While motorcycling through the streets of Bali, dog rescuer Desy Morgenstern spotted a distressed pup on the roadside. Concerned for the dog’s well-being, she pulled over to take a closer look. What she found was heartbreaking — the dog was almost completely hairless, her skin raw and pink, covered in painful sores.
“She was completely naked,” Morgenstern recalled.
Determined to help, Morgenstern offered the dog some treats and tried to slip a leash on her. But the scared pup bolted, leading Morgenstern to follow her into a nearby building. To her dismay, Morgenstern watched as the dog curled up in a tiny cardboard box, barely big enough to hold her frail body.
It was then that the building’s owner revealed the pup had been sleeping in that same box every night.
“I guess it was her safe place,” Morgenstern said, her heart sinking.
With patience and care, Morgenstern finally managed to secure the pup on a leash and rushed her to the vet, where they discovered a host of health issues. The dog was in desperate need of treatment, and Bali Paws, the rescue organization Morgenstern works with, immediately stepped in to help. They lovingly named her Piggy, inspired by her pink, bare skin — though her pink hue wouldn’t last for long.
“After just a month, you could already see her fur starting to grow back,” Morgenstern said.
Piggy’s recovery was nothing short of remarkable. She transformed from a fearful, hairless dog into a happy, healthy pup with a thick, beautiful coat of white fur. Her once anxious demeanor was replaced with a joyful spirit, and she now follows Morgenstern everywhere, her tail wagging and a permanent smile on her face.
“Every time I see her, I can’t believe she used to be so scared of humans,” Morgenstern said, still in awe of Piggy’s resilience.
Though Morgenstern and the team at Bali Paws have grown attached to Piggy, they know she deserves a loving forever home. Described as “gentle, playful, and incredibly friendly with other dogs,” Piggy is ready to bring joy to a new family.
“Piggy loves being outdoors, running free, and playing to her heart’s content,” Bali Paws shared on Instagram. “The only thing she doesn’t enjoy is being in a cage — she much prefers exploring and having the freedom to be her playful self!”
With her newfound confidence and bright future ahead, one thing is certain: Piggy will never have to sleep in a cardboard box again. And soon, she’ll find the loving home she’s always deserved.
