When Laurie Hood, president and founder of Alaqua Animal Refuge, got a call from an animal advocate in Alabama, the caller began by telling Hood, “You are our only hope.”
Rescuers in the area had discovered a woman living in a 22-foot trailer with 36 animals
inside, 12 dogs and 24 cats. None of the pets had ever been outside before or had space to move around. All of the cats were confined to the bathroom. The woman loved the animals, but the situation had deteriorated.
The 36 animals needed somewhere safe to go. Every rescue in the area had been contacted, and they all said no. When the advocate reached out to Hood, she was desperate, and luckily Hood said yes.
The Alaqua Animal Refuge team left early in the morning to make the long drive from Florida to Alabama. They had no idea what to expect and were worried about the condition of the animals they were about to rescue. When they finally arrived and watched the dogs and cats being brought out one by one, they suddenly felt hopeful.
“They did not growl or resist the leads,” Hood told The Dodo. “They simply looked frightened. At that moment, we realized the mission had shifted: We were going to have the opportunity to give these animals a second chance … A day we had been dreading became a day when we knew we could save lives.”
The conditions inside the trailer were overwhelming. The rescuers were so thankful they could help, and drove the 36 pets back to the rescue and a new beginning.
All of the animals began medical treatment immediately. Many of them have a long recovery journey ahead, but the rescue is committed to making sure they get the care they need.
“Their physical recovery is only part of the journey,” Hood said. “They will also need time, patience, and compassionate care to begin recovering emotionally from what they endured. We are taking their recovery day by day. Realistically, it will probably be months before they are ready for adoption.”
In the meantime, the pets are getting to experience things they never have before. The dogs get to go outside and see what grass feels like. The cats have space to move around and relax on their own. They’re getting a second chance, all because Alaqua Animal Refuge said yes.
“Each animal will receive as much time as needed to become medically and emotionally ready for a safe, loving home,” Hood said.
