AN INTERVIEW WITH SEBASTIAN AND DAJANA FROM HUND VON EDEN

You interact with plenty of dogs on a daily basis In your store in Sankt Peter-Ording on the North Sea coast. What percentage of your customers are rescue dogs, and how do you spot them? 

Absolutely, we see a lot of dogs every day, including many from rescue organisations. It's hard to determine the exact percentage because most rescue dogs hardly look different from pure-breeds at first glance. It's often the stories shared by the owners that reveal the dogs' backgrounds. What's particularly rewarding is witnessing the development of these rescue dogs over the years. We've seen dogs that were initially very fearful or displayed aggression, but with time and care, they blossomed. Since many of these dogs belonged to guests vacationing in Sankt Peter, we could observe their progress over longer intervals. It's not just about the dogs' development but also about the owners who are incredibly proud of what they've achieved together and have given their dogs a loving home. 

How do you personally feel about rescue dogs?

Welcoming a dog into your home, whether from a breeder or a rescue, entails a significant responsibility for both the owner and the environment. We admire anyone who opens their home to a rescue dog because you never know what challenges or past experiences the dog brings. Sebastian has worked as a dog trainer for several years and has encountered many rescue dogs during that time. While there's always a bit of uncertainty with rescue dogs, with time and a strong bond, a wonderful relationship can form, and daily life can be navigated smoothly.

© Bali Paws

You've chosen to donate to the organization Bali Paws. Why Bali, and why Bali Paws?

 Firstly, we want to express our respect for all organizations dedicated to animal welfare. Through conversations in our store, we've learned about the strong support for animal welfare organizations in European countries, which is fantastic. We discovered Bali Paws through a supplier from Bali some time ago and have been following their work closely since then. Unfortunately, support for animal welfare organizations in Bali isn't as widespread as in other places like Spain or Portugal. The situation in Bali is unique in many aspects. Street dogs in Bali often belong to families, but due to poverty, many families struggle to provide for them adequately, whether with food or medical care. Consequently, many dogs roam freely, searching for food, yet they return home regularly. In the past, street dogs played a crucial role in maintaining the island's ecosystem by controlling pests and diseases. However, a rabies outbreak in 2008 led to the culling of around 150,000 dogs, causing a rat infestation and agricultural losses. Since then, locals have become more wary of street dogs, leading to mistreatment and neglect. 

Bali Paws has been lovingly caring for these dogs found on the streets or brought to them for several years now. Currently, about 50 dogs reside in the Puppy House, a little paradise just for them. Currently, about 50 dogs reside in the Puppy House, a little paradise just for them. The buildings require maintenance, and the lease renewal is imminent. Daily expenses for food and medication must be covered to ensure the dogs lack nothing. Additionally, Bali Paws runs a sterilization and vaccination project to reduce the number of strays and improve the overall quality of life for dogs on the island. They also tackle the rabies problem and conduct educational programs for children to foster understanding and respect for dogs.

What do you wish for all dogs?

Every dog deserves a loving home where they feel safe and can thrive. They deserve a human companion who respects them and cares for them unconditionally from the first moment to the last. While not everyone may like every dog, it's crucial to respect the unique bond between each human and their dog. There should be no prejudices against dogs and their owners; instead, all beings on our planet should respect each other and treat each other kindly.