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Pit Bulls and Parolees
- Animal Planet
- Genre: Reality TV
Common Sense Media says
Dog rescue series is more troubling than inspirational.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this reality series -- which supports the rehabilitation and adoption of pit bulls -- offers positive messages about rescuing animals and giving people (and animals) a second chance at life. Aided by sometimes-graphic images, rescuer Tia Maria Torres discusses how the breed has been abused and often misjudged by the American public; some of the pit bulls act viciously out of fear or pain, but they're mostly shown being affectionate toward humans. Dogs are occasionally shown being humanely put down by veterinarians when they're suffering. Expect some salty language (though the strongest words are bleeped) and lots of discussion about/references to ex-convicts' legal woes and former criminal acts (including illegally carrying guns, doing drugs, and committing check fraud).
What's the story?
PIT BULLS AND PAROLEES follows dog rescuer Tia Maria Torres as she
runs the day-to-day operations of the Villalobos Rescue Center, the largest pit bull shelter in America. With the help of daughters Mariah and Tania, foster sons Kanani and Keli'I, and a small
staff of parolees, Torres rescues hundreds of abused and/or abandoned pit
bulls with the hope that they can eventually be placed into loving
homes. As she rehabilitates and trains the dogs, she teaches the
former convicts how to give of themselves while caring for and
respecting the animals. But while she offers the maligned dog breed and
the former prisoners a second chance at life, she also struggles with the
current incarceration and upcoming trial of her husband, Aren “A.J.”
Jackson, who's in jail awaiting trial on felony charges.
Is it any good?
Pit Bulls and Parolees is a sounding board for the outspoken Torres, who takes every
opportunity to demonstrate how pit bulls can be good pets despite their
natural strength and violent reputation. Arguing that they're the most
abused and misjudged breed in the country, she readily shows graphic
pictures while describing the extent of the injuries and illnesses that her
rescued pooches have suffered from. Meanwhile, she and her staff
continually parallel the dogs' difficult plight with the
real-life experiences of ex-cons, who are also looking for social
acceptance.
While Torres is clearly passionate about helping animals and people,
her positive messages are uncomfortably mixed in with declarations
about her husband’s innocence and the injustice of his situation.
Adding to the discomfort are scenes of A.J. addressing the court in
prison garb and shackles during his hearings. Plus, it's hard to
completely trust the dogs and the people Torres helps when the animals
exhibit hostile behavior and the parolees vaguely describe some of
their past criminal acts. Overall, this show offers a mixed bag of
messages that leaves you feeling more troubled than inspired.
What families can talk about
Families can talk about how pit bulls are typically seen by the public. Do you think the breed's reputation has a connection to the way the media has chosen to portray the dogs?
What about the ex-convicts? Do you think parolees have a harder time rejoining society because of
the way former prisoners are depicted in movies and TV shows? Why or why not?Do you think that animals who've become aggressive as the result of
abuse or neglect can really be transformed into good family pets? Or
will they potentially be dangerous after being retrained?
- Show:
- All members
- Parents
- Teens & kids
AGE
YEAH !!!! VILLALOBOS!!!!!!
This show is awesome. Its great to see such dedication and selflessness by the entire staff at Villalobos. Thank god for people like this. What an inspiration to others and we should all take note. Our judicial system should take note on what this facility is all about. Not only helping dogs but also helping people. Let Aren Jackson out so he can continue to do good with this program.
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AGE
As a private person in Trenton who rescues Pit Bulls one at a time, I was impressed with the attempt to control the dogs and adoption process.
I am not impressed with the diva daughters who will supposedly take over for thier overworked and exhausted mother.
The Parolees have isue Parolees have so anyone tuning in looking for a Pit Bull version of "The Dog" will be disappointed.
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AGE
i love this show and i think what Tia and AJ started here is great. If we only had more people like this in the world .The world would be a much better place.
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AGE
Loving Pitbulls and Parolees
I love watching pitbulls and parolees because it gives me some sort of prospective on what people do everyday of the week and what other people do to the dogs.
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AGE
I love this show it shows how everyone deserves a second chance an I love pitbills I use to have on an I plan on getting another.
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AGE
Kids need to know whats out there, what people do to our beloved family pets! Watch this show you will shed tears for Tia, the dogs and the cons.
I love this show because Tia is an inspiration to anyone who has struggled in life. The dog are very misunderstood because of a few bad owners who in the media are looked over but the dog is NOT! Society deems the dog as bad, vicious but all along we are not looking at who is truly responsible for a few that just do what they were trained to do. Any dog can be a loaded gun with the wrong person.
As for the ex convicts they do get a bad rap in society even if it is a small crime like petty theft in our society once you go bad you can't go good. Our mentality is of an ignorant society. I dare any one to spend one day with my ex convict and they will see he is just like you or me.
I believe any animal can be transformed by the right people. I personally have 3 animals who were horribly miss treated by their previous owners and all 3 are well adjusted parts of my family. My Lab has the worst story of abuse but he bounced back because of love, training, and constant care! So yes they can be rehabilitated. Any animal can be dangerous after any training even a Yorkie. Responsibility of the owner is the key!
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AGE
I think it is about time someone has the courage to rell the world the truth about this wonderful breed of dog. Yes it does show graphics pictures of what some of these dogs went thru....."a picture is worth a thousand words" after all. Yes, some of the parolees talk about their past, but all are determined to change. If you prefer to live in a fantasy world where everything is perfect then by all means skip this show. If, on the other hand, you live among the more open minded of us and would like your children to be raised in the real world then I feel this show is a must. There are people doing horrible things to innocent animals all over the world. To turn a blind eye to it is nothing short of criminal in my opinion. How will the cycle of cruelty and violence towards animals ever be stopped if no one is willing to look at the results?
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| TV rating: | TV-PG |
| Network: | Animal Planet |
| Cast: | Aren Jackson, Tia Maria Torres |
| Genre: | Reality TV |
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