By Laurie Hood, Alaqua Founder & CEO
Tucked among the pines and pastures of Freeport, Alaqua Animal Refuge has always been a place of second chances. Every rescued animal carries a story of survival, and every visitor feels the quiet peace that comes from being near them. It is that same sense of connection that inspired Alaqua’s newest initiative, Alaqua Well-Being, a program that invites people to slow down, breathe deeply, and heal alongside the animals who live there.
The idea for Alaqua Well-Being grew out of simple conversations with volunteers. When asked what brought them to the refuge, the first answer was always their love of animals. But as those talks went deeper, something more profound emerged. Many were walking through their own seasons of grief or change — the loss of a spouse, recovery from illness, divorce, or other personal challenges. Again and again, they shared that it was the animals who gave them the courage to keep going. Watching a once-broken animal learn to trust and love again gave them hope that they could heal, too. It became clear that the refuge was helping people as much as it helped animals.
Alaqua Well-Being was born from that truth. It is built on the idea that when we care for animals and connect with nature, we also heal ourselves. The program brings together experiences that nurture the mind, body and spirit, including meditation, art, nature walks, counseling and animal-assisted activities. It is a place where compassion becomes a practice and not just a feeling.
One of the most beloved parts of the program is Doggie Day Out, where community members can take an adoptable dog for a few hours or an afternoon adventure. Whether it is a walk on the beach, a car ride or relaxing in the park, these outings give the dogs a break from the shelter and offer people a joyful, stress-relieving experience. Participants often say it is the best therapy they did not know they needed, and many end up adopting their new, furry friends.
Another cornerstone of Alaqua Well-Being is Humane Heroes, the refuge’s hands-on learning experience for young people. Students spend time caring for animals, hearing their rescue stories, and learning how empathy and responsibility can change lives. “We have seen kids open up in ways that surprise even their teachers,” says Alaqua founder Laurie Hood. “Animals have a way of reaching the parts of us that words cannot.”
The program also extends to senior citizens, both at the refuge and through offsite visits. Many seniors find comfort in brushing a horse’s mane, holding a gentle cat or simply sitting quietly with a dog by their side. These simple moments bring back memories, spark conversation and lift spirits in ways that medicine alone cannot.
For anyone seeking stillness, guided nature walks and meditation sessions on Alaqua’s trails offer a peaceful escape from the pace of everyday life. The sounds of birds, the rustle of leaves and the presence of animals create a kind of natural therapy — a reminder that calm often lives in the simplest places.
Creativity also plays a key role in Alaqua Well-Being. Art classes invite participants to express themselves and find mindfulness through painting, sketching and other forms of creative expression. Alaqua also hosts live music events that bring people together in celebration of community, compassion and the bond we share with animals.
In addition, Alaqua is developing opportunities for counseling and natural healing, connecting participants with professionals and holistic practitioners who share the belief that animals and nature can be powerful partners in emotional wellness.
What ties every part of Alaqua Well-Being together is compassion. The program reflects the refuge’s long-standing belief that empathy for animals teaches empathy for people. It is a full-circle approach to wellness that reminds us that healing does not always happen in a clinic, but often in the quiet moments when we simply allow ourselves to connect.
At Alaqua, rescue has always meant more than saving animals. It is about creating a refuge for all living things, people included. Alaqua Well-Being is the next chapter in that story — a reminder that kindness heals, and that sometimes, the best medicine has four legs and a heartbeat.
