TRUST

There's a saying that there is a price for everything...perhaps the freedom of the Bali dogs means being more independent from people. Granted, some of the street dogs come up to you for a petting or a piece of food, but a lot also shy away and keep a distance..but not too far where they can't grab a left over snack. They roam around the island..even if owned by a Balianese (in which would have some sort of raggedy collar with or without a bell)..Owned Bali dogs work for their meals by protecting their families villiage home...warning intruders.

One of the street dogs walking around. 

Regardless..owned or not..these dogs are unique. Built strong and resiliant...they are mostly descendants from Akitas, Chow Chows, and Dingos. They are not walked around with a leash and collar. Don't have fluffy dog beds or food bowls filled with kibble or fancy water fountains. These dogs basically fend for themselves...from dodging cars through the busy road traffic and finding shelter during the heavy rainfall.

BUT when one falls and becomes wounded or diseased..to control the population and sterilize..in order to vaccinate to prevent rabies outbreak and zoonotic disease..we must cage them, restrain them, and handle them closely. But we do this with love and compassion. Even though at first they are weary and reluctant to be treated, after time and patience they can become more trusting and the process becomes easier for the both of us at BAWA.

Marisa talking to one of the dogs with a neck wound preparing to get him to come out.

Using cookies to get him out of his cage without a fight. It was worth the try, but still ended up grabbing him unwillingly.

Frequently giving cookies through the cage bars...taking out for friendly walks..talking to them and petting them is sometimes all you need to do to put them at ease. However, this is usually not always the case. Some will always be terrified of you...never to trust.

One of the vets trying to get a dog to allow him to give a rabies vaccine.

Marisa and Tabitha coaxing a dog with a neck wound to come out from under a table so that he can be treated. Eventually he got used to us after a few treatments, although always reluctant to get a leash on or come out.