Stray dogs are a common sight in Bali, where many roam the streets and public areas freely. Despite this, not all businesses or local establishments are welcoming to them. However, a video uploaded on TikTok has recently gained attention for showing one Bali restaurant owner in Ubud doing things differently.
The video, posted by the TikTok account @dekjuniarii, shows stray dogs being allowed to rest inside a small eatery. The caption in the video reads, “I always let dogs into my place and even foreigners really care about street dogs in Ubud.” The owner also added in the description that one of the dogs appears to be nursing and is often hungry.
@dekjuniariiKayaknya dia menyusui selalu kelaparan ,,, kasian 🥹♬ suara asli – imjun
The simple video has touched viewers and received many supportive comments. One user wrote, “This is what makes your business crowded, kak.” Another added, “Feeding animals is a form of spiritual merit. Helping others is good karma, but feeding animals brings even greater rewards.”
Another viewer commented, “I will definitely want to eat there. I’ll always eat there.”
The actions of the Ubud restaurant owner highlight a simple but compassionate gesture that resonates widely. While it does not solve the larger issue of animal welfare or rabies, it brings awareness to the need for shared responsibility in caring for street animals.
Providing a space for stray dogs is not only an act of kindness but also a reflection of how culture, belief, and personal values intersect in daily life. For many in Bali and beyond, it’s a reminder that small, consistent actions can make a meaningful difference.
Stray Dogs and Balinese Culture
Bali has a long-standing population of street dogs, many of which roam freely in urban areas, beaches, and even sacred sites. In Balinese Hindu culture, dogs are not seen simply as pets. They are often considered spiritual companions and are integrated into the natural and cultural life of the island.
Even at Besakih Temple—Bali’s largest and most sacred Hindu temple—dogs live freely and are largely unbothered by visitors or worshippers. Locals sometimes see them as quiet guardians of these sacred spaces.
The respect for dogs in Balinese culture is also reflected in Hindu mythology. In the Mahabharata epic, Yudistira, one of the Pandava brothers, refused to enter heaven unless his loyal black dog could accompany him. This story continues to influence Balinese Hindu belief: that loyal dogs can spiritually accompany their owners into the afterlife.
Ongoing Rabies Challenges in Bali
Despite the cultural value placed on dogs, Bali faces ongoing public health challenges. According to data from the Head of the Bali Health Office, Nyoman Gede Anom, there were 19,035 reported cases of bites by rabies-transmitting animals in 2023.
The high number of stray and abandoned dogs contributes to this issue. Many families adopt puppies due to their appearance, but as the dogs grow, some are left neglected. These abandoned dogs are at greater risk of not receiving proper care, including vaccination, contributing to the persistence of rabies transmission on the island.
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