Annual Report 2025 _FINAL Web - Flipbook - Page 9
From Borrow a Buddy to Belonging:
How Milo Changed Everything
What began as a four-hour funfest
soon turned into a forever love
affair.
Not long after Ali and Nate Ohlinger
lost their beloved dog, and with
no intention of adopting another,
the couple decided to help both a
shelter dog and themselves through
the SPCA of Texas’ Borrow A Buddy
program. The plan was simple: spend
a few hours with a shelter dog, offer
some socialization, and enjoy a little
borrowed joy.
SPCA of Texas Board member
Jodi Benefiel, a longtime friend,
encouraged them to try it. “After
Jodi’s pup, Biscuit, passed away,
she adopted Ollie,” Nate recalls. “I
asked her where he came from, and
she said, ‘You have to try Borrow A
Buddy. Even if you don’t adopt, it’s
great enrichment for the dog.’”
Their first small shift came when
Ali picked Milo up Friday evening
instead of Saturday morning. “The
SPCA of Texas adoption staff were
so kind and told me Milo was ready
to go—that his bag was already
packed!” she says. In that moment,
she realized this was a place where
animals were not simply housed,
but deeply cared for.
That first night turned into a
living-room “camp out” to help Milo
feel comfortable. By Saturday, he
was just beginning to decompress,
and neither Nate nor Ali wanted
to rush him back. Ali emailed the
shelter to extend his stay.
support that made it possible.
Because of generous giving,
Milo arrived healthy, vaccinated,
temperament-tested, and ready
for a home.
“I never thought that a shelter
dog could be such a cuddle bug in
everyday life,” Ali says. “I think that’s
the thing about him that makes
Milo so special and different from
any other dog we’ve ever had.
“Many people might not realize that
such sweet dogs are in the shelter.
Someone cared for Milo before
we could,” Ali notes. “That means
everything to us.”
Nash, Ali, Milo, and Nate Ohlinger enjoy
family time.
Sunday morning changed
everything. As the three sat
together on the floor, Milo climbed
onto Nate’s chest, melted into his
arms, and fell asleep. There was no
turning back. “I called the shelter
and adopted him over the phone,”
Ali smiles.
Milo became exactly what they
needed in that season of life and
later, a gentle big brother to their
son, Nash. Behind his story is donor
Today, the Ohlingers proudly share
their story and encourage others
to try Borrow a Buddy. What began
as one afternoon became a lifelong
bond.
Because donors believed in this
program, a grieving family found
healing, a dog found belonging,
and a brighter future began.
And there are more Milos waiting,
along with generous supporters
and open-hearted families ready to
step forward, open their homes, and
create stories just as meaningful.
