Animal lovers and activists rejoice as refuge opens

Strolling through Alaqua Animal Refuge is no trip to the pound.

Visitors are greeted by open green pastures, fruit trees and a spread of separate buildings and barns.

“When I moved here, I realized that they had no animal shelters,” Laurie Hood, founder and president of Alaqua Animal Refuge, said.

A non-profit organization, Alaqua now serves as Walton county’s no-kill animal shelter provider.

“If we can’t find them a home, they have one here forever,” Lori Hutzler Eckert, media relations consultant, told The Log.

Nestled in Freeport on 10 acres of private property, Alaqua Animal Refuge houses more than 200 assorted animals at any given time that are in need of permanent homes.

Alaqua accepts animals of all ages and many types including dogs, cats, turtles, goats, birds, pigs and horses.

And the accommodations are not too shabby.

The refuge currently has seven horses that enjoy a well-kept barn and their own pasture that stays stocked with hay.

The heart of the refuge is a cluster of separate buildings, each set up for a different purpose.

Large active dogs live in canine cottages that are shaded and clean. The dogs are kept separate or find companionship in a small bunch with similar temperaments. Daily activity includes running freely about and swimming in one of the ponds.

“We rotate the dogs in a pasture throughout the day and put them all in at night to sleep,” Hood said.

The cats at Alaqua are divided by age. Healthy adults lounge around their shaded haven free from the elements. They are kept comfortable with electric fans when it is hot and heat lamps when it is cold.

Alaqua also has a small selection of geriatric cats that are fourteen years or older.

The air conditioned kitten nursery houses single kittens, full litters that are brought in and the mothers that are still nursing.

Blue Mountain resident Tracey Bradford came to Alaqua to extend her animal family.

“I was at PetSmart and saw them all in cages and wanted to cry,” Bradford said. “I’d take them all if I could.”

Bradford inevitably chose Alaqua to meet her needs.

“I’m looking for a kitten for my puppy to grow up with,” she said.

Bradford went home with a smoky gray, eight week-old kitten named Rebecca.

Great care is given at Alaqua to make sure that their animals are going to good homes once they have received vaccinations, flea prevention and have been spayed/neutered.

The feeling at Alaqua is positive and the animals seem very happy.

“I think they know when they get here, they’re safe. It’s really strange,” Hood said.

WANT TO ADOPT?
For more information visit the refuge at 914 Whitfield Road in Freeport off State Road 20 Monday through Friday between noon and 5:00 p.m. or call (850) 880-6399.