PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES
Parolee family"I know what it's like to be misunderstood," says Torres. "I grew up on the edge of society, hanging out in gang-infested neighborhoods and ultimately marrying into that 'watch-your-back' way of life. The guys I hire are ones whom no one else wants. I always have wanted to put my 'badness' to good use, so I combined my lifestyle with my love for animals by giving parolees the chance to make a real difference."
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ABOUT THE SHOW!Pit bulls are eager to please, faithful and enthusiastic friends and pleasant with children according to credible canine organizations. Really, it's true. Yet, the public largely associates these dogs with fear, danger and unyielding aggression toward people.
Pit bulls actually were once ranked among American's top five favorite pets and were also known as the "nanny dog" for their gentleness with children. But they have fallen from grace. Now often associated with gang members, dog fighting and attacks, pit bulls are misunderstood, misjudged and under-appreciated. Their bad rap stems from many misconceptions — the biggest is that they are "killer" dogs that pose a threat to society. While most dogs are known as man's best friend, people have lost hope for the pit bull. That's about to change. Animal Planet introduces you to this breed's greatest ally, and she's not a man — she's a fiery red-headed leading lady, and she's determined to end the needless hostility toward pit bulls. Meet Tia Torres — 49-year-old mother, top pit bull trainer and founder and owner of Villalobos Rescue Center — the country's largest rescue facility for pit bulls. At her center, set upon 10 dusty acres outside of Los Angeles, Torres rescues, rehabilitates and retrains more than 200 pit bulls, so they can be placed in good homes. And she pairs those misunderstood animals with a half-dozen ex-convicts on parole to provide both man and man's best friend a chance at redemption.
"Not many are willing to give a second chance to these parolees," says Torres, "But I have. And now the 'bad boys' of society meet the so-called 'bad boys' of the canine community, and boom! Just like that — they create magic together. They bring out a side of each other that's sweet, warm and unbelievably touching." Because of irresponsible ownership, pit bulls have been blamed for the wrongdoings of their owners. Nowadays, pit bulls unjustly are viewed as unadoptable, with many shelters automatically deciding to put them down. Fighting stereotypes against both pit bulls and paroles, Torres wants people to understand that these dogs can make incredible pets and that people should think twice before they judge this breed and the men at her ranch who help save them. |