Alison Gray, a 49-year-old Malaysian-born Australian who lives in Bali has dedicated her life to make the lives of stray dogs better.
She’s the founder of the not-for-profit animal welfare Bali Rescue Dog Squad and the focus is primarily on removing dogs from the streets there.
Gray has an amazing passion for animals and she’s sharing her daily highs and lows of the rescuing world on the organization’s Instagram page @balirescuedogsquad.
Without doubt, she’s the inspiration of many people in the world. But, it’s never easy, she says.
Australian Woman Helping Stray Dogs in Bali
Gray got educated in Perth and has background in Human Resources and Executive Recruitment. She was the National HR Manager for large companies for 5 years.
However, in 2014, she decided to leave her 6-figure salary and step out of her comfort zone. She moved from Darwin to Bali after she was travelling back and forth during the holidays.
She says she’s always known that she will stay in a third-world country helping others. She has volunteered in a charity for disabled children previously.
But, she soon discovered her real passion was helping dogs, especially after learning the serious issue of stray dogs in Bali.
The rescuing began spontaneously and it was only occasional. But, soon enough, it became a daily thing. She opened up her organization and started sharing dog stories and educating people about dogs.
Amazing Woman Who Has Helped a Long List of Dogs
In the past 5 years, Gray has helped rescue and rehabilitate around 500 animals. Her goal is to provide them with a second chance and find them a loving home.
The ‘safe’ house for dogs is full of excited dog barks and the friendly faces of staff members. The house is mainly outdoors, has 3 rooms, and dozens of dogs.
There’s also an isolation room where some dogs are kept when receiving treatment. Alison lives in another house where there are also 12+ dogs.
Alison said that one of the most challenging moments while running the organization was educating the people of Bali, yet seeing they don’t really have an interest to continue what they’ve been taught and take better care of their animals.
Funding was also a challenge, explained Alison. For one dog to be treated, approximately $200-$300 are necessary in order to pay for the vaccinations, sterilizing, and basic treatments.
Sponsoring a dog is $50 per month which helps cover for their food and vaccinations.
Her future plans are to open a big sanctuary and to be able to transport dogs into homes worldwide.
The Dark Side of Bali: Meat Trade, Dog Fights, and Dog Culling
Unfortunately, Alison explains that the dog meat trade in Bali is underground and uncontrollable. One stall will be closed and you’ll see another one opening up only a couple of meters down the street.
Anybody can be involved-even the next-door neighbors because they don’t have money and will sell their dog just for a can of beer.
Sadly, Bali also has religious priests slaughtering dogs in their homes for business. With certainty, no dog is safe in Bali.
Despite all the Bad, there are Good News too
A lot of the dogs Alison saved are living a happy life with their new families.
For example, Mocha who she watched on the road for 2 months or so is now rehomed 20 minutes away from Alison in a mansion with 2 children who adore her.
She has a lot of garden space to play in and when Alison visits her from time to time, Mocha is so relaxed and happy.
Sources: