One of the things I was looking forward to on my RTW trip was to meet some of the amazing people in the countries I would be visiting who are helping to make a difference in helping stray dogs.
I have been following Little Steps Matter on Instagram, and inspired by what they do. As I was going to Bali for a wedding, I had hoped to meet them. However, a cancelled flight and a twenty-four delayed arrival meant I had no time to make a two-hour journey each way from Nusa Dua to Tabanan. But I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight their cause in supporting Bali’s animals in need.
THEIR MISSION:
- To relieve suffering of animals in Bali through: Feeding, Treatment, Sterilization, Education, and Rescue – Rehab – Rehome.
- ​To provide food and medical care for animals in need across Kediri, and educate the local community in the ethical treatment and care of animals, and ultimately encourage a chain of education to others.
- ​To sterilize all abandoned and owned dogs and cats in Kediri, to avoid unwanted pregnancies and babies being dumped.
- ​To eliminate mange in our area, and treat all flea and tick infestations in street dogs and owned dogs.
- ​To bring owners closer to their pets, and find forever homes for all abandoned animals.
- ​To advocate for the Heritage Bali Dog.
THEIR GOAL:
Their vision is of a Bali where all animals are free from suffering.
By focusing on our mission statement objectives, and working with local communities, we hope this vision can become a reality.
WHO IS BEHIND LITTLE STEPS MATTER?
Little Steps Matter was founded by Sabine Kaufmann, a lifelong animal lover and defender of animal rights. Originally from Germany, at the age of 6 Sabine started to bring home animals in need. ​As a teenager she further developed her passion and love for horses, connecting with these animals on a deeper level, and later running her own stables for many years. Since arriving in Bali in 1989, Sabine was very distressed by the amount of sick and injured dogs and cats she saw roaming the streets. Over the years, she took them in for healing and rehabilitation, before looking for suitable owners to adopt these abandoned animals. Founding Little Steps Matter became the natural next step, allowing Sabine to devote her life to helping animals in Bali on a wider scale, in order for even more animals to have a second chance at a happy and healthy life.
Together with the support of her sister-in-law Putu Krista, best friend Claudia, and brother Jochen, Sabine established Little Steps Matter in 2016. Krista became her partner for the daily street feeding schedule, and co-hosting mass sterilization days. Krista grew up caring for sick animals, and with her kind personality, she finds the most patient and empathic approach to connect to and build trust with locals as they tour from house to house, teaching about animal care. Claudia is the Cat Lover in the organisation who fosters many of the rescued cats until they find their forever homes.
HOW THEY DO WHAT THEY DO?
They are a small team, with a large impact.
The team manages mass sterilisation days and carries out daily street feedings for dogs in the Tabanan Regency of Bali. They also rescue abandoned dogs, cats, puppies and kittens for treatment and re-homing. Throughout their work, they educate the local community on animal care and encourage respect for animals.
Without government or support from any big organisations, they survive on donations from monthly donors, loyal Patrons on Patreon, along with donations from their Instagram followers. These good people are the lifeblood of the organization.
HOW CAN YOU HELP?
Whether you live in Bali or abroad, support Little Steps Matter to continue their important work by volunteering, sponsoring, donating, or fundraising.
With your help they can continue to make even more of a difference by helping to grow the awareness of the activities of Little Steps Matter and, most importantly, increase the number of animals that you, too, can help.
Click here to donate to their work in helping dogs in Bali, or click here to find out about adoption.
If you are visiting Bali, I am sure they would love it if you can visit them. They will welcome you to learn more about what they do and to visit the dogs.
4 Responses
Wow! What an amazing way to give back.
I am so impressed with Sabine and her organization.
Thank you May for informing us in your gracious way about Little Steps Matter. Sabine and her team do a wonderful job taking care of the needy dogs and other animals that need food, spaying and neutering and a forever home.
Thank you for highlighting! Their mission really resonated with me and I made a small donation 🙂
The efforts of Little Steps Matter in Bali highlight the profound impact compassionate individuals can have on animal welfare. Their comprehensive approach, from feeding and medical care to education and advocacy, not only alleviates immediate suffering but also fosters a more humane community attitude towards animals. Initiatives like this are vital, as they not only care for animals in need but also work towards long-term solutions to prevent future suffering. Supporting such organizations can truly make a difference in transforming the lives of countless animals.