Hello Frances Podcast: Changing the Game - Animal Rescue with Laurie Hood
This week on the Hello Frances podcast, host Shantelle Dedicke sits down with Laurie Hood, Founder and CEO of Alaqua Animal Refuge, to discuss the game-changing impact Alaqua has on the lives of animals and the community. They explore the recent relocation of animals ahead of Hurricane Milton and how the dedicated staff and volunteers create a safe, loving environment through daily feeding and enrichment. Laurie shares the incredible ripple effect of Alaqua’s mission, from saving animals to inspiring others
Alaqua Animal Refuge Seeks Public Support for Animals Displaced by Hurricane Milton Despite National Assistance
Alaqua Animal Refuge is urgently seeking public support to continue providing life-saving care for animals displaced by Hurricane Milton. While national animal welfare organizations have stepped in with emergency grants, food, and bedding, Alaqua remains in critical need of monetary donations, volunteers, fosters, and adopters to sustain the ongoing care for these animals. As the designated emergency shelter for Hurricane Milton, Alaqua quickly mobilized to meet the needs of displaced animals, even before
Tenth Annual Signature Event, Houndfest X, to Benefit Alaqua Animal Refuge
Idyll Hounds Brewing Company’s signature event, Houndfest X, will take place Thursday - Saturday, September 26 - 28 with proceeds benefiting Alaqua Animal Refuge. To kick off the signature event, Idyll Hounds Brewing Company is partnering with Back Beach Barbecue for a VIP dining experience on Thursday, September 26 from 6-9 p.m. at the brewery. Attendees will get an exclusive preview of a few select Houndfest releases and have the opportunity to mix and mingle with brew masters that will be featured
Alaqua Animal Refuge Hosts Animoré Weekend Featuring the Bluegrass Barn Jam
Alaqua Animal Refuge is thrilled to announce the return of the Animoré Weekend with the exciting addition of the Bluegrass Barn Jam! This vibrant event, set for Saturday, Sept. 21, 2024, promises to be an unforgettable day of music, community, and support for animal welfare. The Bluegrass Barn Jam features an outstanding lineup of nationally and regionally recognized Bluegrass acts, set to perform across multiple stages on the beautiful and expansive Alaqua property. Music enthusiasts and animal lovers
The Love of Animals Golf Tournament Sponsors Announced
Alaqua Animal Refuge is excited to announce that Sandestin Golf & Beach Resort + Hotel Effie have stepped up as the Presenting Sponsors and Champions for the Cause at the 3rd Annual FORE! The Love of Animals Golf Tournament. This prestigious event will unfold at The Links Golf Club at Sandestin on Saturday, June 8, 2024, where sport meets compassion in a day full of golf and goodwill. Simba, an Alaqua Alum and the charismatic canine mascot and esteemed Director of Pet Services at Hotel Effie, is at the
Klean Wash LLC - The Emerald Coast’s Highest Google Ranked Laundry
Klean Wash LLC, a family-owned boutique laundry under the ownership of Jerry and Doreen Baca since June 2018 has hit a milestone; the TEAM recently achieved the highest Google ranked laundry facility on the Emerald Coast with a 4.9 rating and 849 reviews and counting. Bacas said, “Customer service has always been a Klean Wash hallmark; however, with the seasoned leadership of our new General Manager, Vandy Vela, we shifted our resources to a laser focus on customer satisfaction. ‘Hiring our Lead Laundry
Alaqua Animal Refuge Receives $20,000 Donation from the Harbor Rats Charitable Foundation
Alaqua Animal Refuge proudly announces a generous donation of $20,000 from the Harbor Rats Charitable Foundation, an increase from the $10,000 given last year. This contribution marks the second year of the Harbor Rats' support for the Refuge, further solidifying their commitment to community service and animal welfare. Marvin Holthouser, Chairman of the Harbor Rats Board of Directors, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership. “We are so proud of the work that Alaqua has done over these many years
Alaqua Animal Refuge Rescues 32 Animals from Life-Threatening Conditions, Owner Arrested
In a critical and deeply unsettling animal rescue operation, Alaqua Animal Refuge, led by founder Laurie Hood, intervened in a life-threatening situation involving dozens of animals. The effort was coordinated in partnership with Deputy Sheriff Greg Barton of Holmes County Sheriff's Office, Walton County Sheriff's Office, Florida, and Washington County Animal Control. Owner Faces Criminal ChargesThe owner of these distressed animals was arrested and is currently facing four 3rd degree felony charges and
Shelter Dogs Find Loving Homes After Lengthy Waits: Red, 593 Days, and Gunner, 582 Days
In a heartwarming turn of events, two resilient shelter dogs, Red and Gunner, have found their forever homes after enduring lengthy stays at Alaqua Animal Refuge. Red, with an astonishing 593 days of waiting, and Gunner, with 582 days, captivated the hearts of staff and volunteers during their time at the refuge. Their stories shed light on the challenges faced by larger black dogs in shelters, often leading to their overlooked status despite their lovable nature. Red, a lovable bulldog, and Gunner, a big
Meet Heather Parrish - Newest ECCAC Board Member
Heather Parrish recently joined the Emerald Coast Children’s Advocacy Center’s (ECCAC) Board of Directors. A Miramar Beach resident with her family, Parrish is a real estate agent and investor specializing in income and luxury properties with Keller Williams Realty. Previously, she was a Registered Nurse working primarily in Critical Care in both Memphis, Tennessee and with Sacred Heart of the Emerald Coast here in Miramar Beach, Florida. “My husband and I, along with our children, feel very connected to
Alaqua Animal Refuge Commemorates Grand Opening of New Facility with Month-Long “Celebrate! Alaqua”
Alaqua Animal Refuge is pleased to announce the formal opening of their new, one-of-a-kind facility, located at 155 Dugas Way, and invites the community to celebrate the momentous occasion with a month-long celebration of events titled “Celebrate! Alaqua” beginning March 4. As the Southeast’s premier 501(c)3 refuge and sanctuary, Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected, and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Originally located on 10 acres in Freeport, the new 100-acre facility will allow
