How voice AI is helping Spain's dogs find homes

Big shifts can start small—like with one dog named Colega.

In Spain, where dog abandonment rates are the highest in Europe, one journalist and her inseparable shadow, Colega, sparked a cultural shift. What began as a guide to dog-friendly cafés and beaches grew into Fundación SirPerro Colega—an organization focused on giving families the knowledge they need to keep their pets at home, and providing educational tools to support dog shelters.

Now, thanks to ElevenLabs, their educational articles come with audio, making them more accessible and easier to learn from while walking, driving, or even playing fetch.

A love story that changed a country

Journalist and photographer Micaela De La Maza and her dog, Colega, spent years traveling across Spain, trying to discover and document dog-friendly restaurants, hotels, and beaches at a time when they weren’t particularly easy to find.

Through SrPerro.com, the country’s first dog-friendly website, they showed that dogs don’t just belong in public spaces, they make them better.

Even Colega’s name carried a story: in Spanish, colega means “colleague” or “buddy.” And that’s exactly what he was—Micaela’s steadfast partner in work and life.

"Colega was not just my dog," says Micaela. "He was my work buddy and my constant shadow. We were always together, and together we managed to change part of the culture in Spain, proving that the presence of dogs in many public spaces brought smiles and, in fact, generated no problems whatsoever."

When Colega died from undiagnosed cancer at just nine years old, the loss was devastating. But his legacy became the driving force behind a bigger mission.

From travel to transformation

Spain still faces a serious challenge: the highest dog abandonment rate in Europe. Shelters are full, and many families surrender pets because of behavioral issues they don’t know how to manage.

Micaela saw the missing piece—access to clear, science-based education. Families weren’t giving up because they didn’t love their dogs, but because they lacked the right guidance.

Fundación SrPerro Colega was created to close that gap, carrying Colega’s name and spirit forward with a new purpose: increase adoptions and prevent abandonment through knowledge.

Where voice meets mission

The foundation publishes practical articles and free courses for dog owners, shelter professionals, and volunteers. With ElevenLabs, these resources now come with AI-powered audio versions—so people can learn on the go, whether they’re commuting, cooking, or walking their dogs.

"Audio content is essential," Micaela explains. "It's key in our mission to help dogs and the people who love them."

Looking ahead, the foundation hopes to build on this momentum with in-person workshops, training tutorials, and community events that make education even more accessible.

Making impact with heart

When families have access to the right knowledge, dogs with challenges stay in their homes, adopters feel more confident, and shelters see fewer returns.

Fundación SrPerro Colega shows how a personal loss can grow into a mission—and how technology can give that mission a voice. With audio-enabled content, more families will find the support they need, and more dogs will get the second chance they deserve.

Colega’s legacy lives on in every adoption, every lesson learned, and every wagging tail heading home.

Want to learn more about how your organization can use AI voice technology for social good? Explore the ElevenLabs Impact program and see how voice can amplify your mission.