Warrior Dogs

The rabies outbreak that began in 2008 caused many deaths...of friends, neighbors, children, parents, family members. As a result, the people of Bali have become afraid and outraged. Their solution was to undergo massive culling of the dogs. They tried to eliminate the dog population by the use bullets and poisons. 

BAWA quickly went into action in order to educate people about the rabies virus (rhabdovirus) and help control the outbreak in a more humane way. This was done by trapping, vaccinating, sterilizing, and releasing dogs in order to control the prevalence of rabies on the island. BAWA education teams would drive to villages providing information that would hopefully tone down fear and increase overall wellness for the dogs.

So far, they have vaccinated hundreds and thousands of dogs which has decreased the prevalence of rabies significantly. The last human death was in December, and the amount of rabies cases seen at BAWA has decreased  Volunteers and donations, however, are constantly needed to rehabilitate, educate, and vaccinate Bali dogs. Puppies are put up for adoption and adults are brought back to their Bali habitat.


Another goal of BAWA is population control. An ambulance with a veterinarian and technician drive around the island to sterilize (spay/neuter) and care of the local Bali dogs.

BAWA's other huge mission is to educate people about animal welfare and about their dogs' health. This is to encourage population control and prevent animal abuse. They are taught that not all dogs have rabies. The WARRIOR dog...is the one that wears the red collar (vaccinated)...protecting their home from other strange dogs. That is is important to keep the dog population for means of protection..to warn families of intruders. By communicating the message it in this manner, it is easier for the Bali people to understand.

Meghan doing a physical exam on a queen and her kittens.

BAWA is not only for dogs, but other creatures in need of care. Especially with the cat population where panleukopenia virus is a problem. Cats and kittens are vaccinated and are also spayed/neutered. Occassionally BAWA rehabiliates monkeys and horses. Every creature great and small are welcome!

Don't Get Bit...

The way you should approach a Bali dog is completely different than what we are used to. These dogs are on the borderline of wild and domesticated. Some look at you through the cages with those sad eyes and wag their tail...others glare at you...warning you...however, in both situations, they are just afraid.

One of the vets trying to get this dog to lean on the fencing using a towel for protection in order to get his rabies vaccine. This took a bit of time and patience to achieve. But whatever it takes to get him rabies vaxed. You must be brave and have a strong heart...

We've realized today that treating these dogs is one of the biggest challenges. Trying to gain their trust...a leash is totally foreign to them...so having something around their neck makes them bitter. Restraint makes them more wild. No matter what, we have to do what we can to get them vaccinated for rabies,  treat their wounds, or rehabiliate them...so that they can go back to their open domain...it's their only chance...even if it's painful for US to see...and even if it makes them more fearful of humans...

Bali Animal Welfare Association

 There were dogs everywhere, barking to warn us of their territory, while walking 15 minutes down the busy street, dodging motorbikes, people, and vehicles that would barely touch you when passed by. Sweat pouring down my back. Finally we've reached BAWA. 

Abandoned pups. Found in a rice bag.

 Tabitha giving an intractable Bali dog his rabies vaccine. Special handling and restraint should be performed to prevent getting bitten. Bali dogs are NOT used to be restrained or caged. These are a different kind of dog from what we are used to in the Western world...

A Balianese youth bringing his dog to BAWA to get neutered. BAWA doesn't consider itself a veterinary clinic, but a place where donations can be made for population control for people who cannot afford it. Bali people get free service. People with money go to the veterinary hospitals in town.

Destination Reached!!

FINALLY...made it to Bali last night.

As soon as we walked out of the Denpensar airport, there was a paparazzi of locals searching desperately for their vacationers/people. Then one of the girls screamed..."Look! There's "Theresa Kaeser" sign!" Wayan, our driver, was enthusiastically waving to all us to come over..we all screamed and waved back like excited children...he grabbed some of our bags, and we headed to the sweet van. He asked where we were from and if we were students...Hence, we were Really white and looked like 20 years olds...we all are going to get along just fabulous : ).

As we walked in the parking lot, the sun drenched our faces, as our pale skin absorbed every ray it was emmitting. Dang, we are going to need sunscreen. And it was hot as hell (...still wasn't sweating). But, man, did we love it!!! Beats the PEI chilled wind for sure!

It felt like forever until we reached our T Houses---where we would be residing for a month. The way Bali locals drive here was worse than downtown NYC. Motorbikes would intertwine through cars...go in opposite directions...there was no method to this maddness of driving. The roads were narrow and the turns were so sharp you had to stop to make it. There were so many feral dogs just walking or laying around the road....we realized how busy BAWA will be!

As we walked towards the "Lemongrass" house..we were awed by the view of the rice fields and the adorable cobblestone pathways. We were walking into a jungle...

The view from our place was BREATHTAKING. We were all so tired that we couldn't believe we were here. Forgetting how bad our stomachs hurt from hunger and heads spun from exhaustion and heat, we just were so overwhelmed with happiness and taken away by the beauty we were seeing....

At it has only been a few hours here...this is going to be the best month of our lives!

HONG KONG!

After 15 exhausting hours of flight time, made it to Hong Kong airport. I'm so glad we don't have to do that again for a month. I was going sir-crazy...doing workouts in the isles and irritating my neighbor to let me out constantly...not into the whole constrained in dark small places and being idle thing.
It's pretty awesome that Meghan and Tabitha met us from their flight from Toronto and will be joining us for the rest of the trip.

Regardless of the expensive food and shopping, the scenery here is beautiful and the idea of being on a different continent is unreal. Apparently the airport is on a little island off the mainland. There's immpressive mountains on the mainland.  Even though the layover is 5 hours till we get on a 5 hour flight to Denpensar, Bali...we are reluctant to go into the city! We drank some coffee and ate food instead.

Can not WAIT to breathe some fresh air and surround myself with warm weather and peace.  Next stop Bali!!!

(Pics to come)

Bali Animal Welfare Association

Check it out!

http://www.bawabali.com/

Many exciting and beautiful things to come in 2012

Marisa, Meghan, Tabitha and I only have to endure three more long, cold weeks here in Prince Edward Island.  Then it's destination Bali....

So many exciting adventures ahead in 2012. Our journey to Indonesia and our time at the Bali Animal Welfare Association will be the last stop and pinnacle of our 4th year veterinary clinical rotations. Then we separate, starting our new paths all over the continent.

Four years back, which seems like forever ago, we were those naive and wide-eyed first year students...having nothing but dreams in our minds and compassion for animals in our hearts. We all came together through our love for all creatures...made amazing friendships along the way...created memories that will last a lifetime...

To be continued...