Underdogs Go South

One of my family's favorite TV shows is Animal Planet's Pit Bulls and Parolees.  Although we don't always catch the show at its regular air time, we can usually catch it through our cable's "on demand" feature.  If you've never watched this show, (where've you been?) it's about a tough, heart of gold Pit Bull rescuer who runs a huge rescue ranch in California with her daughters and extended family of parolee guys.  See, Tia Marie Torres doesn't just rescue Pitties.  Her husband is incarcerated and she believes in second chances.  She's opened her heart to parolees, helping them get their lives on track by caring for the dogs at Villalobos Rescue Center in California.

Yeah, she's pretty awesome...

Tia is one of those women who really knows dogs.  She also really knows people.  She's tough as nails and has razor-sharp intuition.  Her daughters impress me and I hope I can raise my own to have the same strength and sense of self that her two have.  And to also instill in her a rescuer's heart.  Raising a strong girl is tough work - she's done it twice.  Cheers to you, Tia!

Tia with daughters, Tani and Mariah

Pitt Bulls and Parolees is one of the few TV shows that has actually moved my own 14 year old daughter to tears.  She says Tia is tough like me (aw, shucks).  She's grown so attached to Fenway (who's suspiciously of Pittie lineage) and empathizes deeply with the plight of these rescue dogs.  It's a beautiful thing to see, really.  

BFF's

So why have I told you all this?  

I just finished watching episode 12, season 3 -"on demand", of course- and got some wonderful news.  Villalobos Rescue Center has moved to New Orleans!  Any of you who follow my blog know how much I love New Orleans.  It's the city that truly holds my heart.  

Now this was no easy move for them, I'm sure.  People, belongings, and over 150 Pit Bulls were moved!  Only Tia... 

Tia and her family

I wanted to help spread the word here and ask you to visit their website.  They're humanitarians, rescuers, and relentless champions for the ultimate underdogs - Pit Bulls and  parolees.  If you read through their site, you'll find they ask for doggie goods, volunteers, and financial support.  

As though my family needed any more reason to go to New Orleans?  It makes sense for them to be there.  If ever there was a place that will be home to a tough fight, New Orleans fits that bill.  Good luck, Tia!  Maybe someday we can clink Hurricane glasses and talk dogs, raising teenage girls and fighting the good fight.  

Cheers!