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A Cause for Bali Paws – Interview with organiser, Melissa Dobson

Posted June 2022

Keiko Uno Jewellery is delighted to assist fundraising for and awareness of ACT Dog Rescue.

On Saturday 18 June, our jewellery will be modelled together with Jonte Designs, Style Haus evening wear, and Parisian lingerie label, Simone Perele at the ‘A Cause for Bali Paws‘ fundraising night.

Read on to find out about the event co-host, Melissa Dobson, the fun evening planned, and how you can help out.

1.Tell us a bit about yourself and your involvement with ACT Dog Rescue.

I work within the Community Services area for Western Australia and I have a love for animals. I was part of the development and implementation of the RSPCA Pets in Crisis program for pets and their families fleeing Family and Domestic Violence, animals being my passion this project was very important to me.

My whole adult life I have modelled and I teach women of all ages self-confidence, positive body image and self-awareness through pole dancing.

In my private time I foster dogs, puppies and kittens for the rescue group called Safe Perth.

My favorite destination is Bali! I have travelled to Bali many times for the great weather and fun times. But it was back in 2018 when I first noticed dogs suffering on the streets, malnourished and locked in cages. That trip I rescued my first Bali puppy. She was dumped down an alleyway all by herself, covered in fleas. I brought her into my hotel room, kept her safe and rang around to rescue groups, and that’s how I discovered Act Dog Rescue Bali. I was then hooked, it was like my calling, I felt like this is exactly where I should be and what I should be doing in life. Cari from ACT said in a passing comment to me, “well come over and fill a villa full of rescue dogs” so I did. Since then, I have been fostering, rehabilitating and fundraising for the Bali Dogs and ACT.

2. What inspired the ‘A Cause for Bali Paws’ event.

I soon leave to go back to Bali to foster and rehabilitate alongside ACT. Back in 2019 I held a fundraiser event for the Bali Dogs and it was very successful. So, I wanted to do something again.

During the pandemic this was an awful time for the rescue groups with no tourists causing an economic disaster and carnage on the island for the dogs. More than ever before, rescue groups are needing more financial assistance and support to keep them rescuing.

3. Tell us about what guests can expect on the night.

We will have a fashion parade featuring Style Haus Fashion Hire, Jonte, Simone Perele Lingerie and the beautiful Keiko Jewellery. Professional pole dance instructors from Bobbi’s Pole Studio will be performing and we have an Online Silent Auction, with so many awesome donations from talented Perth businesses.

I’m very blessed to have many beautiful, talented friends and supporters who are helping this night come together.

Event organisers: Melissa Dobson and Sophie Kerrigan

4. Tell us a bit more about the work ACT does?

ACT is run by two amazing women, Ebony and Cari. They live in Bali and devote their life to rescuing dogs in Bali. ACT rescue, vaccinate, sterilise, rehabilitate, re-home; neglected and abandoned dogs in Bali. They also educate the locals about caring for animals which is a vital part in keeping dogs safe in Bali.

They have over 100 dogs in their care at any one time. Ebony will rescue nearly anything, when I spent time with them last, just before the pandemic, there was a monkey rescue mission in place! That’s not for the faint hearted let me tell you.

5. Can our readers visit / help out at ACT Bali? Who should they contact to arrange?

The best way they can be contacted is through Facebook or even dropping into one of their adoption days in Bali.

To help out vital funds are needed or if you are visiting Bali or attending A Cause for Bali Paws, any of the following items can be donated.

· Puppy/adult collars and leashes
· Toys
· Treats (sealed)
· Worming tablets (sealed)
· Simparica/nexgard/bravecto (sealed)
· Malaseb shampoo
· Coconut oil (sealed)

6. For those who can’t make it on the 18th, how can they support ACT?

There are so many ways you can help. You can be a monthly supporter, sponsor a puppy and donate directly to monthly vet expenses. You can also direct transfer into their Australian bank account. By visiting the following links donations can be made.

https://linktr.ee/ACTDogRescue
https://www.mycause.com.au/p/283838/bali-dog-vet-expenses

You can also bid on our silent auction. We have a beautiful curation of items from Michelle Pike Illustrations, Keiko Uno Jewellery, Style Haus, Cocoon Luxury Australia and much more. This auction will be online until Sunday 19th June, 6pm WA time.

Bali is a spiritual home for Keiko Uno Jewellery – our designs inspired by the idyllic waves of Balangan Beach and the ocean-scape of Nusa Penida; and our collections housed in beautiful Metis Bali, Karma Kandara and Karma Jimbaran.

We are humbled to deepen our connection to this beautiful land by supporting ACT Dog Rescue.