Trapped Deep in Tangled Roots, a Dog Clings To Life When Kind Strangers Hear Her Cry…
Coco and Millie grew up as street dogs in Bali. The two had no one to care for them, and relied on each other to find food, a place to sleep each night, and for protection. Among the 400,000 other dogs that roam Bali’s streets, their lives were not easy. They were covered in mange, starving, and in need of help when they were noticed by dog rescuers Alex Blumberg and Brady Oliveira, who were there to offer meals to the street dogs that desperately needed them. (Watch video above)
Alex and Brady could immediately see that Coco and Millie were in alarming need of medical attention. Without the necessary supplies needed to rescue the strays and unable to capture them after many attempts, the two decided to come back the next day to try again. The efforts they took to save the dogs’ lives were incredible.
Alex and Brady: What led them to Bali
Alex Blumberg and Brady Oliveira have been dedicated animal activists for as long as they can each remember. Alex is the founder of CAARE Rescue, a non-profit organization that has saved almost 5,000 dogs from death. Brady, is a professional Running Back for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the Canadian Football League. They are a very busy couple who have devoted their lives and every minute of free time to rescuing dogs in need all over the world.
In January, they took a trip to Bali with the sole purpose of rescuing as many street dogs as they possibly could. It’s a trip that they’ve made many times before; finding and saving homeless dogs from certain death. It’s always heartbreaking work, but they both consider it their passion.
When they arrived in Bali, they set out to begin feeding street dogs, and it was then they noticed Coco and Millie. The two knew right away that they had to help the dogs immediately, and without the supplies they needed and after a few failed attempts, they left to go get what they would need to rescue them.
The Couple’s Heartbreaking Rescue Coco and Millie
Within 24 hours, the couple returned with their driver, Adi. They found Millie, but capturing her was not easy, “It took us hours to rescue her, making it clear she has no trust in humans.” After finally getting Millie to safety, Coco was nowhere to be found. A frantic search for the missing dog began, and Adi realized that he could hear cries from the nearby overgrown bushes.
The three started to climb through the tangled vines. Soon, they couldn’t hear the cries any longer but they continued on. In an Instagram post dated January 24th, Alex shared, “After 45 minutes of relentless effort, we found her (Coco) who appeared to be lifeless in a hole.” Knowing they couldn’t leave her there, they worked tirelessly to remove her from what could have ended up her tomb. They were all shocked when they lifted her out of the hole, realizing she was barely alive. “The sight was gut-wrenching, but determination prevailed as we rescued her and her sister,” said Alex.
Alex and Brady Rushed the Rescued Dogs to Find Urgent Medical Care
Alex and Brady knew the coming days and weeks would be crucial to Coco and Millie’s survival. Coco, who was near death, was able to get the medical support she desperately needed and survived the terrifying ordeal. Alex shared on Instagram, “…their path to recovery is a long road ahead, filled with challenges and uncertainties.”
A week later, Brady gave his Instagram followers the news that they had all been waiting for. “It’s been over a week since we rescued Coco from a dire situation, but her journey is far from over! Praying for Coco’s strength & recovery as she continues to fight. Stay strong my girl.”
He shared in another update that they also rescued two other dogs: Kiki, who was sick and had a very infected eye, and Lulu, who had been hit by a scooter and was trying to survive on a broken leg. Additionally, they fed 80 street dogs and assisted local rescuers with support, supplies, and funding.
Update on Coco and Millie’s Rehabilitation
Although Coco is still recovering in the animal hospital, Millie was released after a week of recovery. Brady said that Coco’s story is why they continue to make these heartbreaking rescues, “In the world of dog rescue, the journey is both mentally and emotionally draining. Yet, for dogs like Coco, we persist, fueled by the hope of offering them a second chance at a brighter, loving future.”
The couple decided to allow Millie to join them at their home. They’re working on building trust with her; something she’s never had in her life. “Scars tell a story, but so does love and we are determined to re-write Millie’s story!” Alex is hopeful that this story will have a happy ending.
Alex asked her Instagram followers to share the dogs’ story to help spread awareness about Bali’s street dogs in need. It’s an ongoing problem that they are trying to stave off by planning a spay and neutering clinic there later this year. She is also currently working to raise funds to help support their rescue mission efforts throughout the year, which will allow them to help the street dogs as well as the “selfless individuals who put the needs of street dogs above their own, even when faced with financial hardships”. You can support their cause here, and for more information about their rescue efforts in Bali, you can contact Alex here.
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