As I sit here reflecting on my journey to publish A Guide to Bali Dogs: Understanding and Caring for This Unique Canine, I can’t help but feel both overwhelmed and incredibly grateful. The path to bringing my first book to life was anything but linear, filled with unexpected twists, a few hurdles, and moments of revelation. But in the end, it was all worth it.
It all started in 2022, in the midst of the pandemic. Like so many others, I found myself with more time on my hands than I knew what to do with. Bali, where I was living at the time, was quiet. I began to notice just how many dogs there were, wandering the streets in search of food, sometimes in packs, chasing after chickens, their ribs visibly showing. It broke my heart.
I had always loved dogs, but something about these Bali dogs—their resilience, their tenacity,—spoke to me. I knew I had to do something. And that’s when the idea for this book began to take shape.
At first, it was just a small project—something to occupy my time. But as the months went on, my passion for telling the story of these unique canines grew. Each day, I learned more about their origins, their survival instincts, and the incredible bond they share with Bali. The more I dug into their story, the clearer it became: This book needed to be written.
One of the turning points came when I stumbled upon the stunning photos of Bali dogs by Mia Nuranti, a local photographer. Her images captured the essence of these dogs in such a raw and beautiful way, and for the first time, I could see the book coming to life.
But, of course, things don’t always go as planned. My entry into the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival came late, so when I received the acceptance email, I was both thrilled and surprised. As the reality of the deadline hit. I hadn’t expected just how tight it would be. And of course, as any first-time publisher knows, there are always curveballs. My computer’s software decided to disappear into thin air, my research didn’t always come together as hoped, and there were days when I wondered if I could pull it off at all.
But the best thing that happened during this journey was meeting Janice Girardi, the founder of BAWA (Bali Animal Welfare Association). She shared her wealth of knowledge and passion for Bali dogs, offering insights into their origins, genetics, and the very real threats they face. We talked about their DNA, their cultural importance, and the growing danger of extinction. From that moment, we forged a partnership to help make a difference for this incredible breed.
With just a few days to spare before the launch, I managed to get a handful of books printed—just in time for the big event at the Ubud Writers & Readers Festival on October 24th, 2024. I was glad to hear that 69 people had enrolled to attend my launch. The organisers were fantastic, ensuring everything went smoothly, and the venue—Honeymoon Garden in Ubud—was perfect.
Janice turned up as the guest of honour, and I have to admit, we were both a little nervous at first. But as soon as we started talking about Bali dogs—how they need our help to survive—it was as if the nerves melted away. Through sheer passion and love for these dogs, we shared their story with the audience, and it felt amazing to see so many people connect with the message.
A Guide to Bali Dogs isn’t just a book—it’s a labour of love. It’s about understanding and caring for these resilient street dogs whose story has yet to be fully told. It’s about shedding light on their ancient origins, their evolutionary journey, and the urgent need to preserve them before they disappear.
This book dives deep into the history and genetics of Bali dogs, revealing their fascinating lineage and the challenges they face. It’s informed by the latest research from geneticists and behaviourists, and enriched by interviews with spiritual leaders and experts like Janice Girardi, who has dedicated her life to the welfare of these animals. Together, we hope to inspire others to recognize the significance of the Bali dog and take action to protect them.
So here I am, a first-time publisher, looking back on what’s been an unpredictable but deeply fulfilling journey. I’m beyond proud of this book, and I can’t wait for more people to discover the incredible story of Bali’s street dogs. They truly are one of a kind, and it’s time they got the attention they deserve.
Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way—whether through kind words, shared knowledge, or simply showing up at the festival launch. This book is for all of us, and for the Bali dogs who inspire us every day.If you’re curious about these remarkable dogs, and want to learn how you can help, I hope you’ll check out A Guide to Bali Dogs—and join me in making a difference.
