can do, I got people in the south…
The TongkaDOG Foundation
http://www.tongkaDOG.org
I absolutely LOVE what yall do! I have always wanted a pit but we are military and they do not allow them on post. I watch every episode I can catch! Keep it up. Everyone deserves a second chance. Adoption is the only way in my opinion.
THANK YOU for coming to Louisiana. I am thrilled that you are all here, there are so many Pits in LA that need help. Don’t forget us up here in North LA!!!!!
To Tia and all family and helpers, Keep up the good work in your new place. It doesn’t matter where lives, there is always a pits that needs help and love! After having two pits as part of my family, I don’t think that I will ever own any other breed of dog. Pits are so loving and loyal! All of you will be missed here in California. God bless all of you and the dogs! Hugs
I cant wait to get up there in feb. i wish i could be out there right now and for the whole rebuild of villalobos. i love what y’all stand for and what u do to help so many when u go without. I so badly want to be a part of what u do, so for me “bully boot camp” will be the perfect place to start. I’m super excited and ready to do whatever it is that u and ur beautiful bullies need. My girlfriend ordered us some hoodies and security tees, cant wait to get them. keep up the great work. see y’all soon. Y’ALL ROCK
Welcome to La. I work at a parish animal shelter about an hour from New Orleans. Pits can not be adopted out, they can only go to rescue. Hope we will meet soon and work together to save more lives! Thanks for all you do!
Woot! Good job everyone and pups! Things look like they are going well, though chaotic, it’ll get there, everyone will settle in, and a routine will be established. Just moved recently myself, it’s been a month, and still trying to unpack! Can’t imagine trying to set up and move all those dogs, great job, great job. I live in Texas and hope to see the new facilities when they’re done. I bet they’re going to look out of this world!
Tia, I am so appalled at how badly Tehachapi treated you and it’s sad to see you leave California. I wish you all the best in your fight to save bully’s, and I hope to see you all again on Animal Planet next season. Your show has educated so many people on what bully’s really are as pets; and I admire your willingness to give parolees a second chance by working with the dogs. You are amazing!
My roommate Terri and I are dog lovers and we currently have 4 kitties and 4 dogs; all of which are rescues except for one dog (Peanut)
Fresno, CA
HI Tia and Crew just wanted to tell you we watch your show all the time i even come home from work on break just to watch it and we love what you are doing for these dogs.We have four here at home in FL are youngest is Joker his a brindelpit and mas. mix and is very acctive we love him lots and we think if it wasnt for watching your show we never would of got him so we thank you for being the person you are and giving EVERYONE a second chance and we hope one day to come visit you all thank you agin and God Bless you ALL.
OMG!! i’m so glad that it worked out.
Hi Tia and family, parolees
all the work you doing is such a blessing, i love pitbulls they great and they sweet.
I wish you all the best and keep the good work up
and the tv shows are great too
Much love from marilyn from the netherlands
Tia – there is a place in heaven for you and all the volunteers. Best of luck getting settled – maybe one day I will make it back down to the Big Easy and get to stop in. I just wish that people would education themselves about the breed once and for all. I now have my second pit-mix and would not have any other type of dog. Adoption is the only way. I am so sad when I go to the Human Society or SPCA – 95% of the dogs are pits.
Tia…You moved out of California!!??!!?
Tia. R U guys still going to hire praolies at your new location. I hope you do because thats a great thing you do. Also how many dogs in totale do u have at your new location.
Thanks
Thank You ,very much,MOMMY TIA,for you love to the DOGS and the men and women that you have opened your heart and home to, one of them being my son,JOSH,I will be doing all I can to help you set up the place in NOLA ,GOD BLESS YOU for what you are doing,also to all the workers and your family.
Tia I watch your show all the time
i had a pit she was the best dog ever her name is coco i never knew how much i could love a dog till her i had her for 6 years but me and my husband moved from indiana to texas and my husband thought it was best to give her to family because of the pit name peolpe freak out and i knew he was right but it was like i lot a part of me i cryed for days i still cry when i watch your show but i also feel close to her when i watch the show and i love what you do you are one of a kind. we are a lot a like i also married to a parolee we have been married for 20 years and have 3 kids and he is the best thing that ever happened to me i love him very much people aways told me i should stay away from him and that he was a bad person for being in jail but i loved him. well i could say so much more but i will not i want you to know never stop what you are doing you are the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thank you so much for being you
Jana
That’s awesome!! I’m so glad you are getting settled in. I know NOLA will be wonderful for you.. it’s an awesome place! I can’t wait to come from Florida to volunteer. .. soooo happy you are so close now! TIA YOU ROCK!!
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god luck , from ARGENTINA!!!!
That’s me in the purple shirt in pic #4. LOL.
I have to say a big THANK YOU to Tia and crew for allowing me to participate and get a glimpse of what they do everyday. The work was hard for a “desk jockey” but was one of the best and most fullfilling experiences I have ever had. Everyone in Tia’s family and crew were amazing and I feel like a better person for having been able to learn from them.
So glad ur all settling in at ur new place. I wish u Tia and ur Family nuttin but the best. wish u were still in cali but i guess god wrks in mysterious ways i guess it was meant for u to move to a better place where u an the dogs could be happier
. Again good luck and Best wishes. Also did Jake go with u?
Hi Tia, I really love your show and love what you do. My son has I think it is called a gator mouth pit named Harley, He is the most lovable dog you ever want to meet. of course I spoiled him rotten lol. thank you for all you do for the pits and other animals, and the guys who also need 2nd chances. Keep up the good work.
Well we will miss you in CA, but I’m glad you are in LA there are so many to help. I guess I’ll have to save up to come out and volunteer. We can’t wait for the show this Saturday got the DVR set. We will always support what you do, Bullie lovers must stick together. My daughter and I wear our T-Shirts with pride. Be well and all those volunteers you are amazing.
Love you, Love you Tia, for the work you do to help Pits. I’m a Louisiana girl living in Corpus Christi, TX. Thanks to you and your family and crew.
It is so amazing that you have brought your operation to NOLA. We’re happy to have you here. I think the work that you do with the dogs and with the parolees is amazing and people could learn a lot about what it means to give others a chance. I wish you the best luck and I’m sure I will be making it to the new shelter now that you’re in my hometown!
I – and the shelter dogs! – will miss you here in So. Cal, Tia. I’m so sorry your hard work wasn’t appreciated up in Tehachapi. All the best to you, your family and everyone there. Again – we’re going to miss you!!
Thank you Tia & family~ all 2 and 4 legged members. The love you share with animals as well as those in need of a break, is truly a precious gift.
From my heart I’d like you to know, that at times you may not feel it but you’re loved and admired for all of your good, unselfish ways. The love you give & share with the world is admirable by all of us who follow the Villalobos family.
Best of luck to you all in NOLA. God Bless you, watch over you and keep you all safe from harm.
xo
Doreen
Welcome to the South. We are big fans and you inspired us to adopt a beautiful 1 year old pit bull here in Georgia. We couldn’t be happier with our girl and we have your work for the breed to thank for it. Thank you for all you do!
good luck, the world is a better place because of people like you.dont ever stop.
Welcome to NOLA! you guys are going to be an excellent addition to our wonderful city! Would love to help!
You guys left Cali? Whoa, I’m a little pissed. Haven’t had an opportunity to volunteer! Good luck and great fortune to you all!
I have been watching your show for a long time…I love animals and what you do is incredible…Now that you are in Louisiana I hope to come visit one day….I wish there were more ppl like you that would help animals and ppl alike…Keep doing what you, your family, and your crew do…much love and hugs for all
I just wanted to say I really love what you guys do for pitbulls and your doing a great job. The other day I was riding dn the road by my house and saw something that broke my heart a pile of trash thrown out by the road with a dead pitbull beside it and right away I knew it had something to do with dog fighting so ive decided soon as I get my land im gonna start taking in unwanted pitbulls and rehomming them to good families, problem is I love my dogs so i might get very attached an wind up keeping all of them lol.
Tia: I cant believe that you moved!!!! We watch your show every time it is on!! We have our DVR set to record. I am an animal lover but I confess that until I started watching your show I have always thought that pitbulls were absolutely the most ferocious dogs that I had ever heard of. The mere sight of them would scare me to death. That has all changed now thanks to your show. I had been planning on coming out to your facility for the longest time just to meet you and your family of humans and dogs. lol Now it is too late!!! I will keep watching your show and best of luck to all of you.
Thank you for relocating to NOLA. The Pit population is out of control here. I volunteer at the LASPCA. The Pits are the dogs that stay in the adoption area the longest……… that is if they ever make it that far. I didn’t know much about this breed until I started volunteering at the shelter. I was intimidated, like most people who have only heard bad things about pit bulls. I could not have been more wrong. The Pits I have had the privledge to care for and play with at the LASPCA are loving, loyal and quite gentle. I always promote the Pits to potential Adoptors. Most are misinformed and intimidated by the breed. I prove them wrong and insist that they come out to the play yard and see. On two occassions in the last month, 2 great Pits were adopted out because I took the time to prove the myth about Pits being mean and agressive WRONG. Those were 2 great days for me and for those 2 precious babies !!! Good Luck in NOLA. I know you will love it here and will have an outpouring of love and support from our wonderful community. God Bless you, your family and the parolees for all you do for the Pits. You all are very special people with hearts of solid gold !!!!!
I need to find a good home for my Pit Rambo, if anyone is interested in more info please contact me. My family is moving and unfortunately we are unable to take our family dog, due to the bad reputation that these wonderful dogs have
Tia, if there is any way you could help me please, PLEASE let me know :’( vanniztpjl@hotmail.com We are from Wash state.
Tia, much the best for you and your family – and extended family – in your new home. While you will be HORRIBLY missed here in Los Angeles, you and yours will always be an inspiration to everyone that supports rescue and pit bulls, and second chances. I wish I had known of the big move sooner, I certainly have the time to spare to have volunteered. I miss having a bully in the house so much, it’s like a physical pain. Once I get moved and settled, and get a stuffy breed ban law repealed, I am coming straight to New Orleans to bring someone home with me.
Thank you for being the hands and feet of those of us who would like to do the things you have done and continue to do. I am a bit confused though, because I watched an episode where you all went to look at a “new place” to make sure a fire had not gotten to it. So, now you are in LA? Also, on your webpage there is something for New Mexico? So, what exactly are the plans for you all. Are you staying in New Orleans? Or is this temp and you are moving on to New Mexico? and someone needs to post answers to the questions asked, if at all possible, as we know how busy this endeavor makes everyone…….
God Bless
Just want to say what a fantastic job u & your team do. I have only just started to watch “Villalobos” on tv here in England -UK. I work part-time @ an independant no kill animal rescue centre and I love my job, so understand the love you have for your residents @ Villalobos.
Keep up the good work : )
Tia I have to say you are an AMAZING WOMAN, you have not only given the parolees a second chance to show the world that they are worthy to walk among us, the love and respect you have for this breed is awesome. I rescued a red-nose pit 5 years ago he is a great dog, I also rescued a rottie-mix another misunderstood breed. Wish more people in this world cared about these poor animals WE have to be there voice and help them.
Much love and hugs to you, the crew and your family.
Tia, I really admire the work you (and your crew) do for the dogs! I am an animal lover, and have had dogs my whole life. Before your show came out, I didnt know much about pit-bulls and I never would have considered getting one. Thanks to the education I recieved by watching your show, and then doing my own research (your show sparked my curiosity!) I decided to take a chance on a pit bull/jack russell mix i found in a shelter. He had obviously been badly neglected and abused, and looked as if he had given up on life. He was curled up in his pen, covered in poop and fleas, about 20lbs under weight, and so scared that he would pee on himself if anybody looked at him. I have had him for almost 4 months now, and he is happy and healthy, and one of the best dogs I have ever had! Thank you so much for opening my eyes to the truth about pit bulls! If it wasn’t for your show I would not have my best friend!
I wish there was a decent pit bull rescue here in NC, there are so many precious pits that end up getting put to sleep in the shelters here, it breaks my heart. I wish there was something I could do.
Good luck in your new home! Keep up the good work! You, your crew, and all your pits are in my prayers! Hopefully some day I will be able to get out there to volunteer!
-KK
Tia, you and your group are doing such a remarkable job. I love pittbulls, the best dogs I ever had. Very loyal, sweet and protective.
I hope everything works out for you in New Orleans. Are you moving the whole set to NOLA or just some. You put yourself last and your dogs first, but please remember to stop and take ME time. You must take some ME time becasue without then you are no good to anyone, I hope one day this breed will be able to walk free but with the bad and dark side of people sporting them, they may have a harder time.
Good Luck and best wishes to all of you.
Welcome back and home sweet home.
You are the best. Love your show. Keep up the good work for the pitbulls and the parolees.Because of you a lot of people are changing their minds about the pitbull breed. We have 2 females that we rescued from the streets. We took care of one that was left with us when our son’s girlfriend moved back to Colorado. She left him (Hank ) with us because of the laws in Colorado against pitbulls. He lived with us until he passed away. He was the sweetest dog He was our first experience with a pit bull. We loved him. Now we have the 2 girls Ebony and Valentine. They are part of our family.
Tia and all of your extended family,
Welcome to Louisiana! I can’t think of anyone I’d like as a neighbor than you. I watch your show and I really have to applaud your generous heart, your resourcefullness and off the charts determination. Thanks for all you do for dogs, cats, and for all of us.
Again, welcome to Louisiana!!
Tia,
First, I would like to thank you for all you do for the “pitbulls and parolees”. I watch your show every week and shed my share of tears. While watching the show last night, I saw the coming attractions and heard the words “time for Villalobos to get out of dodge”. I didn’t know what that meant and feared the worst. So, I went to your site and got the answer. I wish you and your’s, man and man’s best friend, the best in your new home. You are an inspiration to all. My grandson gave his pitbull up to us in 2009. He had given his best to provide for her. We are blessed with what I believe to be the most wonderful dog we could ask for. I let him know how greatful I am all the time. I commend him for training her to be the dog she is. Again, I wish the best to you and your’s.
Tia and famiy, We will miss you in Ca:( I watch your show every week, thanks for everything you do for the breed and responsible pit ownership. Training is the key. We have saved two pits one from death row at the pound, and one abandoned on the street full of mange and worms she was only 4 months old.Good luck !!1
If ever a locale needed an angel to help all manner of underdogs, it’s New Orleans. May the authorities be on your side down there, and allow you to help without hindering your good deeds. I know the people will be behind you, as collectively the hearts of the communities are nearly as big as yours. Driving you out was the worst decision LA could have made, but hopefully this is the beginning of something even better.
I wish I could help as well, but you zoomed right on past Arizona!
Bon chance, Tia and to everyone everyone else associated with Villa Lobos East
Tia, I just wanted to say what a wonderful thing you and your family are doing rescuing the dogs and working with the parolees. We have a Staffie and a German Shepherd cross – both came from rescue centres. They are our world!
We watch your show every day. We love it and think you’re great!
Tia & Family
I’ve watched your show since the start and have shed many a tear over the course-I saw the previews of the next show and couldn’t believe you have to move- My prayers to you and the pits-the dogs of LA will be in good hands-Can’t wait to see your new place.
Thanks for all you do-Linda
Darn it, why don’t we live in New Orleans any more? Well, we come back to visit and hope to move back, so you’d better believe that the new Upper 9th Ward Villalobos is going to be one of my first stops when we get there! You’re going to LOVE New Orleans, I suspect! My one question is, what about the parolees you had working for you when you left CA, who were still on parole? I hope you helped them find new jobs; you had a great bunch of guys working for you. And I do hope you continue to hire parolees in NOLA; you can do so much good in the community. So welcome to Louisiana, and as they say, laissez les bon temps roulez!
i love your show im 9 years old and i really want to come to your boot camp please……..luv u guys
I LOVE YOU TIA YOU ARE THE SHIT WHAT DO I NEED TO DO TO GET IN TO BULLY BOOT CAMP
Our 10-year-old pound puppy died in December, so we got a puppy from the pound (2 month old chocolate lab/pit bull mix) to keep our 8-year-old pit bull/shepherd pound puppy company. Big mistake!! He doesn’t want anything to do with her (growls when she gets in his face). Any suggestions how to house train her/teach her manners around our old dog? I feel like we betrayed him by bringing this “brat” (although she’s extremely cute) in to his house. It’s to the point where we might try giving her away!! HELP! I watch your show every week (we live in Lancaster–did I miss something? you moved away??) & could use any ideas to help this two get along. Thanks so much
I love what you are doing to help these dogs and men who need a second chance in life. I do miss seeing the show every Saturday. That is the one thing i look forward to watching on Saturday nites with my boyfriend we have to pits and my nieces love them to death but of coarse when you get them and our female together the house is a wreck. lol anyways just wanted to let you know that we love your show and wish you the best of luck in new orleans and we support you all. PEOPLE NEED TO REMEMBER ITS NOT THE DOGS FAULT ITS THE PEOPLE WHO TRIANED THEM. These are good dogs and i feel for them. if i had a bigger place I would love to help them.
Tia, you are an amazing person for helping the pitbulls and the parolees. I myself love pitbulls we own 2. They are just like our kids they go every where with us and its like having 5 kids instead of 3. I am trying to open a pitbull rescue here in Eastern Oregon. We need one bad. I’m tired of the ignorant people that get a pitbull and then do not take care of them. I’m glad you and the family (kids and dogs) made it safe. Thank You so much!!!
To Tia and that amazing crew,
What can I say but WOW!!!!…YOU ARE ALL INCREDIBLE PEOPLE!!!!
Living in RI….I’m glad you’re closer because now I’m more determined to get down to visit and volunteer some time and sweat…and of course give lots of love to all the dogs. Tia, was wondering how Red was doing?…does she have any help?..I had read something that said she didn’t. Am interested in Bootcamp…I can see why you’re booking up fast….great idea!!
God Bless You All!
Susan
Just wanted to say that you and your family/parolees are doing what most of us wish we could do. You are making a difference. Sometimes, it may not feel like it but just know that you are. I am a Belgian Malinois breeder and know that without the American Pit Bull, we may not have “won” WWII. Pits were instrumental in that war, due to their loyal nature and strong work “ethic”. Anyway, keep fighting the good fight, you have many many loyal supporters. I live in VA and at the moment can only help financially, which I will continue to do. Peace, love and Pit Bulls
Much respect and love for what you do!
Love the show and your commitment!
xx
How are you able to volunteer and what are the expectations? I would love to help and volunteer with you guys!!! I want to learn what it takes to make a rescue because I want to form one of my own. I believe people look at pit bulls the wrong way and for the wrong reasons. I have one of my own and I get so much criticism from everybody about her. I try to speak out and talk to these people and explain that pit bulls aren’t what they are seemed to be. I think they are the most loving dogs ever. My dog all she wants to do is cuddle and give kisses. I would love to have another one unfortunately where I live I can only have one that’s the law.
So Please let me know
Thank You,
Jamie Micenic
amazing. mwhat you are doing is incredable, i cant get over how much you ALL care i am especaly happy that you guys can finally go to new orleanse with out having to go because of a dog call.i am very happy for you tia and your “team”
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