The Creative Process

Part of last week's new moon and energy was to focus on things I'm passionate about, animals, for starters. Since I was a little girl, I can remember living in Queens, New York, finding and bringing stray cats home or feeding any that came into the yard. So I've always had a special place in my heart for the many living creatures we share space with on this beautiful planet. 

During my many years of travel, I did a bunch of volunteer work that filled my cup, from elephants, wolves, great white sharks, and cheetahs, to name a few. But, it got me thinking about how much I still desire to give back, fill that space, and what I can do to help? So I've been in the dreaming and scheming phase towards one furry friend, dogs.

Living in Bali is very different from the western world regarding our unconditionally loving best friends. Bali is home to an overwhelming number of stray dogs and an unknown number of cats who dearly need love and medical attention. In third-world countries, this is a common thing to find. Sadly, you can also find dogs being abused and poisoned, and spaying and neutering are not affordable for many local families.

On the flip side, Bali has a few fantastic rescue groups that help protect and improve the lives of animals. Many other westerners and locals here also help, including my partner and me. He and I sometimes go out on day trips to feed animals that don't have homes. Or, behind the scenes, take care of vet bills for someone else who might not be able to afford it. 

Currently, we have 5 street dogs that came into our lives. Our most recent one, Oreo, just walked into our house one day and never left, and he has become our first line of security in protecting our home. I wish we could take in more, but unfortunately, it's not feasible, and why I'm in the early stages, with help from my friends, of figuring out what else we can do to help those who need it.

Sidenote: One of the main reasons we built our home in Bali @villa_serenity_bali is for the sole purpose of the dogs.

I recently visited a local Balinese family that takes in stray cats and dogs, making it clear how devoted I feel to doing more. The lovely couple almost lost their home and the animals they care for, but thankfully, after help from others donating to the cause, they could keep their home and tend to the animals. 

I was seeing what they were doing with so little brought tears to my eyes. Yet, the love, gratitude, and kindness they show opened my mind to different directions and possibilities. I may be in the early stages, but like anything else, you must start somewhere. 

Much love,

Lauren