Villalobos Rescue Center

For those of you new to my blog or those who weren't paying attention, I went to the Villalobos Rescue Center to volunteer this past Saturday. Villalobos is the biggest pit bull rescue in the world. They house up to 200 abused, stray and/or abandoned pit bulls. They are also the topic of the reality show Pit Bulls and Parolees.

As of right now (they are soon to relocate to Tehachapi) they are located in the Santa Clarita Valley, in the small rural town of Agua Dulce. Google maps said it would take about 3 hours to get there. So my fellow pit rescue friends and I headed out at about 6 am, after one mandatory stop to Starbucks. We stopped once to get gas (and for me to smoke) and once to get water and use the bathroom (and for me to smoke) and we made it up there in just under 3 hours. It was an easy drive, even through LA.
It was a little chaotic when we got there, people just kinda wandering around trying to figure out how it all works. Many of the volunteers had been there before and offered advice on how it all goes down. They explained the simple rules, the time frame for volunteering, where we could and couldn't go on the property, and then started to bring out the dogs. There were about 40 or so volunteers and everyone ended up walking an average of three dogs. All of the dogs I walked were Katrina rescue dogs. It really choked me up to think about what these dogs had been through in order to get where they are now. (If you aren't aware of the hardship the animals endured during Hurricane Katrina, please watch the documentary "Mine", which is currently in the play instantly section of Netflix).

Looking around watching all the hustle and bustle, you see how real the show featuring them is. Tia runs around on the phone, loading dogs into and out of her car, talking to potential adopters and managing the parolees working on the ranch. Nothing seemed to be beefed up for ratings. It just looked like a typical day in the life of someone who devoted her life to these dogs. They all work so hard. I was there for 5 hours and was so exhausted by the time I left, I cant even imagine doing it day in and day out. Dogs don't know it is Easter, or Christmas, or Labor Day. All they know is they need to be fed, walked and cleaned up after. It is really tough work that I find quite admirable.

I am not a huge fan of some of the language used, or messaged portrayed on some of their advertising, but because I respect what they do, I stand behind their goal. I am so glad I was able to get out there and do this for them, and for me! If it is something you think you might want to do, let me know and I will direct you in the right place. But if you live in San Diego, you might wanna get out there soon before they relocate because that drive could be twice as long!

Adventures at Villalobos

No news is good news

I found a folder on my computer today that contained photos, quotes, post secrets and other various things that caught my eye at different points in my life. I thought that while you are waiting for my next post that actually says something, you could check out a few things that I find interesting, amusing or inspirational. You're welcome ;)








































Thanks for being a voyeur, and getting to know my mind a little better!

xo,
Ladyfirefury

Roots

Hey guys!
Good things are happening in the land of hairdressing. Roots Hair Salon is now open for business. I am so excited to be here and really focus on new things. As you know we are a green salon. This means we are dedicated to only using the most environmentally friendly products. This means, products and hair colors are plant based, vegan and healthy for both hair and the planet.
We had our first color class last night on our color line Nova. I learned some great things about it I would like to share with you. An Australian company, DeLorenzo, developed Nova color. They use plant-based ingredients, mostly indigenous to Australia. They are socially responsible as well. They only use a method of harvesting known as wild harvesting. This means that clearing land and planting seeds do not harvest the crops used in their products. They are picked from where they grow in the wild. DeLorenzo is dedicated to working with aborigines to boost their economy and education.
With out going into too much detail about chemistry, basically this color has been formulated to actually make your hair healthier while using it. You will be amazed at the softness and shine your hair maintains. Your color will last longer, your gray will be covered more, and you get to feel good that you are helping the planet, just by getting your hair done. It doesn’t get better than that!
The colors can only be described as delicious. With series named after chocolates and coffees, you can only imagine the richness it delivers. We will be attending another color class later this month inspired by combinations from different color series within the line. Tiramisu, Chocolate covered strawberry and Smores are all patterns and techniques based on the Chocolate series that they will be teaching us. (These are obviously my kinda people.) I seriously can’t wait. How inspirational and artistic.
We also will be making an order to carry DeLorenzo’s hair care line as well. No matter what your issue with your hair is, there will be a product that will help. There is also a total healthy scalp line as well. Your hair won’t know what hit it!
We also have two product lines that follow up with our vision and the integrity of our planet. We are carrying Tigi’s Love Peace Planet. They use the best ingredients and with combinations such as the Cinnamon Soy Orange straightening balm, and Cherry Almond conditioner, your hair will not only look great, it will smell amazing as well. In addition to the Tigi, we also have the high end line Paratin from Loma. Their main focus is really healthy ingredients to moisturize and nourish the hair. This line is great for all hair types, but it is also awesome for hair that has been previously damaged and needs some reconstructing.

We already have great reviews on Yelp (never hurts to have more!) and I am just so thrilled for the new challenge, new environment and new products. Check out some pictures :)

Before:






And After:







As you can see a lot of work went into the transformation and it is still of course a work in progress to get to where we want it to be, but it is an exciting journey. Can"t wait to see you guys there!

Xo,
ladyfirefury