Villalobos - Elective

Though we were all tired from the night before, we woke up excited to visit Villalobos. I've never seen Pitbulls and Parolees, but I was still super excited to pet some puppies! We had no idea where this facility was located, and neither did the cab driver. Though this struck us as a little bit odd, we gave him the address and he got us on our way. As we were driving, we noticed that things started looking a little... um... different. We pulled into what we thought was an alley and our cab driver said, "What are you guys doing down here?" We explained to him what our plan was for that day and he let us out and left. We looked around and noticed a sign that said "Upper 9th Ward." *Light bulb* When we saw this sign, we remembered talking to two policemen the night before about the 9th ward. Jessica was explaining to them that we'd love to see the 9th ward, simply to learn more about Katrina and see some of its lasting effects on the city. The cops told us it was a bad idea. Jessica jokingly said, "Why? If we get mugged it's no big deal." The cop replied, "Mugged? That's on a good day. You'll probably get shot." - Long story short - we decided that visiting the 9th ward probably wouldn't be on the agenda for the next day. Fast forward to this morning, pulling into what looked like a dead-end alley. We were a little bit nervous, but took comfort in knowing there was quite a number of people there in case anything crazy did happen. I also was comforted when I saw multiple pit bulls being walked around the grounds outside of the facility. Though I do not believe in the stigma against them, I do know that pitties are high up on America's list of "Dogs that are dangerous." We waited in line for about an hour and then it was our turn to experience a tour of the facility. We didn't get to actually walk the dogs because we showed up a little bit too late for that part of the experience, but we did get to see and touch the dogs, as well as the rest of the facility. We had a tour guide, who has a parolee. He said he was brand new and hadn't been there long, but that he would be happy to answer any questions we might come up with. He was very knowledgeable and entertaining throughout his tour. He told us funny stories and little tidbits about every single dog we walked by. I fell in love with one certain dog, his name was Dennis the Menace. He was absolutely beautiful and he wanted to come home with me. 

This was probably my favorite experience thus far. I love animals and I love selfless people and it was clear that this facility housed both of those things. They truly have their fur baby's best interest in mind and the depths that they go to to ensure this is amazing. I will visit Villalobos again someday, and I am hoping that when my family and I go to adopt our own dog... That we're able to rescue a pitty from Villalobos.