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From Hero to Exile: The Swiss Founder Björn Medernach, who Sacrificed All for Bali’s Stray Dogs



Swiss Animal Rescuer Loses Everything After Bali Deportation – Still Fights for the Dogs



They stole my shelter, my name, my network, and nearly eight years of my life’s work.


I came to Bali in 2018 with 30,000 CHF of my own savings and even maxed out my credit card to build Shelter One in Tabanan. Every wall, every kennel, every bowl of food was built with my own sacrifice. By 2019, I had built Shelter Two, investing another 21,000 CHF from my second pillar pension funds and over 180,000 EUR from my heritage and family support. I took no salary, lived simply, and worked 12–14 hours a day to rescue and care for Bali’s abandoned dogs.

To keep going, I took a 50 million IDR loan, which I repaid, then in 2024 another 150 million IDR loan for food, medicine, and shelter costs.


Then came our biggest fundraiser: 525 million Rupiah. By mistake, I sent it to “Bali Dharma Satwa,” thinking it would be small donations as usual. Instead, it was the largest sum we had ever raised.


The people I trusted — Roger, Dewa, Kevin Agus, and Nyoman — used it to destroy me. They spread lies, sent death threats, and shattered my health. I suffered a stroke and severe mental illness, ending up in hospital.


Even then, they put me into detention despite me telling them I was sick. Inside, I was beaten by Nigerians.


The final blow came from Spun Global, the immigration agency I trusted. I had legal residency (KITAS) and only wanted to extend it, but they told me to re-enter on a visa on arrival, claiming it could be converted. It was false — and it gave my enemies the weapon to have me deported in 2025.


I lost the charity itself, the shelters, the community, and the lives we saved. My social network, already stolen once before, was taken again. My family had to pay for my return to Switzerland, flights back to Asia, and my living costs.


I gave everything. They left me with nothing. But even now, ill, broke, and close to dying, I keep fighting for the Bali dogs. They may hold the buildings and the name, but they will never own my heart, my sacrifice, or the truth.




2019 – Puppy Therapy That Captured the World’s Heart



In 2019, Björn Medernach (founder of the Bali Dog Association) and Daniel Silva introduced something unforgettable — Puppy Therapy at Puri Garden Hotel in Ubud. Twice a week, the pool area turned into a paradise of wagging tails and smiling guests, as rescued Bali puppies found joy, socialization, and a chance at forever homes — all while guests experienced pure, heartwarming magic.


This powerful initiative went global. Here’s where it was featured, with direct links:




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