That other lesser known Bali Dog named Blackie.

On a step in Pengosakan outside an Alpha Mart, another Bali Dog named Blackie lives on.  We first met him back in 2010. His impressive size and young adult aura was both intimidating and unnerving.  But Blackie was one of those very gentle big Bali Dogs, a true passive giant.  Seeing Blackie again in 2017 has been a privilege, insofar as he has survived when many have not.  It’s also been a continued blessing, relief in the knowledge that he is cared for in his advancing years.

There are many ‘old Ubudians’ who lovingly remember another very famous Blackie of the night.  A serial seducer of the ladies.  A very free roaming Bali Dog about town.  Those old timers who know that Blackie is a badge of honour name, not cheaply handed on.  Those who know when the name Blackie, in Bali Street Dog folklore is spoken, establishments such as CP lounge, Mingle, Shisha Lounge, Boom Boom and Laughing Buddha come to mind.  That most famous of all Blackies.  He who roamed far and famously long, along Monkey Forest road and its numerous side gangs.  His memory will never be forgotten, his name etched in history.

Pengosakan Blackie certainly lives up to the lofty Blackie title, in our humble opinion.  He has never roamed far and long, has never charmed the ladies over a swig of Bintang or waft of Hookah vapour.  And he will never wake up on the lap of some Swedish maiden.  But, like King Blackie he has survived. Survived knife wounds, scalding hot water burns and the vagaries of daily life on an increasingly chaotic road in an unrepentant competitive environment.

​And for all of that, we salute Blackie the Pengosakan Bali Dog. And as we joyfully met him again today, we also dedicated a few moments in memory to that other most famous of all Ubud Blackie Bali Dogs.  May he continue to roam free in canine nirvana.