fbpx vie magazine subscribe button

Alaqua

Hope For All Creatures Great and Small

By Lori Eckert | Photography by Romona Robbins

It’s a crisp, clear morning, and Alaqua Bayou in Freeport, Florida glistens as the sun slips above the tree-studded horizon. The serene silence that blanketed the night on a nearby farm is broken as a rooster rears back his flame-red head and proudly crows.

But this is no ordinary rooster, and this is no ordinary farm.

Bobby is a rescued rooster—yes, roosters can be rescued. Along with more than two hundred fifty animals, which were once homeless, abused or neglected, Bobby, who is in his senior years, lives at Alaqua Animal Refuge, the Emerald Coast’s premier no-kill animal shelter and adoption center.

The refuge was founded in January 2007, when Freeport resident Laurie Hood learned that, at that time, thousands of animals were euthanized every year because of the lack of an animal shelter in Walton County.

vie magazine alaqua animal refuge laurie hood freeport florida
VIE graphic designer intern Kaleigh Warwick puts her best foot forward in Alaqua's agility course.
 

A graceful, soft-spoken blonde, Hood’s petite size and gentle nature belies the power of her ambition. In just four years, Hood’s vision to provide a unique no-kill facility has resulted in finding homes for more than six thousand animals.

Hood lives across the street from the ten-acre refuge with her two young boys and husband, Taylor. And once Bobby announces the arrival of dawn, her day starts at a pace that would physically and emotionally wear down nearly any Wall Street executive.

7 a.m.

“Many days begin, before I have even had my first cup of coffee, with finding an animal tied to our gates,” says Hood. “When we can, we take surrenders—animals that owners can no longer care for—but when animals are abandoned at our gates, which is illegal, we must turn them over to the county. The animals are often frightened, hungry and sometimes cold and wet. It is a heart-wrenching way to start a day.”

vie magazine alaqua animal refuge laurie hood freeport florida 8 a.m.

The large iron double gates swing open and six full-time and four part-time staff members report to work, followed by more than a dozen volunteers. The first task at hand is feeding the dogs, cats, horses, pigs, ducks, chickens, pheasants, emus, rabbits, and other unique boarders, such as sugar gliders, monitor lizards and deer. There are also special diets and medications for animals that are young, old, nursing or have special needs, so the process requires extreme coordination and organization among staff and volunteers.

vie magazine alaqua animal refuge laurie hood freeport florida baby pigs
That'll do, pig! Babe has nothing on these little fellas.
 

Surgery also starts at 8 a.m. for Dr. Amy Williams, the staff veterinarian, and Jerry Moore, the veterinary assistant. Williams and Moore operate three days a week, performing up to twelve procedures per day, from standard spay and neuter operations to lifesaving amputations.

 

And on this particular winter day, eight just-born squeaking, squealing piglets are found by staffers during the feeding rounds. “We had no idea Maybelline was pregnant when we rescued her. Our population just went up by eight, literally overnight, and the babies need to be cared for immediately. This shows we never know what to expect during a day at the refuge,” says Hood, shaking her head, but with a smile.

8:30 a.m.

After the feeding cycle begins, volunteers start dog walking—a task that rarely happens at a traditional shelter—to ensure that the dogs get ample exercise, socialization and on-leash training, while greatly reducing any possible aggression tendencies. The dogs are taken down the farm’s winding gravel roads and are allowed to sniff and explore to their hearts’ content.

By this time, the office staff has settled in, gathering details from phone messages left overnight, preparing for visiting groups, such as school children, and checking referrals for potential adopters.

Kim Helder has been a volunteer for five months, assisting in the office. Like all the volunteers and staff members, the Santa Rosa Beach resident also helps whenever and wherever needed. “I never sit down. As soon as I get back in the office, I am out the door again, giving a tour,” she says.

vie magazine alaqua animal refuge laurie hood freeport florida feeding horse
Kaleigh Warwich shares with her new friend who is more than willing to accept.
 

We had no idea Maybelline was pregnant when we rescued her. Our population just went up by eight, literally overnight, and the babies need to be cared for immediately. This shows we never know what to expect during a day at the refuge.

 

9:30 a.m.

As feeding comes to an end and the walking team is out in full force, the cleaning process must begin. Staff and volunteers clean pens, stalls, litter boxes and pastures as well as the two infirmary wards, two quarantine wards, a livestock barn, a horse barn, multiple dog runs, and six puppy, six dog, and two cat cottages.

10 a.m.

Today, the staff quickly gathers in a back office, trying to catch a few minutes to discuss administrative functions. Hood’s first order of business is the course of care for the refuge’s special-needs animals, including those with physical challenges and emotional issues due to abuse and neglect. April Madr, the events coordinator, gives a rundown of the many community activities in which the refuge is involved for the upcoming weeks. And goals, such as adoption and donation numbers, are discussed among the group.

Maintenance work, such as mending pasture fences and upkeep in the barns, which is ongoing at the refuge, has begun by this time.

vie magazine alaqua animal refuge laurie hood freeport florida dog greyhound
Richard Liles shows off Piper, his newly-adopted four-year-old greyhound.
 

Noon

The refuge is officially opened, and the parking lot is full as the clock strikes twelve. This is the most intense part of the day, as the adoption process—key to the refuge’s mission—begins. Every prospective owner is given a tour through the sprawling refuge.

Samantha Graves is the refuge’s adoption coordinator. She knows every animal by name and its story, and she takes pride in creating the perfect match. She says she finds the greatest joy in her work when she places an animal and the new owners keep in touch. “I love hearing those success stories,” she says.

But Graves, a Freeport native, also says it is often overwhelming knowing that they alone can’t meet the need and take in the hundreds of surrenders about which they are contacted. Surrenders have dramatically increased with the economy’s downturn and cases of abuse and neglect are also on the rise. “I hate seeing the results of animal abuse. It’s difficult just knowing that someone could do the things we see,” she says quietly.

 
I hate seeing the results of animal abuse. It’s difficult just knowing that someone could do the things we see.
 

Graves, Hood, other staff members and volunteers grab lunch when and where they can, because for the next four hours, they are in constant motion, with their main focus on the adoption process.

Shari Roberts of Santa Rosa Beach is one of the many local residents who have turned to the refuge to find a pet. Roberts, who is the manager of the South Walton Senior Center, was searching for the perfect pet for her sister, Shirley Marshall, when she found Evie.

Roberts had previously called the refuge, asking them to keep her in mind for a specific kind of dog. Graves sent several pictures of Evie and Roberts immediately knew “this perfect little female Shih Tzu” was the one for Marshall, age seventy-two, who is dealing with the loss of a loved one. “My sister just loves her. She has called several times and said, ‘Evie is the best gift I have ever gotten in my whole life,’” says Roberts.

“There are so many great dogs out there, just the sweetest most wonderful dogs—many of them could have been physically abused, but they still love and are able to forgive. There’s a lesson we all could learn,” she adds.

2 p.m.

Christina Flynn and Paul Goans, canine agility trainers, are running some very happy dogs through the challenging but fun course at the refuge. The couple, owners of Easytrain, teaches several agility and obedience courses to the public throughout the year.

In a nearby pasture, volunteers are washing four large dogs in a patch of warm afternoon sun, while another volunteer works to socialize a litter of six energetic and mischievous beagle puppies.

Meanwhile, the office continues to hum with activity—and the constant ring of the more than a hundred calls received that day.

vie magazine alaqua animal refuge laurie hood freeport florida horse  

Hood is at her desk, deeply focused on grant writing, searching for money in a down economy to cover operations costs. Today, she is applying for funds for S.N.A.P., a refuge program that offers low- to no-cost spay and neuter procedures to dog and cat owners in Walton County. S.N.A.P., which costs $100,000 annually, does not cover Alaqua Animal Refuge’s rescues, but Hood says it is an important community service that helps alleviate the pet overpopulation problem in the area.

Fund-raising efforts, such as grant writing, are seemingly unending for Hood, who says it cost $38,000 per month to operate the refuge. She relies on her board of directors to identify sources, as well as help steer the refuge toward its mission.

Richard Liles joined the board nearly a year ago. A resident of Walton County since 1983, Liles understands what Alaqua Animal Refuge’s mission means to the community. “I just like the principle of it being a no-kill shelter, and they are the only group around that is able to help animals other than cats and dogs,” he says.

Liles, owner of Richard Liles & Associates interior design firm in Santa Rosa Beach, is not just a board member; he is a recent adopter, too. Piper, a four-year-old greyhound, was one of two former racetrack dogs saved by Alaqua Animal Refuge. Once malnourished and raced beyond the point that her young body could handle, Piper found safety and care at the refuge last fall and now has a loving home with Liles and his wife, Laurie.

4 p.m.

Another shift of volunteers has reported to work and a complete repeat of the early-morning routine begins. For the next three hours, dogs are walked, horses are returned to the stables, all the animals are fed, medication is dispensed, and most importantly, final pats on the heads, scratches behind the ears, and hugs are given.

vie magazine alaqua animal refuge laurie hood freeport florida horse  

6:30 p.m.

All the animals are secured for the night. But some evenings it takes longer to close the refuge: If rain is coming, wall-like flaps must be secured, and if a cold snap is expected, portable heaters must be set up. And, if there is an animal in serious need—which was the case with Champ, a malnourished miniature horse that was rescued last August—Hood, a woman who gives each animal her all, can be found settling in for the night to sleep by its side in the barn.

7 p.m.

The sun has long since set and the gates are finally shut and secured. Bobby, the very vocal rooster, has nestled down into his warm pen. He is resting so he can herald a new day tomorrow—a day that is sure to be an extraordinary one at an extraordinary farm where second chances are granted, hope is fostered, and love, even for old roosters, grows.

 

— V —



Read Responsibly

VIE Magazine September 2023 Jay Mercado
VIE Magazine - The Art & Design Issue November 2021
VIE Magazine January 2021 Special Commemorative Edition
VIE Magazine September 2020 Wanderlust Issue, Fancy Camps, The Idea Boutique
VIE Magazine August 2020 Art & Culture Issue, Nathan Alan Yoakum Art
VIE Magazine - Architecture & Design Issue - July 2020
VIE Magazine - Decor and Home Issue - June 2020
VIE Magazine May 2020 Entertainment Issue, Leslie Odom Jr
VIE Magazine - April 2020 Culinary Issue
VIE Magazine March 2020 The Fashion Edit, VONDOM, Alys Beach Fl, Digital Graffiti, Tres Chic, isidro dunbar Modern Interiors, Digital Graffiti Festival
VIE Magazine February 2020 Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine - Travel Issue - January 2020 - Tanzania Safari Cover
VIE Magazine - Women's Issue - December 2019 - Tina Brown Cover
VIE NOV19 Goodness Issue
VIE Magazine, September 2019 Art & Culture Issue, Paul Hanninen
VIE Magazine - August 2019 - The Architecture and Design Issue
VIE Magazine - July 2019 - The Artist Issue
VIE Magazine - June 2019 - Fashion Edit
VIE Magazine - May 2019 - Culinary Issue
VIE Magazine - April 2019 - The Health & Wellness Issue
VIE Magazine - Special Entertainment Edition - March 2019
VIE Magazine February 2019 Luxury Homes & Technology Issue with Robbie Antonio of Revolution Precrafted
VIE Magazine - January 2019 - Southern Sophisticate Issue Cover
VIE Magazine - Special Anniversary Travel Edition - December 2018
VIE Magazine - The Goodness Issue - November 2018
VIE Magazine - The Art & Culture Issue - October 2018
VIE Magazine - Home & Garden Issue - September 2018
VIE Magazine - August 2018 Animal Issue
VIE Magazine - July 2018 Architecture & Design Issue - Subscribe to the magazine!
VIE Magazine - June 2018 Travel & Tech Issue
VIE Magazine - May 2018 Couture Issue
VIE Magazine - The Culinary Issue - April 2018 Cover - Chef James Briscione and Brooke Parkhurst
VIE Magazine - The Entertainers Issue - March 2018
VIE Magazine - February 2018 Destination Travel Issue
VIE Magazine - January 2018 Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine, The Sophisticate Issue, December 2017
VIE Magazine - November 2017 Art & Culture Issue
VIE Magazine - October 2017 Home & Garden Issue
VIE Magazine | September 2017 | The Stories and Storytellers Issue
VIE Magazine - The Adventure Issue - August 2017
VIE Magazine - July 2017 - Art & Artist Issue
VIE Magazine - The Voyager Issue - June 2017
VIE magazine 2017 March-April Cover South Walton Fashion Week
VIE Magazine - January/February 2017 - The Health & Beauty Issue
VIE Magazine - Nov/Dec 2016 The Sophisticate Issue
christian siriano vie magazine september october 2016 vie magazine
the modern minimalist issue
Summertime!
the culinary and couture issue march april 2016 vie magazine
the voyager issue alys beach vie magazine january february 2016
cultural issue vie magazine november december 2015
home and garden issue vie magazine september october 2015
the art and style issue vie magazine july august 2015
the wedding issue 2015 May June vie magazine
the food and fashion issue vie magazine march april 2015
the travel issue vie magazine january february 2015
the music issue vie magazine 2014 november december
The Animal Issue vie magazine september october 2014
the home and garden issue vie magazine july august 2014
the wedding issue vie magazine may june 2014
emeril lagasse food and fashion vie magazine
the men's issue january february 2014
the music issue november december 2013 vie magazine
the home and garden issue 2013 october september
the wedding issue vie magazine july august 2013
the artist issue may june 2013 vie magazine
the food and fashion issue march april 2013
the men's issue january february 2013 vie magazine
The Holiday Issue
the love issue july august 2012
the all american summer may june 2012
the entertainment issue march april 2012
the fashion issue vie magazine winter 2011
the home and garden issue vie magazine fall 2011
the anniversary edition vie magazine summer 2011
the wedding issue vie magazine spring 2011
vie magazine the holiday issue 2010 Dec
vintage swimsuits vie magazine 2010 Fall
judith march designer vie magazine summer 2010
wedding giveaway vie magazine spring 2010
holiday gift guide vie magazine winter 2009
emarketing explosion vie magazine fall 2009
tribute to mother's day vie magazine summer 2009
james and robert redford vie magazine spring 2009
zz top vie magazine fall winter 2008
project dreams vie magazine new york fashion week
Sign-up for VIEmail

Sign up for VIEmail


X

A LIFESTYLE