Villalobos Rescue Center - Life 4 Paws, Inc.

11/26/2024

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF...The Princess of Thanksgiving

11/25/2024

DAY IN THE LIFE OF...

Every year, M2 prepares Thanksgiving for the employees. But it appears her little helper is not as thankful as those who work for us 🤣

11/24/2024

SERIOUSLY FB???

Now it's a violation to post dogs for adoption??!!

11/19/2024

Our Sponsor Dog Program is amazing! Sponsoring a dog is so rewarding. When you sponsor a dog you can send your pup little care packages! Watch Micey unbox one of his special gift boxes! To sponsor Micey or another sponsor dog go to https://www.vrcpitbull.com/how-you-can-help/sponsor-a-dog/

11/19/2024

LOST OUT OF AMELIA, LOUISIANA
(JUST OUTSIDE OF BAYOU L'OURSE)

Help these cuties find their family :(

11/19/2024

WE NEED YOUR HELP.

We have a few job openings and are having a really difficult time finding people who are truly dedicated to this lifestyle.

We have a couple of openings at our Louisiana location and one at our Texas location. The duties would be cleaning kennels, feeding, walking, and playing with dogs. Yes, you will get paid to "play with dogs."

FOR MORE INFORMATION, email us at: [email protected]. If you feel more comfortable emailing our website, you can do so at: [email protected] and your email will be forwarded.

The animal rescue/sheltering system has never been this bad in my 32 years of living and working in this lifestyle/workplace. We need help but more importantly, our dogs need you.

Again to apply for work, email us at: [email protected]

11/18/2024

𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐞𝐞𝐦 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 “𝐑𝐮𝐟𝐟“ 𝐚𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐞𝐝𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐛𝐮𝐭 𝐬𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐚𝐬 𝐚 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐩𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬!

𝐆𝐞𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐉𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐚 𝐚 𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐢𝐧 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰 𝐛𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐰.

In New Orleans’ bustling world of dog rescue, Jenna stands out as a compassionate yet strong force of nature. She has spent the past seven and a half years pouring her heart into saving dogs in need. Jenna’s journey has been shaped by resilience, empathy, and a deep love for the animals.

Jenna’s entry into the world of animal rescue began by helping friends in Minneapolis get their dogs vaccinated and fixed during their travels. When she relocated to New Orleans, seeking healing from her own personal struggles, she found solace in walking dogs at the rescue. What began as a therapeutic outlet soon turned into a full-fledged passion and career.

For the past three years, Jenna has served as the City Manager and Medical Caretaker, overseeing employees, managing the medical needs of the city dogs, and providing aftercare for surgeries and vaccinations. She also takes in fosters and photographs dogs for social media. Jenna also supports Katie with the sponsor and virtual adoption program.

And if all of that wasn’t enough she helps Perry and Katie with VRC Kids. VRC kids is a little You Tube that features the kids of VRC including her very own 3 children. It’s about the importance of teaching the next generation how to treat and care for all animals.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐰𝐚𝐫𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐩𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐣𝐨𝐛?
Watching the dogs find their forever homes. It’s the reminder that we all need sometimes, seeing people fall in love with the dogs we do.
In the medical aspect as hard as it is to see the condition of some of the dogs we take in, watching the dogs heal and their health improve as a step closer to being able to find a home is also extremely rewarding.

𝐃𝐨 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐡𝐚𝐯𝐞 𝐚 𝐟𝐚𝐯𝐨𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐨𝐫 𝐞𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬 𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞?
I have been through so many different experiences and so many different dog personalities. Each dog has taught be something new for me to be a better dog handler.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐢𝐧𝐬𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐞𝐝 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐩𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐚𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬?
I’ve never had great relationships with humans. Rescue animals are the most resilient, and the most understanding. My darkest days I spent walking dogs, and doing kennels, those days were my saving grace. The dogs could sense when I needed a good laugh, or if I was really feeling down they would just want to chill and enjoy a nice long walk.

𝐖𝐡𝐚𝐭’𝐬 𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐲𝐨𝐮 𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐤 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞 𝐬𝐡𝐨𝐮𝐥𝐝 𝐤𝐧𝐨𝐰 𝐚𝐛𝐨𝐮𝐭 𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐫 𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐩𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬?
Have patience. Sometimes you have no idea where these dogs are coming from, and it takes time and understanding for any adopted pet to become comfortable of new situations.

𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒑𝒆𝒕𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖𝒓 𝒐𝒘𝒏?
Yes! I have a herd of rotties, and my tiny dogs. Oh and 1 crazy cat. My daughter Chloe ended up adopting a handsome senior pittie named Megatron. Every single one of my pets is a rescue!

𝑨𝒓𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓𝒆 𝒔𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒊𝒇𝒊𝒄 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒔 𝒐𝒓 𝒕𝒚𝒑𝒆𝒔 𝒐𝒇 𝒅𝒐𝒈𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒍𝒐𝒗𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉?
I love Rottweilers!! But over all I enjoy working with more behavioral dogs. As someone who is little more rough around the edges, I relate more to them and enjoy working for that relationship with rougher dogs. Don’t get me wrong, having a super easy to handle dog is great, but you learn so much about life while working through and gaining that unbreakable trust of a dog who cannot verbally tell you what is bothering them.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒚𝒐𝒖’𝒗𝒆 𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒏𝒆𝒅 𝒇𝒓𝒐𝒎 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒅𝒐𝒈𝒔 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒅𝒊𝒅𝒏’𝒕 𝒆𝒙𝒑𝒆𝒄𝒕?
Creating lasting healing bonds is 100% possible without having to say a word. Just having a mutual understanding of each others comfort and boundaries creates a perfect relationship between yourself and your dog.

𝑰𝒇 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒃𝒆 𝒂𝒏𝒚 𝒅𝒐𝒈 𝒃𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅, 𝒘𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒐𝒏𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒖𝒍𝒅 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒔𝒆, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒚?
I’d have to say a Rottweiler. I come across as a real intense and extremely protective person. But I also have an extremely goofy and easygoing personality.

𝑫𝒐 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒉𝒂𝒗𝒆 𝒂 𝒇𝒂𝒗𝒐𝒓𝒊𝒕𝒆 𝒘𝒂𝒚 𝒕𝒐 𝒖𝒏𝒘𝒊𝒏𝒅 𝒘𝒊𝒕𝒉 𝒂 𝒇𝒖𝒓𝒓𝒚 𝒇𝒓𝒊𝒆𝒏𝒅 𝒂𝒇𝒕𝒆𝒓 𝒂 𝒍𝒐𝒏𝒈 𝒅𝒂𝒚?
I love melting into my couch with my dogs to watch Gilmore Girls and share snacks with them. Popcorn, ice cream, whatever the snack it’s being shared.

𝑾𝒉𝒂𝒕’𝒔 𝒂 𝒎𝒆𝒎𝒐𝒓𝒂𝒃𝒍𝒆 “𝒉𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝒆𝒏𝒅𝒊𝒏𝒈” 𝒓𝒆𝒔𝒄𝒖𝒆 𝒔𝒕𝒐𝒓𝒚 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒂𝒍𝒘𝒂𝒚𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆𝒔 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒔𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒆?
There are so many, but honestly Megatrons! He was such a difficult rescue, and ended up becoming the most gentle and sweet soul. I wouldn’t have imagined that he would have been so amazing with kids especially and the moment him and my daughter met it really was an instant love at first sight.

Jenna’s work is a testament to the transformative power of compassion and connection. For her, rescue isn’t just about saving animals—it’s about building trust, fostering understanding, and creating lasting bonds. Through her dedication, she’s not only changed the lives of countless dogs but also found healing and purpose in her own. Jenna’s story reminds us all that with patience and love, second chances can lead to something extraordinary.

11/17/2024

I’m excited to share that I’m launching a podcast on Spotify, and I’ll be joined by, Katie! 🧹

Here’s the twist… Katie is my ex husband Perry’s girlfriend and the incredible bonus mom to our daughter, Salem. 🖤

While this might seem unexpected, just like the best spells, the most powerful magic often happens when you least expect it. 🔮

Introducing The Dry Cauldron—a podcast where we explore recovery, wellness, co-parenting, and a little New Orleans magic. 🌙✨

We’ll be sharing our challenges, victories, and of course, our love for all things spooky. 👻🖤 It hasn’t always been easy, but through open communication and growth, we’ve learned to co-parent, support each other, and even hit the gym together. 💪🏼 Now, we’re bringing that energy to this podcast, brewed just for you! 🔮

⚜️ New Orleans has shown us that magic is everywhere—and our story proves it. If we can create harmony in our cauldron, so can you! Whether you’re co-parenting, on a wellness journey, or just love witchy vibes, there’s a spot for you in our circle. ✨

We are hoping to help others in their own path to recovery and wellness and really hoping to show others that life goes on after divorce and you can co parent in a healthy way for your children! Blended families are a blessing! ✨

Join us every week as we share recovery tips, self-care rituals, our day to day lives and so much more. 🖤

Grab your broom and follow us on all our platforms! We can’t wait to take you on this magical journey. 🧹

We would love your support on this journey!
Please follow us on our platforms and enjoy the ride!

https://linktr.ee/thedrycauldron
for the link tree!

XOXO
Tania Torres

11/17/2024

❄️🐾𝑯𝒂𝒑𝒑𝒚 𝑯𝒐𝒘𝒍-𝒊 𝒅𝒂𝒚𝒔🐾❄️

I know we aren’t even to Thanksgiving yet, but you got to start thinking about what you are going to get everyone for Christmas! 🎄

Give the gift of giving! What better way to show the true meaning of Christmas than by giving back.

Gift your loved one a sponsor dog or even a wolf!🐺

Sign up to sponsor and have the welcome letter, post card and Facebook group invite go straight to your loved ones home (make sure to make note in PayPal it’s a gift, for who, their address and the email address or the receiver, or it can go to you and you gift it)🎁

Surprisingly our wolf dogs are the least selected to sponsor so help us this season show our wolf dogs some love! ❤️💚

Go to our website to get your Holiday shopping started!
https://www.vrcpitbull.com/how-you-can-help/sponsor-a-dog/

If you have any questions email me at
[email protected]

11/16/2024

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐇𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭:
𝐹𝑖𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑃𝑢𝑟𝑝𝑜𝑠𝑒 𝑇ℎ𝑟𝑜𝑢𝑔ℎ 𝑃𝑎𝑤𝑠：𝐽𝑜𝑒’𝑠 𝐽𝑜𝑢𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑦 𝑖𝑛𝑡𝑜 𝐴𝑛𝑖𝑚𝑎𝑙 𝐶𝑎𝑟𝑒

For Joe, working with animals wasn’t part of the original plan. But after years of watching the popular TV show, Pitbulls and Paroles that features Villalobos and focused on rescue dogs and the people who care for them, he felt compelled to seek a career with deeper meaning. “This is actually my first job working with animals,” Joe explains. “What led me here was the show and the desire to do something more important than just earning a paycheck.”

Five months into his role at the sanctuary, Joe is thriving as part of a team responsible for caring for twenty dogs. “I’m still learning, but I love it,” he says. Joe’s responsibilities include cleaning up after the dogs, maintaining their outdoor spaces, and giving each dog time for play and affection. “There’s a lot of hard work involved, but their happiness makes it all worth it.”

One of the most rewarding parts of Joe’s day is the warm greeting he receives from the dogs. “Their excitement to see me, their unconditional love – that’s my favorite part,” he shares.

Joe has already formed memorable bonds with some of the dogs, each of whom brings a unique personality. One special dog named Sea has proven herself quite the helper. “One day, I was pulling weeds in the yard, and Sea came over and started helping,” Joe recalls, laughing. “She grabs the weeds with her mouth and pulls them up! And whenever I clean the pond, she likes to walk through it, stirring the water as I scrub algae off the rocks. She’s got so much personality.”

His experience at the sanctuary has only deepened Joe’s appreciation for rescue dogs. “I feel like rescue dogs are more loving and grateful when they’re given a good home,” he reflects. “It’s like they know they’re getting a second chance, and they just shine with love.”

Although he doesn’t currently have a dog of his own, Joe says he’s drawn to pit bulls for their playful and affectionate nature. “I love all dogs, really, but pit bulls are just so adorable and silly,” he admits.

What sets this job apart for Joe is that he rarely feels the need to “unwind” after a shift. “I don’t have to worry about de-stressing – spending time with these amazing dogs keeps me grounded,” he says. “Their joy and energy keep me stress-free.”

Working alongside experienced animal caretaker Jenny Doher, Joe has embraced the challenges and rewards of animal care. These dogs have been through so much, and they’re still so resilient and loving. I know Joe recognizes it’s a privilege to work with them.

Joe’s journey from inspiration to purpose has brought him to a place where he’s found fulfillment beyond just a paycheck – a journey guided by wagging tails and boundless love.

11/13/2024

CHECK OUT THE LATEST "NO DOG LEFT BEHIND" PODCAST EPISODE!

Featuring the oldest "pup" at VRC :)

The oldest "pup" at VRC!

11/13/2024

𝐄𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐨𝐲𝐞𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭

Nicole aka Choo Choo shares her experience being a caretaker at Villalobos and her journey and daily life working with some of the most misunderstood animals in the world.

Get to know this dedicated employee a little better!

𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐎𝐮𝐭: 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐫𝐤

While her position at Villalobos is her first official job in animal care, she has been surrounded by animals all her life. “Growing up, my family lived on a horse farm, and I’d rescue animals on my own whenever I could. I’ve always felt comfortable around them,” she shares. Five years ago, she and her partner moved to New Orleans specifically to work with the rescue, and now she runs the B&L program, overseeing the daily care of 25 dogs.

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐨𝐥𝐟𝐝𝐨𝐠𝐬

Reflecting on some of her favorite moments, she speaks fondly of her early days at Villalobos, where she connected deeply with the wolfdogs. “I bonded with them really quickly,” she says. “Being Native, it was a special experience for me, and that connection with the wolves felt meaningful.”

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐫𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐇𝐞𝐥𝐩 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬 𝐢𝐧 𝐍𝐞𝐞𝐝

For her, animal rescue is a natural fit. “I don’t know if I’d call it ‘inspired’ – it’s just something I’ve always felt connected to,” she explains. She emphasizes that a strong foundation of knowledge is essential in this work. “It’s important to understand each animal individually, their breed, and their unique needs. Adoption is really the most important part of this journey, so that knowledge and patience go a long way.”

𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐇𝐨𝐦𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐇𝐞𝐫 𝐎𝐰𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐜𝐤

Beyond Villalobos, she has a small pack of her own animals at home “My sausage dog has a bit of a possessive streak – he doesn’t like it when my partner, Travis, touches me.”

𝐈𝐟 𝐒𝐡𝐞 𝐖𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐚𝐧 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥

When asked which animal she feels most connected to she says… “I’m a lot like a pit bull – resilient. But if I could be any animal, I’d choose a Pomeranian. Let’s be honest, they get pampered!”

𝐅𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐨𝐟 𝐑𝐞𝐥𝐚𝐱𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐚𝐥𝐬

She shares that one of her favorite ways to relax is napping with her pets. “I made sure we got the biggest couch we could fit in our house so there’s plenty of room for all of us to pile on. Travis has taken so many pictures of me napping surrounded by our pets,” she says.

𝐀 𝐑𝐞𝐬𝐜𝐮𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 𝐎𝐮𝐭

One rescue stands out above all: her dog, Tank. She found him in a shelter, just one day away from being euthanized. “He was a 3-year-old owner surrender, and he was terrified, sitting at the back of his kennel. He looked big and intimidating, especially with his cropped ears, so nobody wanted him. We took him home immediately,” she recalls. Today, Tank is a loving 9-year-old who adores snuggling with kittens.

With a lifelong passion for animals, she has found her place at Villalobos, bringing patience, knowledge, and love to every animal in her care. Whether she’s rescuing dogs on her own, bonding with all the pups, or taking in a dog like Tank, her dedication shines through her hard work!

𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐 𝑪𝒉𝒐𝒐! 🖤🐾

11/13/2024

WORK FROM YOUR HOME AS A “MINI-VRC” LOCATION.

So this will be a first for us but during these desperate times, we have to think outside the box...way outside the box!

We are offering to pay dog-loving people to foster our senior dogs in their homes. There are some stipulations, one of them being that in order to receive pay, you have to be able to comfortably foster (5) dogs.

Our dogs are crated-trained, and we pay for ALL of the dogs’ expenses and supply you with everything you would need to take care of them until they (hopefully) find a forever home.

To learn more about this program and the other guidelines, please email us at: [email protected]

If you are interested in fostering only one dog, we welcome those as well, but there is no monetary compensation. But we can give you some cool free merchandise from the rescue. 🥰

Please help us get a senior dog out of our kennels for the “howlidays.” 😢

11/12/2024

AN AMAZING DOG LOOKING FOR AN AMAZING HOME.

UPDATE: TROJAN HAS A PENDING ADOPTION APPLICATION!!!

This is Trojan and he is one of the dogs in our prison dogs program. He is full trained, amazing with other dogs and loves kids. I will be posting more on his story and the link to his adoption application in the next couple of days.

I mean...ain't he handsome? *sigh*

11/12/2024

WORK FROM YOUR HOME AS A "MINI-VRC" LOCATION.

So this will be a first for us but during these desperate times, we have to think outside the box...way outside the box!

We are offering to pay dog-loving people to foster our senior dogs in their homes. There are some stipulations, one of them being that in order to receive pay, you have to be able to comfortably foster (5) dogs.

Our dogs are crated-trained, and we pay for ALL of the dogs' expenses and supply you with everything you would need to take care of them until they (hopefully) find a forever home.

To learn more about this program and the other guidelines, please email us at: [email protected]

If you are interested in fostering only one dog, we welcome those as well, but there is no monetary compensation. But we can give you some cool free merchandise from the rescue. 🥰

Please help us get a senior dog out of our kennels for the "howlidays." 😢

11/11/2024

ONE OF OUR GREATEST NEEDS - CLEANING SUPPLIES!!

Next to dog food and vet costs, cleaning supplies are the greatest need for the dogs.

Recently, we created an Amazon Storefront through their Amazon Affiliate Program. This means when you order items through our Amazon Storefront, the dogs get the goods and the rescue also earns a commission for each item ordered! It's a win-win!!!

The link to our cleaning supplies/Amazon Storefront link is: https://amzn.to/4fIISJu This is NOT a scam (although I somewhat sound like an infomercial...haha!)

Our shipping address is: 5541 Hwy 1, Napoleonville, LA. 70390

We appreciate any help you can give us in ordering some of these much-needed items. Thank you!!!