Christmas In The Courtyard Dec 10

Alaqua Animal Refuge will host Christmas in the Courtyard  on Saturday, December 10 from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at the Jumonville Family Welcome Center located at the refuge's new home at 155 Dugas Way in Freeport.

The festive event is open to the public and your entire family is welcome. The centerpiece is a special Holiday Wreath Auction, where you can bid on over 16 creative wreaths from local businesses and artists, with proceeds benefiting Alaqua’s lifesaving work of rescue, rehabilitation, and finding new homes for animals of all types. The wreaths will be displayed in the charming setting of Alaqua’s New Orleans-inspired courtyard. Each wreath is uniquely full of “merriment.” Some wreaths also have accompanying gift certificates, beautiful ornaments, and other festive items that will go to the highest bidder.

There are activities for everyone including a Children’s Ornament Decoration Station, photos with Santa and his Elves, a very fun four-legged Parade of Animals, and visits with some of Alaqua’s current residents in the Cat Cabins and the new Dog Adoption Center. Alaqua’s Gift Shop will be open and is full of distinctive gifts and accessories for any animal lover. Hot chocolate, apple cider, and baked goods will also be available.

Along with the wreaths, a special “Rescue Tree” will be on display offering the opportunity to purchase a gift of second chances for an Alaqua animal—whether it be food for a dog or cat for a month, an enrichment toy, a foster care sponsorship, specialized medicine for an animal with an infection, transportation services, or rescue and care of an injured wild animal, among others.

“We are so thrilled to host this new event and share a glimpse of our new environment with our community,” said Alaqua Founder Laurie Hood. “We know there is a lot happening during the holidays and we would be honored to spend a little bit of our time with you during this season. We hope this becomes an annual traditional here at the Refuge so everyone can look forward to it in the future.”

For more information, call (850) 880-6399 or email at info@Alaqua.org. (Although we love all animals, personal pets are not allowed at the event.)

Alaqua Animal Refuge is a no-kill animal shelter and sanctuary, located in the panhandle of Florida. As the Southeast’s premier 501(c)3 refuge, Alaqua believes that every abused, neglected and homeless animal deserves a second chance. Committed to providing protection, shelter and care to animals in need, this private, non-profit Refuge also offers an adoption center, veterinary clinic, educational outreach, and community programs that extend far beyond their geographic location. Since its inception in 2007, Alaqua, led by Founder Laurie Hood, has become a recognized leader in animal rescue, welfare, cruelty prevention, and advocacy. Alaqua is currently in the midst of a relocation and expansion capital campaign to build a one-of-a-kind facility—the first in the United States—on 100 acres. The new facility and sanctuary will allow Alaqua to continue to do the important work of animal rescue and rehabilitation, as well as be an educational and training center for animal welfare advocates as a place that will inspire, empower, and educate others to make change in our society and recreate the model worldwide. To learn more, visit www.alaqua.org.