INTERVIEW: Tania Torres on her family’s commitment to pit bulls

Tia Torres offers parolees jobs and saves pit bulls at Villalobos Rescue Center in New Orleans. Their motto is “Saving Man and Saving Man’s Best Friend,” and there to help out with the rescuing is Tia’s oldest daughter, Tania Torres.

Their adventures, triumphs and heartbreaks are on display on Animal Planet’s Pit Bulls and Parolees, which airs new episodes Saturdays at 10 p.m.

Tania has faced many obstacles in her life, including the tragic death of loved ones. It would take some time, but eventually the family rallied together and helped Tia with her dog rescuing operation. In her teenage years, Tania traveled the world to assist animal trainers in the film industry. Nowadays, she helps her mother with the business and the rescuing, trying to find homes for these pit bulls and offering second chances to formerly incarcerated workers.

Recently, Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Tania about her life, her passion for dogs and being a reality TV star. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.

In your opinion, why is it important to save these dogs and find homes for them?

It’s important to save these dogs and find them homes because if we don’t do it, who will? I’m not saying we’re the only people capable of rescuing dogs because there are many great people out there. But it’s starting to seem like we have at least 20 dogs for every one person here. These poor dogs didn’t choose to be here or choose to be mistreated. At Villalobos, it’s our goal to save as many dogs as we can with the hopes that they will all eventually know what a true, loving home feels like.

Have you always loved animals from a young age?

I have loved animals for as long as I can remember. My mom grew up loving animals as well, so I think it’s safe to say it’s in our blood. I have been around all sorts of animals my entire life, but when it all boils down, dogs are my absolute favorite because they are so selfless and grateful. Their sole purpose in life is to show their owners endless amounts of love and compassion, and to me, that’s the most beautiful thing in the world.

Do you like having the cameras around documenting your family’s efforts?

It’s bittersweet. I think it’s very important to get the word out about the abuse, neglect and constant breeding of dogs. If people aren’t educated, they will never know, and they will never be able to take a stand and make a difference. It does get a little trying at times, and I do get pretty exhausted. I mean, does anyone really want a camera following them around everyday? However, at the end of the day, I think it’s all worth it. We started this journey to help animals in need, and without this TV show, we would have had to shut down a long time ago.

Why do you think the reality series has become such a huge hit?

I guess I’ve never really thought of it as being a “huge hit.” I mean, it’s our lives. It’s our everyday struggle. It’s raw. It’s real. We have shared some of our most personal details for the world to see. From heartbreak to happiness and everything in between, we have put it out there. We aren’t some prim and proper family, and we weren’t handed everything. We have worked so hard to get to where we are, and we will continue to do so. Maybe people find us relatable. Maybe that’s why they support the show and what we do. I think it’s easier to relate to people who have experienced the same struggles as yourself.

What’s the best part of the New Orleans area?

I’ve loved New Orleans since the very first time I got to visit here. There is just something about this city that captivates you. The city of New Orleans welcomed us with open arms, and ever since then, we haven’t looked back. I don’t think there is a better place to call home.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Pit Bulls and Parolees airs new episodes Saturdays at 10 p.m. Click here for more information.