Amazing Animals & Rescue Organizations

Cunningham is literally on his last legs. The ancient Bulldog mix is mangy and covered with abscesses, his hind quarters laying listlessly behind him. He has a face only a mother or Tia Maria Torres could love.

"A shelter called and told me he was at death's door, that he only had a few more days to live. They asked that I keep him until then, give him a nice send off." Tia says. "That was six months ago."

Tia reaches down and rubs his belly. Cunningham blissfully stretches out on the warm grass. The old boy shows no sign of going just yet. He has found nirvana.

Cunningham is only one of the many downtrodden souls who found their way into the loving arms of Tia Maria Torres, founder and director of Villalobos Rescue Center.

Villalobos Rescue Center is home to over 50 pit bulls, 20 wolves, dozens of mixed breeds, a cougar and a couple of tigers. Located in the quiet desert hills of Agua Dulce, California, it's a far cry from most of their origins. These are the hard luck cases, the ones you hear about on the news but don't want to believe. Used in fighting against their will. Horribly mistreated. Tossed into the streets like unwanted trash. Most of the animals here grew up amidst chaos and abuse, so placement at Villalobos is a vast improvement, even when confined to a small kennel for most of the day. Here, they receive medical care, training, regular meals, attention. Here they have hope.

Somewhere in the distance two dogs start to rumble. Without looking, Tia calls their name in a firm voice and the noise ceases. She gets back to business. There is much to do. Feeding the dogs. Cutting up meat for the lions and cougar. Replacing tipped water buckets. Walking. Bathing. Rubbing bellies. Repairing damaged kennels. Answering calls and mail. She accomplishes much of this alone, with help from the occasional volunteer.

Tia's dreams are not huge. Fixing the property so that kennels don't blow over when the winds come. Making a run so that each animal can roam free for a part of the day. Not having to worry about where the next supply of food will come from. Tia's biggest dream, the one she longs for most, is to find a home for each of these dogs, with someone who will care for and understand them as much as she does. Until then, they are hers and like any mother, it is not just a job. These furry children are her life, her mission, and she goes about each day with the fierce determination of the breed she loves so dearly.

By Michelle Sathe

Due to full capacity, Villalobos Rescue Center is not accepting any stray animals for shelter. To contact VRC, check out www.vrcpitbull.com or send donations directly to Villalobos Rescue Center, P.O. Box 1544, Canyon Country, CA 91386.

Villalobos Rescue Center is one of the many animal outreaches that Designing Health supports because it's our business to care about the health and well-being of our animal friends.


 

 

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