Maëlle Girard and Gilles Manzato were on an errand to buy furniture for their new home in Bali when they stumbled upon a tiny, abandoned dog by the roadside. Girard recounts, “We drove past a tiny puppy on the side of the road, trying to hide in the grass. I actually thought it was dead and told Gilles … but he thought it was breathing.”

Unable to ignore the sight, they returned to find the puppy still there, struggling to stand. With no one else to turn to, they decided to bring her home. The journey wasn’t easy. The puppy, named Ika, was in a terrible state, suffering from scabies and lacking most of her fur. Despite their initial plan to give her up to a shelter, the couple found themselves deeply attached to her. Girard remembers, “Our first plan was to hand her over to a rescue shelter, but we instantly fell in love with her.”

Ika resting after being rescued. Photo courtesy of Girard

As Ika’s physical condition improved, her personality blossomed, revealing a loyal and protective companion. Their compassion didn’t stop with Ika. Another stray dog, Dobbie, found her way into their hearts after Girard began feeding a pack of strays near her home. “Because of her big ears and her sad look, my friend named her Dobbie,” Girard explained. Despite initial reluctance, Dobbie eventually chose to leave the streets behind and join the couple’s growing family.

Since then, Girard and Manzato have made it their mission to rescue and rehome as many Balinese dogs as possible. Their home, lovingly dubbed “The Bali Squad,” has become a sanctuary for these once-neglected animals. Reflecting on the impact of their actions, Girard remarks, “Girard and Manzato could have never predicted the change that would come from showing compassion to one little dog, but for the street dogs of Bali, it’s been nothing short of a miracle.”

Maelle Girard. Photo courtesy of Girard

Their efforts have not gone unnoticed. Coco, a foster fail who joined The Bali Squad, has played a vital role in helping other rescues acclimate to their new lives. Girard shared, “She is her absolute best friend and helped [Poe] so much to feel safe.” Poe, a one-eyed Chihuahua mix, will soon find her forever home, thanks to the love and care she received from her newfound family.

As the sun sets over their Bali home, Girard and Manzato find peace in knowing they’ve made a difference in the lives of these animals. “We may have rescued them, but in truth, they’ve rescued us,” Girard said. And it all began with one tiny pup on the side of the road.  Watch below to see a look at the puppy and the amazing rescue.

Source: The Dodo