Interview: More from Pit Bulls and Parolees

11/05/2009

 Tia Torres's Dog Days (and Weeks and Months...)

Did you catch the first episode of "Pit Bulls and Parolees" last week? Don't you want to salute Tia Torres for her amazing efforts on behalf of both dogs and mankind? You can follow the stories of the dogs in need and the men who bond with them every Friday at 10 pm e/p. And you can read the rest of The Mole's interview with Tia right here.

Tia, you've spent so much time working with dogs. What's it been like to add being on a TV series to that mix? Do you ever forget the cameras are around?

At first it was hard. I don't think the crew was quite prepared for the fast pace here. We were all running into each other with cameras and dogs. But it didn't take everyone long to catch on to our routine and it ended up being a great working environment. The makeup lady even ended up adopting a dog from us! But in the end, the cameras really didn't bother us. It got to be fun.

Did you actually plan to have a career with animals when you were growing up?

Don't laugh, but I had actually wanted a career in law enforcement!  I went to college for a degree in criminal justice, and went into the police academy for the LAPD. What changed my mind happened a few weeks into training. I was kicked out of the program over something in my background check. (the criminal record of Tia's ex-boyfriend, the father of her daughter Tania). They said because we had a daughter together, that bound us together forever. That experience put such a bad taste in my mouth that I went in a completely different direction. I went back to my childhood love...dogs. Since I got back into dogs, I've never looked back and they've never let me down.

Pit bulls have gotten a very bad rap, and are misunderstood sometimes even by those who know dogs. But that seems to be changing. What can Animal Planet viewers do to help that situation along?

The image of the pit bull changed after the Michael Vick case. It's sad that it took a group of sacrificial lambs to prove what needed to be proved. But not only did people realize what unspeakable torture these dogs go through, but more importantly, how they forgave those who inflicted their pain. That's the true lesson here.

Animal Planet viewers will see that despite all the pain, these dogs are still the "Ferraris" of the dog world, and they do require very responsible ownership. As pit bull owners, we must be "defensive drivers," and protect our dogs. Anyone who lets their guard down and allows their pit bulls to get into trouble, then shame on them. Don't be afraid to speak up and say something if you see a pit bull owner acting like a loser. We ran into a situation the other day at the dog park. A guy brought his pit bull and the dog was obviously very dog-aggressive. My trainer, Louise, told him to leave, that he was ruining it for those of us who are careful with our dogs. Responsible pit bull ownership is the key!

Right now you're taking care of more than 100 dogs. What's the most rewarding part of all that work?

Watching the dogs leave my kennel, where they sleep in a dog house, and go to a new home, with heating and, air conditioning, and where they're sleeping under the blankets on their new owner's bed is most rewarding. The thing that puts the biggest smile on my face is when I watch the dogs leave with their new owners. They're so happy to jump into that car, and as I watch them pull away, that dog is leaning over the back seat, slobbering on the new owner's face. Never even looking back at me--I'm just a memory, and all that's ahead is their new happy life. That's the ultimate reward.

With so much hard work around the clock, what do you do for fun, to relax?

I don't. Seriously, relaxing to me is late at night when my eyes are crossing and I can't do any more office work. I sit on the couch and watch a little TV. I don't go shopping or to the movies, I rarely leave the ranch, probably only once a week. There is so much work that I feel if I lose even one hour, I'm very much behind schedule. I am my own worst critic, and want things done to perfection. Oh wait, I did think of one thing I do for fun. I get my nails done! Yup, a hard-core ranch gal like me has long, French-tip fingernails. Shhh ... don't tell anyone.

Tia Torres, thanks for sharing some behind-the-scenes reality for "Pit Bulls and Parolees" viewers. You can catch new episodes on Fridays at 10 pm e/p.

Comments

[Jerry and Kay]

What a wonderful series! It is so heartwarming to read about how much the animals are enjoying going to new, permanent homes. Thanks Mole, for these interviews. Ms. Torres is an exceptional, amazing lady and we are grateful to her for caring so much.