Just Passing By

Old men and old dogs have a way of reminding us of something.  Something that sets off an internal vibration, a deep comforting sensation that assures us that humanity is still alive and well.  A wellness that replenishes and fills spaces, an aliveness that soothes cavities that have inevitably become dry parched and literally scorched after a lifetime observing the indecencies that humans inflict on all forms of life.

Bali is a very small Island that’s crammed with every type.  All manner of beings flock and fly to what’s fondly referred to as paradise.  Unfortunately nowhere can live up to such an illusion, life has a habit of stripping the veneer from that fantasy.

Bali People often get bad reviews when it comes to the care of their dogs.  Cruelty and abandonment (throwing) issues regularly top the list.  There is no defense against such premeditated acts that are unfortunately universal and growing.  Even in countries where hard fought laws have been created to prevent such visible actions from occurring, out of sight atrocities still go on and on and on.

Bali is still on the path toward something better.  It’s a work in progress according to its own pace and style.  External pressure has been an ongoing strategy for many years.  Being continuously told you are bad is not a healthy strategy.  Generally labelled as uncaring does not win favours or influence workable friendships.  Laws and legislation can be a very effective hammer and understanding and empathy can soften the blows and ignite a deeper longer lasting movement from within.

The aging Bali man and his aging Bali dog are companions of a bygone era that’s thankfully still present.  They represent the goodness and kindness that’s still there, relationships that are mostly hidden from the microscope of microcosm Bali.  They are modelers of behaviours that are totally untaught and they represent ancient unions that have never been analysed and critiqued for their flaws and failures.

​They are to be celebrated wherever they are found and never left to be seen as just passing by.