Donation Diaries - Shelter for Lombok Dogs 🐾

On our recent trip to Indonesia, my girlfriend and I visited (and donated) to a local rescue centre here on the island of Lombok.

After a short scooter ride from Kuta, we arrived at the Shelter for Lombok Dogs, where we were welcomed by the wonderful vet, Siti. She showed us around the centre and introduced us to some of the dogs in their care - each one with a story of survival.

The shelter’s work goes far beyond daily feeding. Their mission is both urgent and inspiring:

• Rescue and rehabilitate injured or abandoned dogs

• Mass sterilisation to reduce the overwhelming stray population

• Re-home puppies locally and internationally

• Educate children and villagers to foster compassion and co-existence

This balanced approach addresses both the immediate suffering and the root causes of the stray dog crisis. Without sterilisation, street populations grow uncontrollably, leaving only the strongest dogs to survive while the weakest endure brutal injuries and disease. By reducing numbers, they make it possible to care for those that remain with dignity and compassion.

The site we visited was their rehabilitation centre, home to many disabled dogs. We met Tito (pictured below), a young pup recovering after being hit by a car. Some dogs had lost legs, others were paralysed, yet every one of them was still playful and full of spirit. Seeing their resilience was both heartbreaking and inspiring.

The shelter itself has faced huge challenges too. In 2022, a devastating flood destroyed their original base, forcing them to spread operations across smaller temporary sites. Today, they’re working to build a new, permanent facility with everything needed under one roof - a safe haven where urgent care, sterilisation, and rehabilitation can all come together.

Our donation (10 million IDR), like many others, will go towards this vision: a future where Lombok’s dogs don’t just survive, but thrive.

Will Rushmere
Founder, Good For Pets 🐾