In the bustling streets of Bali, a stray dog named Poleng was living a life of unimaginable suffering. His skin, ravaged by severe mange, had hardened and cracked, taking on the appearance of stone. For many, he was a forgotten soul, but fate had a different plan. Poleng’s story is one of hope, healing, and the power of compassion, reminding us all that no matter how dire the circumstances, recovery is always possible.
The Beginning of Poleng’s Struggle
Poleng’s life started on the streets, where he battled the harsh realities of being a stray. Mange, a parasitic skin condition, ravaged his body, leaving him with thick, crusty, and cracked skin. His once-soft fur had turned into patches of brittle, stone-like scales. His condition worsened, leading to severe anemia, and it was clear that his situation was dire. Despite his suffering, Poleng remained a gentle soul, but his appearance made him a symbol of neglect.
The Rescue That Changed Everything
The turning point in Poleng’s life came when a compassionate group on TikTok noticed his plight. Poleng was six years old at the time. This meant he had lived years of suffering and pain. The Bali-based animal welfare organization, Little Steps Matter, was alerted to his condition and immediately sprang into action. The team took Poleng to a local clinic where he received treatment for his mange, scabies, and anemia. The process was not easy, he was weak, malnourished, and in pain—but there was hope. The support from kindhearted strangers marked the beginning of his long road to recovery.
The Road to Recovery
Poleng’s treatment was a battle, but with each passing day, he grew stronger. The clinic provided him with special medications and nutritious food to rebuild his health. Slowly but surely, Poleng’s appearance started to improve. His skin, once cracked and hard, began to soften. The crusty patches faded, and his beautiful brown eyes began to shine with a sense of relief. It was a remarkable transformation, both physically and emotionally. He was no longer the broken dog that had been ignored by the world. Instead, he was a resilient survivor, ready to embrace life again.
A New Beginning: Foster Care and Adoption
During his recovery, Poleng found a temporary home with the family who had originally found him. They saw the potential for love in his gentle eyes and decided to foster him. As time passed, it became clear that Poleng had found his forever family. The family had to relocate initially due to neighbor complaints, but their commitment to Poleng never wavered. Eventually, they decided to adopt him, giving him the stable and loving home he had always deserved.
Raising Awareness and Spreading Love
Poleng’s story spread far and wide. Through platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook, his journey touched the hearts of thousands. His transformation became a symbol of resilience, reminding people that every animal, no matter how broken, deserves a chance at a better life. The exposure also highlighted the importance of rescuing animals from neglect and the severe impacts of conditions like mange. Through the power of social media, Poleng became an ambassador for animal welfare, inspiring others to act and make a difference in the lives of suffering animals.
A Life Transformed
Today, Poleng is no longer the dog with stone-like skin. He is a happy, healthy, and cherished member of his adoptive family. His story continues to inspire those who encounter it, proving that love, compassion, and medical care can heal even the deepest wounds. Poleng’s transformation is a testament to the incredible resilience of animals and the difference that a compassionate heart can make. His journey is a reminder that no matter how dark the road may seem, there is always a light at the end.
Poleng’s story is far from over. His days now are filled with love, play, and the joy of simply being alive. He is a living testament to the power of rescue and the healing potential within all of us. We can all learn from Poleng’s journey—to never give up, to always show kindness, and to believe in the power of transformation. You can watch Poleng’s amazing transformation video in the Instagram channel of Little Steps Matter, but dont forget to get a tissue.
