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05-17-2008, 03:28 PM
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#1
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AAR needs kitten foster homes and Sun article!
Quote:
Alaqua has a kitten for you! Alaqua Animal Refuge holds open house
By Deborah Wheeler
For Laurie Hood, the good news is that she has helped 1,200 homeless animals find homes in the one year since she established Alaqua Animal Refuge in Freeport.
The bad news is that she has around 200 more animals, excluding horses and pot-bellied pigs that still need homes. Of those, 65 percent are cats and kittens.
"It's kitten season, so I have a lot of kittens now," explained Hood. "Also, I am the only one around who takes in cats. Several different groups help dogs, but no one else is helping abandoned cats and kittens."
Hood moved to Freeport from Destin and was surprised to discover there was no animal shelter in the county. Walton County Animal Control took all strays to a facility in Chipley, where, if not claimed, they were euthanized after seven days.
"I went to Chipley and came back and told my husband I wanted to open an animal shelter," said Hood.
That was in February of 2007.
Now, the animal control trucks stop at Alaqua. Hood takes all the cats and dogs she can, except those that are vicious or have a disease that can't be cured. Her shelter is a "no kill" facility. The ones she takes, she will keep until a home is found for them. Some have been with her since the first month.
"People dump puppies here and I take them in," she said.
Hood provides medical care and all are spayed and neutered.
Dogs run free on her 10 acres and the cats live in a "cat hotel" with fans.
Hood has also taken in seven horses that were near death when animal control found them, a potbelly pig and three sugar gliders.
"It's a lot of work, but I feel like I'm doing what I'm supposed to be doing with my life," said Hood.
The cost of operating such a facility comes to $10,000 a month. While she gets a small amount of money from the county, Hood mostly depends on donations to operate.
The Refuge will participate in Pier Park's first canine festival on May 31 from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m., an AKC sanctioned event. The Refuge will have a booth and some of their dogs onsite. Adoption applications and donations will be accepted. A photographer will take photos, with partial proceeds benefiting the Refuge. There will also be obedience demonstrations, flyball, conformation, and agility demonstrations. The event highlight will be the Canines In Flight Frisbee Demonstration as featured on Animal Planet and pool time for the pets.
On June 28 will be the Hogs for Dogs Poker Run, with all proceeds benefiting the Refuge. There will be a five-card hand starting at the Lucky Star in Freeport, riders will proceed into Okaloosa County and end at The Outpost in Freeport. There will be drawings, door prizes, T-shirts, live music, and food.
On May 22, Alaqua will host an open house/ribbon cutting from 4 - 7 p.m., at the Refuge with Walton County Chamber of Commerce. The public is invited.
Weekly, check out the adoption kiosk at PetSmart in Destin, which has a few of Alaqua's pets, or view all online at http://www.aarflorida.com.
The public may visit the Refuge during the summer from noon - 5 p.m., Monday - Saturday, at 914 Whitfield Road, Freeport, off State Road 20W.
"Thousands of animals have been euthanized without ever having an opportunity of finding a home or getting back to their homes. We feel by the refuge and the county working together, these animals now have a chance," said Hood.
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"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
Last edited by savvytangerine; 05-17-2008 at 03:51 PM.
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05-17-2008, 03:32 PM
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#2
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Beach Fanatic
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Also got this email from Mrs Laurie today.
Quote:
Hello all,
Kitten season is upon us and whew! We are loaded down. We have lots and lots of little babies – from ones without mothers, to those that can just eat on their own, to mommas with babies.
We could really use help fostering some of these babies until they reach the age where we can adopt them. The benefit from one on one care will help them with everything from getting past this delicate stage to being well socialized, which will help with finding them the perfect home.
Please consider opening your hearts and homes to some of these little guys. And of course we have kittens that are ready for adoption!
Thank you,
Laurie Hood, President / Founder
Alaqua Animal Refuge
P.O. Box 48
Freeport, Florida 32439
850.880.6399
850.685.0288
www.alaquaanimalrefuge.com
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And she sent this beautiful pic.
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-17-2008, 03:55 PM
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#3
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Beach Nut
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Quote:
Originally Posted by savvytangerine
Also got this email from Mrs Laurie today.
And she sent this beautiful pic.
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OMG I wish I could call and say "I'll take a dozen." Those kittens are precious.
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05-17-2008, 04:31 PM
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#4
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Beach Fanatic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ameliaj
OMG I wish I could call and say "I'll take a dozen." Those kittens are precious.
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 I so those little faces.
I had to look up "sugar glider" that was mentioned in the Sun article. Here is the
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__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-17-2008, 05:24 PM
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#5
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Beach Bum
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: SOWAL,FL
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I will be up this weekend to see about the sugar gliders.....I have wanted one of these forever... they are the most amazing little creatures ......I melt when I look in their eyes... and the clicking noise.... omg.. Are they a pair or singles? any info would be appreciated.
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WARNING: Things posted by this user may offend some people. All things posted above are the opinions of poster and not necessarily the opinions of this site..or anyone else for that matter. They might not even make sense or be suitable for children. Come to think of it, they might be unsuitable for adults or human consumption. Have a nice day.
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05-17-2008, 05:38 PM
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#6
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Beach Fanatic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jodiFL
I will be up this weekend to see about the sugar gliders.....I have wanted one of these forever... they are the most amazing little creatures ......I melt when I look in their eyes... and the clicking noise.... omg.. Are they a pair or singles? any info would be appreciated. |
Well the article mentions that she has/had three, beyond that I don't know. I did just blast Laurie an email for you, so stay tuned! (I'm sure she wouldn't mind you calling to talk to her directly either, 850.880.6399 or 850.685.0288.)
(I do want to mention, in fairness, that the photo is randomly from the internet. Not directly from Alaqua Animal Refuge.)
I hope you get the sugar baby/babies of your dreams! 
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-17-2008, 05:47 PM
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#7
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Beach Bum
Join Date: Jul 2007
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From all the reading / research I have done they like to be in multiples... so if it would be easier to have 3 than to try to appease 1, that is all the better. i fell in love with them years ago when Paradise Pets in SRB had 1, but could not afford the $250. for it. But I could walk up to its cage in the middle of the day ( they are nocturnal) and make "clicking" sounds and it would peek out and respond...  ..well you know it it goes when an animal gives you those "eyes" and you know you just want to cuddle and protect it ....
__________________
WARNING: Things posted by this user may offend some people. All things posted above are the opinions of poster and not necessarily the opinions of this site..or anyone else for that matter. They might not even make sense or be suitable for children. Come to think of it, they might be unsuitable for adults or human consumption. Have a nice day.
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05-17-2008, 05:59 PM
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#8
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Beach Fanatic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jodiFL
From all the reading / research I have done they like to be in multiples... so if it would be easier to have 3 than to try to appease 1, that is all the better. i fell in love with them years ago when Paradise Pets in SRB had 1, but could not afford the $250. for it. But I could walk up to its cage in the middle of the day ( they are nocturnal) and make "clicking" sounds and it would peek out and respond... ..well you know it it goes when an animal gives you those "eyes" and you know you just want to cuddle and protect it .... |
Oh that is just so sweet! I so you for not wanting to leave one little social sugar all alone.
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-17-2008, 11:57 PM
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#9
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Beach Lover
Join Date: May 2007
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There are lots of kitties of all ages. I love visiting the retirees like Ophie and Romeo.
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05-18-2008, 09:07 AM
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#10
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Beach Lover
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Freeport
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I was by there on Thursday and there were so many cute kittens and two little boxer puppies. It's so nice to see that the animals have plenty of space to run around and play.
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05-18-2008, 09:38 PM
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#11
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hmmmm......can't remember
Beach Legend
Join Date: May 2007
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I may have to bring one home with me next weekend... Hoot the Jesus Cat is not doing so well as an Only Cat.
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Life doesn't get any better than this.
(Jayne N. Burns)
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05-18-2008, 09:41 PM
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#12
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Beach Legend
Join Date: Jul 2005
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoHall
I may have to bring one home with me next weekend... Hoot the Jesus Cat is not doing so well as an Only Cat. |
Ha! Made ya look!
Those kittens are precious. I like the white one....she/he looks as if it is pushing the other one aside.
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"Save the tata's!!!"
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05-18-2008, 09:44 PM
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#13
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hmmmm......can't remember
Beach Legend
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Dangit, BB! I told you I didn't want to open this thread---this is what I found. Her name is Ebony:
Isn't she gorgeous?
__________________
Life doesn't get any better than this.
(Jayne N. Burns)
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05-19-2008, 09:32 PM
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#15
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Beach Fanatic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoHall
I may have to bring one home with me next weekend... Hoot the Jesus Cat is not doing so well as an Only Cat. |
Quote:
Originally Posted by Beachbummett
Ha! Made ya look!
Those kittens are precious. I like the white one....she/he looks as if it is pushing the other one aside. |
I always have a soft spot for white kitties. My first cat was white and I had her for 15 years. We grew up together, she was my little sister - to an otherwise only child. (me)
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-19-2008, 09:33 PM
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#16
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hmmmm......can't remember
Beach Legend
Join Date: May 2007
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I keep coming back to look at Ebony...she looks just like my Smudge kitty... 
__________________
Life doesn't get any better than this.
(Jayne N. Burns)
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05-19-2008, 09:45 PM
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#17
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Beach Fanatic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoHall
I keep coming back to look at Ebony...she looks just like my Smudge kitty... |
I have a white cat, again. I swear she looks a lot like and has a lot of the same "ticks" that my Queenie did. They never crossed paths but they act so much alike that it can be startling.
You will know in your heart when it is right. There are no rules about when it will be right for you.
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-19-2008, 09:53 PM
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#18
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hmmmm......can't remember
Beach Legend
Join Date: May 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by savvytangerine
I have a white cat, again. I swear she looks a lot like and has a lot of the same "ticks" that my Queenie did. They never crossed paths but they act so much alike that it can be startling.
You will know in your heart when it is right. There are no rules about when it will be right for you.
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I want to wait until we're all back from vacation in a few weeks...I don't want to leave a baby for 5 days...
Thanks for this thread, Savvy. It helps to window-shop.
__________________
Life doesn't get any better than this.
(Jayne N. Burns)
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05-19-2008, 10:11 PM
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#19
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Beach Fanatic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by NoHall
I want to wait until we're all back from vacation in a few weeks...I don't want to leave a baby for 5 days...
Thanks for this thread, Savvy. It helps to window-shop.
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Hey! There is a kitty on my computer! 
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-21-2008, 02:38 PM
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#20
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Beach Fanatic
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I want to bump this - I wish I had the room to foster some kittens, but I want to let everyone know how big a problem this is - since this message was posted asking for help, the Walton County Animal control has picked up 10 more litters of stray and abandoned kittens. 10 LITTERS in 5 days - that's somewhere between 30 and 50 kittens since 5/15.
You can see these pitiful orphans at:
http://www.co.walton.fl.us/animalcon...x?category=Cat
AAR was already swamped before, and it is indeed kitten season, so there will be more.
If you have the room to foster, or think it might be time for a new kitten, please call the good folks at AAR.
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The Following User Says Thank You to Here4Good For This Useful Post:
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05-22-2008, 07:19 AM
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#21
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Beach Native
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Here4Good
I want to bump this - I wish I had the room to foster some kittens, but I want to let everyone know how big a problem this is - since this message was posted asking for help, the Walton County Animal control has picked up 10 more litters of stray and abandoned kittens. 10 LITTERS in 5 days - that's somewhere between 30 and 50 kittens since 5/15.
You can see these pitiful orphans at:
http://www.co.walton.fl.us/animalcon...x?category=Cat
AAR was already swamped before, and it is indeed kitten season, so there will be more.
If you have the room to foster, or think it might be time for a new kitten, please call the good folks at AAR. |
This is really, really sad. I know people drop off kittens and cats from time to time at my house, since we live out in the rural part of the county, and it is so hard to take care of them and have them all fixed to prevent an explosion. The county could save so much money putting together a spay/neuter program, instead of just talking about it.
__________________
I just realized my cat is a democrat........
7 out of 10 Walton County voters reject democrat principles.
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05-23-2008, 12:07 PM
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#22
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Beach Fanatic
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My heart just breaks for the little guys.
I know that the school year is almost over - so I would love to suggest that there is nothing like teaching kids responsibility, love, and so much more than by involving them in rearing a litter of kittens.
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How do you think I turned out so great? 
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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05-27-2008, 11:30 PM
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#23
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Beach Fanatic
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As I understand it - AAR is overflowing with animals right now. Also, if you are wanting a pet, but can't afford the adoption fee Laurie has several free listings too. Contact her directly to learn more:
Laurie Hood, President / Founder
Alaqua Animal Refuge
P.O. Box 48
Freeport, Florida 32439
850.880.6399
850.685.0288
www.alaquaanimalrefuge.com
__________________
"Most of the locals are here because they don't want to live in a "normal" town. So we're all a little bent, in some way or another. But we're generally pretty happy to be bent." TreeFrog
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