FREEPORT, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) – In a heartfelt appeal, Alaqua Animal Refuge urgently calls for donations, volunteers, foster families, and adopters to support the animals in their care.
Before the arrival of state resources, Alaqua Animal Refuge took proactive measures by sourcing essential supplies such as kennels, food, and medical gear to ensure the wellbeing of the animals in anticipation of Hurricane Milton.
At present, the refuge is housing the animals in two expansive emergency arenas, providing them a temporary sanctuary amid their distress. (RELATED: Alaqua Animal Refuge is Sheltering Animals from Central Florida Through Hurricane Milton)
The organization reports that many of the animals are facing grave health challenges, including heartworm disease, malnutrition, untreated injuries, broken bones, and significant behavioral trauma stemming from the storm.
Here is how Alaqua says you can help:
- Monetary Donations: These are our most pressing needs to cover ongoing medical treatments, food, and operational costs.
- Volunteer: Help with animal care, feeding, and support at our emergency facilities.
- Foster or Adopt: We need foster homes to relieve the overcrowding and give animals a loving environment to recover.
- Spread the Word: Share Alaqua’s story on social media and encourage others to get involved.
“These animals have been through so much, and while we’ve made strides in stabilizing them, we need the community’s support to continue their care and find them forever homes,” said Laurie Hood, Founder and CEO of Alaqua Animal Refuge, in a press release.
You can donate at www.alaqua.org
**Interview with Laurie Hood, Founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Laurie. Alaqua Animal Refuge is making an urgent appeal for support. Can you tell us why this call is so critical right now?
**Laurie Hood:** Thank you for having me. We’re currently facing a significant influx of animals in need, and our resources are stretched thin. The ongoing situation demands immediate attention, and we’re reaching out to the community to help us care for these animals.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned that Alaqua took proactive measures before receiving state resources. Can you elaborate on what steps the refuge has taken?
**Laurie Hood:** Absolutely. Anticipating the need, we sourced essential supplies ourselves, including kennels, food, and medical gear. We wanted to ensure that all animals in our care had the best possible support during this time of crisis.
**Interviewer:** What specific types of support are you looking for from the community?
**Laurie Hood:** We urgently need donations, volunteers, foster families, and adopters. Every bit of help counts, whether it’s financially or through your time and effort. We’re looking for people who can foster animals temporarily, help with daily care, or provide a forever home for those ready for adoption.
**Interviewer:** How can someone get involved if they want to help?
**Laurie Hood:** The easiest way to get involved is by visiting our website to find out more about our current needs and how you can volunteer or foster. Additionally, sharing our message can help us reach more people who might be able to contribute.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Laurie, for sharing your important message. And to our viewers, if you’re able to help Alaqua Animal Refuge, now is a great time to step up and support these animals in need.
He need for resources. Can you elaborate on the specific challenges the animals are facing at this time?
**Laurie Hood:** Certainly. Many of the animals we’ve taken in are dealing with severe health issues, such as heartworm disease, malnutrition, and untreated injuries. Additionally, some have broken bones and behavioral trauma from the hurricane. We’ve worked hard to stabilize them, but we need continuous support to provide the necessary medical treatments and care.
**Interviewer:** In light of Hurricane Milton and its aftermath, how has Alaqua Animal Refuge managed to prepare and respond so quickly?
**Laurie Hood:** We knew that the storm could significantly impact our area, so we proactively sourced kennels, food, and medical supplies before it hit. We set up two expansive emergency arenas to house the animals temporarily. However, our capacity is limited, and the ongoing care requires both financial and volunteer support.
**Interviewer:** What are some ways that the community can get involved to help the refuge and the animals in your care?
**Laurie Hood:** There are several ways people can help right now. Monetary donations are one of our biggest needs, as they allow us to cover medical treatments and operational costs. We also need volunteers for animal care and feeding in our emergency facilities. Additionally, fostering or adopting animals will tremendously relieve overcrowding and provide these animals with a loving environment to recover. Lastly, spreading the word on social media can help raise awareness and encourage more people to get involved.
**Interviewer:** Can you share a message with those considering helping out but unsure of how they can make a difference?
**Laurie Hood:** Absolutely! Every little bit counts. These animals have been through unimaginable hardship, and even small acts of kindness can lead to significant change. Whether it’s donating money, time, or even just sharing our story, your support makes a real difference in the lives of these animals. Together, we can help them recover and find their forever homes.
**Interviewer:** Thank you for your time, Laurie, and for all the incredible work you and your team are doing for the animals in need.
**Laurie Hood:** Thank you for having me, and for helping us amplify our message!
