In the News

How Rescue Animals Are Teaching Students Emotional Awareness

Aug 29, 2025

Edweek.org

Can animals help students better manage their own feelings? The leader of one popular Florida field trip destination says yes.

The Alaqua Animal Refuge, which stretches across 100 acres in Florida’s panhandle, is home to more than 350 rescue (and adoptable) animals—dogs, cats, horses and other farm animals, birds, tortoises, and more. As part of its educational program, Humane Heroes, the refuge hosts field trips for local schools and youth groups. Last year, 2,200 students visited the animal sanctuary, and this year, Alaqua is on track to host more than 4,000.

“Initially, we just wanted to create a program where the kids could know that they could help animals,” said Laurie Hood, the refuge’s founder and president. “It was clear that there was something deeper happening. So many animals have been survivors of neglect or abuse—learning to empathize with animals, the kids were starting to reflect on their own issues. It became about helping kids grow into more compassionate and emotionally aware people.”

Emaciated Dog Found Abandoned in a Cage Inside an Empty Sweltering House Gets a New Start (Exclusive)

Aug 8, 2025

People.com

Gracie Girl is finally being treated like the good girl her rescuers know her to be.

According to Alaqua Animal Refuge in Walton County, Fla., the organization took in the dog after a local sheriff’s department discovered Gracie left in an empty, sweltering house on a 100-degree day in June. Rescuers found Gracie abandoned in the powerless home, stuck in a dirty crate without access to food and water.

“We got a call from the Sheriff’s Department asking if we could take in a dog they had just removed from a cruelty case. She had been locked in a crate inside a home, abandoned without food or water for what appeared to be several weeks. They told me she was in bad shape, unable to stand on her own, and asked if we could help. Of course, we said yes.” Laurie Hood, the founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, tells PEOPLE.

My Vet Told Me My Dog Only Had a Few Days to Live—And Now, She’s Thriving

Jul 14, 2025

Kinship.com

Laurie Hood, the founder of the Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport, Florida, says that she has heard about this happening many times. Sometimes, it may be a subtle comment like “there’s not much we can do,” while other times, parents are told that their dog is too old to justify treatment. This is particularly hard to hear when, as in my case, the pet is present and engaged.

Changing the Conversation on Animal Welfare: Advocacy, Empathy, and Action

Jun 13, 2025

Raising Happy Dogs with Sarah Hodgson

Sarah Hodgson sits down with Laurie Hood, founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, to talk about the power of compassion and the urgent need for change in animal welfare. Laurie shares her journey from animal lover to legislative advocate, the challenges of rescuing at scale, and why empathy is key to lasting reform. From puppy mills to policy-making, you’ll learn how real progress starts with education, community, and a willingness to speak up. If you’ve ever wondered how to help, this episode will leave you feeling informed, inspired, and ready to act.

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