After more than four years under the care of Ibiza's Sa Coma Animal Protection Centre, Noa has finally found a permanent home. The dog, who was abandoned tied outside Can Misses Hospital in March 2022, is now settling into family life with Gema López, a long-time volunteer at the centre.

A week after her adoption, Noa was already adapting remarkably well to her new surroundings. She now shares her home with Hero, another dog Gema previously adopted from Sa Coma, and the arrival of his new companion has brought a noticeable change to his daily routine.

A New Beginning with Hero

According to Gema, Noa settled into her new home almost immediately. She explored the house, found her new bed, went out onto the terrace and began playing with Hero.

Her arrival has also had a positive effect on her new companion. Following the loss of other dogs with whom he previously lived, Hero had become increasingly inactive, spending much of his time resting on his bed.

Since Noa arrived, however, he has started playing again and showing more interest in his surroundings.

Gema says the first meeting between the two dogs went exceptionally well, without any signs of aggression or conflict. Their introduction was gradual, allowing both animals time to become comfortable with each other before the adoption was finalised.

From a Difficult Past to a Long Recovery

Noa's story began in March 2022, when she was found abandoned and tied outside the doors of Can Misses Hospital.

She arrived at Sa Coma in extremely poor physical condition. She was severely underweight, had lost much of her fur, suffered from untreated infected wounds and had leishmaniosis that had not received treatment. She had also lost one eye.

The team at Sa Coma began a lengthy recovery process, supported by veterinary care from Clínica Veterinaria San Jorge and veterinarian Miguel Quiñones Rey.

Over time, Noa's condition improved, her leishmaniosis was stabilised and she was sterilised.

Despite her progress, finding a permanent home took several years. Her adoption by Gema finally gave her the opportunity to leave the shelter behind.

Fourteen Years Supporting Animals at Sa Coma

Gema has been actively volunteering at Sa Coma for approximately 14 years.

Her involvement began after visiting the centre and feeling deeply affected by seeing animals waiting in their kennels. What started as an emotional experience gradually became a long-term commitment to helping dogs and cats until they find families.

She explains that the volunteers and staff effectively become the animals' family while they remain at the centre, providing attention, companionship, walks and everyday care.

Her experience has also influenced the way she approaches adoption. Rather than choosing a puppy, she wanted an adult dog whose personality and needs could be compatible with Hero and her own lifestyle.

She encourages potential adopters to spend time getting to know animals at the centre instead of making decisions based only on their appearance or their initial behaviour inside a kennel.

A dog barking when someone approaches, she explains, should not automatically be considered aggressive. Each animal has an individual personality, and some simply need more time and patience to become comfortable with unfamiliar people.

Older Dogs Also Deserve a Family

Gema particularly wants to draw attention to dogs that have spent many years waiting for adoption.

During her time at Sa Coma, she has encountered animals that have spent much of their lives at the centre. She mentions Babi, who was born in 2016 and arrived at the shelter in 2017, and Tocho, another dog whose story reflects the long waiting periods some animals experience.

Babi, for example, may have difficulties living with other animals, but Gema believes she could still find a suitable home as the only pet in a household.

Her message is that an animal's individual needs should guide the adoption process rather than automatically exclude it from consideration.

She also remembers dogs that spent years at the centre and passed away without ever experiencing life in a permanent family home.

These experiences have strengthened her commitment to encouraging more people to consider adopting animals that are older, have particular needs or have been overlooked for a long time.

A Thank You to the People Caring for Animals at Sa Coma

Gema also used the interview to recognise the work of the people who look after the animals every day.

She specifically thanked Miguel, Julia, Sara, Alejandra and Lorca, highlighting their dedication to caring for the dogs and cats while they wait for adoption.

According to figures she provided in the interview, Sa Coma was caring for 51 dogs and 39 cats at the time of the report.

She also pointed out that many of the dogs are classified as potentially dangerous under Spanish regulations, and believes this should not prevent people from visiting the centre and getting to know them.

Noa's Story Offers Hope to Other Animals Waiting for Adoption

Noa's journey from abandonment outside Can Misses to a permanent family home is a reminder of the difference that veterinary treatment, patience and adoption can make.

Her new life has also brought renewed companionship to Hero, while Gema's experience highlights the important role played by volunteers and animal-care teams across Ibiza.

For the many dogs and cats still waiting at Sa Coma, her story carries a simple message: an animal's age, appearance or difficult past should not automatically determine whether it can become part of a family.

Sometimes, the right opportunity simply takes time to arrive.