Tia Torres, the lead rescuer and founder of Villalobos Rescue Center (VRC), got a call from a man named Leo who wanted to adopt a dog. She suggested talking about it in person because she needed to know more about him to ensure he ended up with the right dog. Instantly, he agreed to drive from Boston to New Orleans to get the process started.
Apparently, Leo had two dogs and he loved them so much. But when his divorce was finalized, he and his ex-wife agreed not to separate their dogs. It was a pretty difficult decision but he let his ex-wife keep their dogs because he knew it was for the best.
Leo was lonely and alone for the first time after several years. He wanted to get a new dog but he thought he better wait until he was ready again. When he realized it would help heal his broken heart faster, that’s when he reached out to VRC.
Potential adopters of VRC often meet with 2 or 3 dogs when they visit the rescue center. After spending a few minutes with the dogs, that’s when they decide which one to bring home. In Leo’s case, however, meeting more than one dog wasn’t necessary. Veronica was all she needed to meet.
Veronica, a Pitbull, was picked up as a stray in the streets of New Orleans. She was pregnant at that time and was heartworm positive, too. Despite her condition, she nursed and raised her puppies pretty well.
With her ability to love and care no matter the situation, Veronica would be a huge help in mending Leo’s heart. The first time they met, he felt an instant connection with her. He liked her and he decided right at that moment that she was his dog.
Tia couldn’t agree more that Leo and Veronica were meant to be together. But before anything else, a home check must be done.
Leo’s home is a 2-bedroom apartment with a shared yard. In most situations, it would be a no-go for a dog like Veronica. But because he disclosed it beforehand, and he swore to make a few changes to keep the dog under his watch all the time, VRC decided to let him and Veronica spend the rest of their lives together.
Credits: Villalobos Rescue Center and Animal Planet
