As a tourist it’s easy to think that the Balinese don’t care about their dogs. Truthfully they have more important things to care about like putting food on the table and making enough money to put their kids through school.
But sometimes you get the opportunity to see a real relationship between a Balinese and their dog.
This young girl brought her dog to the village town hall to have her dog sterilised by the Bali Animal Welfare Association.
Excitement shows on her face as she realises she is part of something very important.
The two sit side by side for an hour or so until it's their turn.
Every time the vet nurse tries to approach the dog it starts growling. So the young girl is asked to hold his lead but move back from him so the nurse can net him.
Safely bundled up, the vet nurse is now able to inject pre-med, vitamins and pain killers.
The girl is asked to "hold" her dog while the anaesthetic starts to work. He will be less stressed with her near him, rather than a stranger.
Her brother helps keep the dog subdued until the drugs take effect.
Finally the dog is sedated enough to be removed from the net without the risk of him biting the BAWA staff. The vet nurse removes his lead before prepping him for surgery.
The children watch as their dog is shaved and cleaned for surgery.
Worry replaces excitement as the children watch on.
The children watch the operation with a serious calm that belies their young years. There were no tears, throwing up or fainting despite watching the operation from beginning to end.
The dog finally gets his red collar and is laid out in the recovery area. The young girl will be able to take her friend home in a couple of hours.
