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Do you know who Tia Maria Torres is?

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No?

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Let me tell you a little bit about her.

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Tia Torres started the largest[br]and most successful pit bull rescue

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in the country.

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According to animalplanet.com,

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she started and built the largest rescue[br]that saves four-legged friends and people.

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She saved over 1,000 dogs and cats.

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She is a positive role model,

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she served six years[br]in the Army as a truck driver.

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Not only did she make a stand for animals[br]she also made a stand to help people.

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She was a youth gang counselor[br]for the toughest gangs in LA.

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She now owns and runs Villalobos Rescue[br]located in New Orleans.

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She rescues all breeds of dogs and cats.

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She is on Animal Planet.

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Her TV show is called[br]"Pit Bulls & Parolees."

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Her husband, an ex-con, was[br]her inspiration for hiring parolees.

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A parolee is a person[br]who was released from prison.

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They have a hard time finding a job.

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She employs parolees, giving them[br]a second chance, as others did not.

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According to tiatorres.org,

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her mission is to educate people[br]and share her love for the animals.

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She hopes to help people[br]make a difference.

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She is a true hero to all[br]that need a second chance.

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(Applause)