Every Thursday, the Sibley Nature Center in Midland opens its trails to an unusual group of hikers - homeless pets looking for forever homes.
Teaming up with Grand Companions, a local animal rescue organization, Sibley hosts the weekly "Hike with a Homeless Pet" event from 9 to 10 a.m., offering the community a chance to enjoy nature while providing much-needed exercise and exposure for shelter dogs.
Paul Acosta, Sibley Nature Center's executive director, highlighted the significance of the collaboration.
"As the only nature center that allows dogs on its outdoor trails, we wanted to collaborate with an organization that rescued animals," he said.
According to him, the outcome is threefold: “Community members get to be outside in nature walking a dog; dogs get to enjoy the outdoors on a walk exploring; and hopefully, a connection is made that would facilitate an adoption for the homeless pet," he said.
The roots of this partnership extend before the COVID-19 pandemic, with the idea initially proposed by Paul's wife, Valerie, who is also a board member for Grand Companions. After a break, the event was reinstated in 2023.
"Grand Companions' main office in Ft. Davis did the same event with the Ft. Davis State Park, and it was a huge success," Paul said. Following Valerie's suggestion, Sibley Nature Center began collaborating with Laura Langham, executive director of Grand Companions, to bring the event to their satellite office in Midland.
Since its inception, the Hike with a Homeless Pet event has witnessed numerous success stories, with several homeless dogs finding loving homes through the initiative. Paul said that while the primary goal is pet adoption, the event also aims to encourage community members to enjoy outdoor activities and provide homeless pets with the opportunity to explore nature.
"The overall goal of the monthly event is to get homeless dogs adopted," he said. "However, getting members of the community to enjoy the outdoors walking a dog, and the dog getting a chance to be walked out in nature is another goal."
The event, free and open to everyone in the community, has garnered consistent support from volunteers who regularly join in to walk the dogs. Those interested in adopting one of the participating pets are encouraged to contact the main office of Grand Companions at 432-426-3724.
Paul expressed hope that the event not only promotes the missions of two local nonprofit organizations but also leads to lasting connections between pets and their new families.
"This event gives exposure to two local nonprofit organizations, and hopefully, in the end, a dog finds a new home, and they continue to come out to Sibley to enjoy walks in nature," he said.