YOGA FOR BALI STREET DOGS
Yoga for Bali street dogs
In 2009 I was lucky enough to be spending some weeks travelling through the magical and deeply spiritual island of Bali. I was overwhelmed by its beauty and the warmth of the people. My vacation was pure bliss. Imagine practicing yoga overlooking luscious green rice fields at sun rise or eating fresh, local produce with a monkey sitting only a stone’s throw away, exotic birds chirping in the forest trees. It was one of the most magical experiences I’ve ever had and I have always longed to go back. However, this is only the pretty side of Bali. Bali has a dark, shadow side too. Travelling through Bali I was struck and horrified by the dire circumstances of the dogs and cats in Bali. Abuse is common. Many people simply do not consider them of any value here. Hearts are closed to cats and dogs.
I have been in many places but I never seen so many unwanted, skinny and diseased dogs before. It broke my heart. At home, we have adopted two old and sick cats from the shelter with the intention of giving them a nice, warm home to retire. They need a lot of special care, which is costly, but if you open your heart to them, you get so much love in return. Our cats were in the shelter for a long time. Nobody wanted them. They weren’t cute, cuddly kittens, so they wouldn’t ‘sell’. Plus they were old and sick, in need of medical care. For whatever reason the first owners decided after 16 years they didn’t want them anymore. When we walked into the shelter, they were about to separate them, with pain in their hearts, so they could at least find a home and not a closet to spend the rest of their life in. When we saw them together, two brothers glued and huddled together in an embrace, inseparable, sleeping in the spooning position, we knew we couldn’t let that happen. Even though we were initially looking to adopt only one cat.
In Bali I couldn’t just shut my eyes to the circumstances of those sick, emaciated dogs either. I could not allow myself to see only the beauty, the magic of the island. Ever since I have wanted to contribute in some way to giving those Bali street dogs the best life possible, just like I’m doing for my cats at home. To remind me of my intention, I kept a a picture of a Bali street dog on my wall at home. And now I have found a way to contribute. I have adopted a Bali street dog and will continue to do so, whenever possible, with the money I make teaching yoga. Adopting a Bali street dog means you provide one dog with all the care it needs (food, care, vaccinations, medications and future sterilization) until its time of adoption. I hope you feel inspired to do the same.
If you want to make a difference too, you can start now by sponsoring one dog. You will be
making a personal and positive impact on the life of a Bali dog in need. Your money will go towards the cost of medications and supplies used to treat and sterilize the countless street dogs in need of care.
Connect to B.A.R.C. on Facebook:
http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/group.php?gid=19687946558
Share
