Animal shelter celebrated love for music and animals during ‘Animoré’ event

BAY COUNTY, Fla. ( WMBB ) – Alaqua Animal Refuge’s annual Animoré weekend returned Saturday, celebrating the love of animals.

From cats and dogs to donkeys and emus, the Alaqua Animal Refuge cares for a variety of animals, some of which need fur-ever homes.

“They need people to love them, care for them, and give them a second chance in life for the love and happiness that they so desperately deserve,” Alaqua Animal Refuge Philanthropy Director Stacey Salatich said.

The shelter’s annual Animoré weekend, featuring the Bluegrass Barn Jam helps with just that.

Funds from the event go towards caring for the animals at the shelter. It also gives them exposure to potential adoptive families.

“We want to give them the best life possible. All of the animals here are here to have a second chance at life because a lot of them come from neglect situations, or from a situation where there was no hope. This gives them hope,” Alaqua Animal Refuge volunteer Ruth Austin said.

While attendees doted over dogs, they also enjoyed a variety of bluegrass performances.

“We have three concerts throughout the day. We have two concerts in the evening in our covered arena. We have food trucks, we have vendors, we have breweries, and of course, we have animals,” Salatich said.

Alaqua Animal Refuge volunteers said whether or not you’re ready to adopt, they encourage everyone to visit their furry friends.

“Come and just visit because even just coming by and saying hi to the animals, even if they’re not ready to adopt, just coming by visiting with the animals, it really helps the animals,” Austin added.

The Alaqua Animal Refuge is hosting a fall festival in October featuring hayrides, pumpkins, and, of course, animals. For more information about Alaqua Animal Refuge, click here.

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