Everyone Walked Past the Skin-and-Bone Dog Waiting to Die — Until One Young Man Stopped and Changed Her Life Forever
Every day, countless stray dogs die on the streets from hunger, illness, or neglect. And this emaciated dog might have been one of them—if not for a 26-year-old man named Rico Soegiarto who stopped and decided to do something that would change everything.
She was just skin and bones, with bald patches and open sores. To most, she looked like she was simply waiting for death.
The first time Rico saw her was on a street in Denpasar, Bali. Her frail body, patchy fur, and visible ribs made her look more like a ghost than a dog. No one stopped. No one cared. But despite the suffering, her eyes—an unusual, piercing blue—still held something. A glimmer of life. That gaze told Rico that she wasn’t ready to give up.
And somehow, Rico knew… he couldn’t walk away.
He brought her home, even though he wasn’t sure what made this particular dog stand out.
“I don’t know exactly what it was,” Rico said. “There was just something about her that made me want to help—maybe her eyes, maybe a feeling. It was something emotional.”
With patience and care, he cleaned her, shaved off the matted fur, treated her wounds, fed her, and took her to the vet. Slowly, she began to change.
Day by day, her body healed. Her coat began to grow back—thicker and shinier than before. Her eyes remained just as brilliant, but now, they were full of joy.
After 10 months of recovery, she was unrecognizable.
Gone was the dying dog from the street. In her place stood a beautiful, healthy Siberian Husky—full of energy, affection, and life.
“She’s very affectionate and loves cuddles,” Rico shared. “She even likes cookies and ice cream! But I worry sometimes because she’s too friendly… and in Bali, dog theft is a real issue.”
He named her Hope — a name that reflects not only her journey, but also what she gave to everyone who heard her story.
Hope now lives happily with Rico and his four other dogs. She’s safe, loved, and no longer alone.
Sometimes, all it takes is someone who refuses to give up—someone who believes there’s still light left in even the weakest spark.
And from that belief, miracles can happen.