Underdawgz: Working to Change the Pit Bull’s Image

Credible canine organizations have always claimed that pit bulls are intelligent, faithful, eager to please, and good with children. Yet these characteristics are polar opposites of what the general public envisions when they think about pit bulls. The image that comes to mind is one of danger, hostility, and unprovoked aggressive behavior toward people.

Long ago, pit bulls were actually ranked one of the five best pets in America, even garnering the nickname "nanny dogs" because they were so gentle around children. But now the breed is often associated with dog fighting, gang activity, and vicious unprovoked attacks on unsuspecting people. Their negative image comes from a host of misconceptions, the biggest of which is that pit bulls are "killer dogs" and they pose a threat to the general public. Some cities have even banned the ownership of pit bulls within city limits. Most other dog breeds are considered "man’s best friend," but that distinction is never applied to the pit bull.

If Tia Maria Torres has her way, that’s about to change. Animal Planet’s new series, "Pit Bulls and Parolees," profiles the Villalobos Rescue Center, the country’s largest rescue operation for pit bulls. The facility is run by Torres, a feisty red-headed mother, top pit bull trainer, and champion for the reputation of pit bulls. She founded Villalobos solely to rescue, rehabilitate, and retrain pit bulls and then find good homes for them. The facility cares for between 150 and 200 dogs every day, at a monthly operating cost of nearly $15,000. But Torres considers it her life’s mission to reverse the damage done to the pit bulls that come to VRC. Fearful dogs, some of whom have never experienced a kind word or touch from a person, are patiently reacclimated to the loving care of people.

Pit bulls are usually seen as being unadoptable, and many animal shelters euthanize them rather than even try to find good homes. But Torres is waging a battle against the negative stereotypes, which she says are unfair. Having grown up on the edge of society herself, hanging out in bad neighborhoods and living a risky way of life, she finds the problems of the pit bull to be all too familiar. She wants people to know that unlike the stereotype, pit bulls can make incredible, affectionate pets.

For Animal Planet’s show, Torres pairs rescued pit bulls with six ex-convicts on parole to offer a chance at redemption to both the man and the dog. "Not many are willing to give a second chance to these parolees," Torres says.. "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." The show follows the drama and emotion as the ex-cons and the "bad dogs" of the canine world come together to gain strength from each other and work to earn respect from others.

The Underdawgz Program is the name of the organization that pairs the ex-cons with the pit bulls, offering hope and a new chance at life to both men and dogs that have made mistakes. The rehabilitation program is an effort by both man and dog, and the on-site program creates a non-threatening atmosphere where individuals mainstreaming from incarceration back into the realms of society won’t be judged by either their past troubles or their appearance as "tough guys." The ranch environment gives dogs and men a chance to learn what life is about at their own pace, and to get over their past situations to focus on rehabilitation and training. The Underdawgz Program and Torres share the same mission - to give underdogs a chance to prove themselves and reaffirm that every day is a precious gift and brings a chance to start over again.