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What’s the Story?

Reviewed byMelissa Camacho

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?

2

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. 

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