She’s received zero applications 😭
For three years, a sweet rescue dog named Koa has been waiting for someone to give her the loving home she deserves. Despite overcoming an incredibly difficult past and showing nothing but affection toward everyone she meets, she has struggled to attract potential adopters.
The 7-year-old dog has a rare medical condition that requires a little extra attention, but her rescuers insist that caring for her is much easier than people might imagine.
Now, the organizations responsible for saving Koa are sharing her story in the hope that someone will finally recognize what makes her so special.
A Heartbreaking Rescue From the Streets of Mexico City
Koa’s journey began when Silvia Garcia, founder of La Casa del Mestizo, discovered her living on the streets of Mexico City.
The dog was suffering from an extremely painful skin condition that had left her with very little fur. Her skin was so sensitive that even the gentlest touch could cause her to cry out in pain.
Surviving on the streets is challenging for any animal, but Koa’s condition made her situation particularly distressing.
Her unusual appearance frightened people who might otherwise have offered her food or assistance. Worse still, her rescuers believed that some individuals had mistreated her because of the way she looked.
Laura Daverio, a volunteer with La Casa del Mestizo and cofounder of DogMex, explained that Koa’s appearance made it difficult for her to receive the compassion she desperately needed.
Fortunately, everything began to change when Garcia brought her into the rescue’s care.
For the first time, Koa had people who were determined to understand her medical problems and help her recover.
Despite Her Pain, Koa Never Lost Her Gentle Nature
After bringing Koa to safety, the rescue team immediately began arranging veterinary appointments to determine what was causing her severe skin problems.
The process wasn’t easy.
Koa underwent numerous medical examinations and treatments, many of which were uncomfortable because her skin was already so painful and sensitive.
Yet throughout the experience, she displayed remarkable patience.
Despite the discomfort and unfamiliar situations, Koa remained friendly and cooperative with everyone involved in her care.
Daverio recalled being particularly impressed by the dog’s gentle personality. Even when Koa was frightened or experiencing pain, she never displayed aggression toward the people trying to help her.
Her behavior quickly made her a favorite among the rescue’s staff and volunteers.
They could see that beneath her difficult medical condition was an affectionate dog who genuinely enjoyed human companionship.
Eventually, veterinarians identified the cause of her suffering.
A Rare Medical Condition Explains Koa’s Difficulties
Koa was diagnosed with dermatomyositis, a rare immune-mediated condition that affects the skin and muscles.
The diagnosis helped her caregivers better understand her symptoms and develop a suitable treatment and management plan.
One of the most important considerations is her sensitivity to sunlight.
Because exposure to the sun can aggravate her condition, Koa must avoid spending time outdoors during the hottest and brightest parts of the day.
Her caregivers ensure she doesn’t go on walks between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. and provide appropriate protection from direct sunlight.
Although these precautions require consistency, her rescuers explain that her condition has become manageable.
Koa doesn’t need an unusually demanding lifestyle. Instead, she requires a responsible owner who understands her limitations, protects her from excessive sunlight and pays attention to any changes in her health.
With the right environment and appropriate veterinary care, her rescue team believes she has the potential to enjoy a comfortable and fulfilling life.
Unfortunately, finding someone willing to provide that care has proved unexpectedly difficult.
Three Years of Waiting Without a Single Adoption Application
In February 2023, DogMex helped connect Koa with West Coast Paws Dog Rescue, a Canadian rescue organization that began advertising her for adoption.
DogMex specializes in connecting rescue organizations in Mexico with partners in Canada, giving vulnerable animals additional opportunities to find permanent homes.
Everyone involved hoped that Koa’s affectionate personality and remarkable resilience would quickly attract a suitable family.
But things didn’t turn out as expected.
According to the rescue organizations’ account, Koa received no adoption applications despite being available for approximately three years.
For the people who have spent so much time caring for her, the lack of interest has been especially discouraging.
Zoë Yoxall, cofounder of West Coast Paws Dog Rescue, explained that finding homes for animals with special medical needs can be particularly challenging.
Potential adopters may worry about the responsibilities involved or assume that caring for an animal with a chronic condition will be too complicated.
However, Koa’s rescuers believe those concerns shouldn’t prevent someone from considering her.
Her medical condition is manageable, and her affectionate personality makes her an excellent candidate for the right household.
They simply need someone willing to look beyond her appearance and understand her individual needs.
The Perfect Home for Koa Might Be Surprisingly Simple
Although Koa has endured years of hardship, her rescuers describe her as an outgoing, affectionate dog who enjoys meeting people.
She loves attention and appreciates every opportunity to spend time with her caregivers.
In fact, Daverio considers her one of the most memorable dogs she has ever worked with.
Now 7 years old, Koa isn’t looking for a particularly adventurous lifestyle.
Her ideal day would involve relaxing indoors, receiving plenty of affection and spending quality time with someone who enjoys having a loyal companion nearby.
A person who works from home could be an especially suitable match because Koa loves human company.
She would also benefit from a property with a shaded outdoor area where she could enjoy fresh air without exposing her sensitive skin to excessive sunlight.
Yoxall believes Koa would be particularly happy living with someone who appreciates a relaxed, affectionate dog.
Instead of demanding long daytime hikes or constant outdoor adventures, Koa would likely be content spending much of her time relaxing beside her favorite person.
For someone looking for a loving companion to share peaceful days at home, her rescuers believe she has a great deal to offer.
Her Rescuers Refuse to Give Up on Finding Her Forever Family
After spending years caring for Koa, the volunteers at La Casa del Mestizo and their rescue partners have developed a particularly strong bond with her.
They’ve witnessed her transformation from a severely injured stray into a friendly, affectionate dog whose personality continues to impress everyone she meets.
They’ve also watched her wait year after year while other rescue animals have found permanent homes.
Although the lack of adoption interest has been disappointing, the organizations remain hopeful that the right person will eventually come along.
Their goal isn’t simply to find Koa somewhere to live. They want her to have a family that understands her condition, appreciates her personality and is prepared to provide lifelong care.
For Koa, that would mean finally experiencing the stability and individual attention she has been missing.
Her story also serves as a reminder that animals with special medical needs can make wonderful companions when matched with suitable families.
The same dog who once struggled to survive on the streets because people were frightened by her appearance has demonstrated an extraordinary ability to trust and love.
All she needs now is someone willing to return that affection.
And until that person arrives, Koa’s rescuers remain determined to keep searching for the family she deserves.