By Laurie Hood, Founder
Every day at Alaqua, our staff and volunteers show up for animals in their hardest moments. They care for creatures who arrive frightened, injured or broken in ways most people will never witness. They help them heal, rebuild trust and rediscover joy. This work is powerful, but it can also take a quiet toll.
People who choose animal welfare often carry the weight of what they see long after a shift ends. The same compassion that makes them extraordinary can make them vulnerable to burnout and exhaustion. That’s why we created Nourish Alaqua.
Nourish Alaqua is our new wellness initiative designed to care for the people who care for every animal who comes through our gates. It’s built on a simple belief: if we want to give animals the very best chance at healing, we have to make sure our team feels supported and cared for too.
This program focuses on strengthening both emotional and physical well-being. It gives our caregivers space to reset, breathe, and reconnect with each other. It also acknowledges something very real about this work: some days are so packed with urgent care and unexpected needs that staff miss meals without even realizing it. We want to change that.
A big part of Nourish Alaqua will be providing healthy, ready-to-grab meal options on site so our team has what they need to stay nourished throughout the day. We’re exploring ways to partner with local restaurants and chefs who may want to support our caregivers by offering an occasional meal. It would be a meaningful way for the community to show appreciation for the people who give so much of themselves to animals in need.
At its core, Nourish Alaqua is about creating a culture where wellness is woven into daily life. It’s a reminder that healing isn’t only for the animals, it’s for the people standing behind them. When our team feels cared for, they can pour their heart into each rescue with even more strength and clarity.
This is just the beginning. As the program grows, we hope it becomes a model for what caring for caregivers can look like in animal welfare.
Because here at Alaqua, wellness isn’t just for animals. It’s something we want every living being on this property to feel.
How the Community Can Support Nourish Alaqua
Nourish Alaqua was created to care for the people who care for our animals. If you’re a community member, restaurant, or business looking for a simple, meaningful way to help, here are a few options:
Provide a healthy meal.
Local restaurants or chefs can donate an occasional lunch or prepare grab-and-go meals for our staff and volunteers. Even a single meal makes a big impact on days packed with rescue work.
Sponsor wellness supplies.
Items like healthy snacks, hydration stations, mindfulness tools, or nature-based wellness materials help keep our team grounded and energized.
Host a wellness activity.
Yoga instructors, sound-bath facilitators, therapists, or nature-based practitioners can offer short sessions that help our caregivers recharge.
Every contribution, big or small, helps us care for the hearts and health of the people behind Alaqua’s mission.
