Made Restiati was born Surabaya, but spent much of her childhood in Lombok and Kalimantan. Both of her parents are Balinese. Her father was a veterinary pioneer, travelling far and wide in Indonesia practicing veterinarian medicine. Made and her four siblings relocated many times following their father to his various government posts. She studied Veterinary Medicine first at Airlangga University in Surabaya, then in 1997 earned a Masters in Veterinary Epidemiology at Murdoch University in Perth, Australia. Made presently runs a veterinary clinic in southern Bali.
Did you have an interesting childhood?
Oh yes! From a very early age I was always interested in animals and owned many pets, including ponies. With my brothers, sisters and friends, we used to climb trees, swim in creeks, explore rice fields, even rode on top of turtles in a big pond and tried to suck goat’s udders. On Lombok, I sometimes fought with friends because they teased me “Hey, you Balinese, why do you ride a pig to school?” In Kalimantan, we explored the forest to pick wild fruits and to see orangutan and other primates swinging in big trees. My parents always told me that animals are angels. They are helpless, and it’s the obligation of human beings to make them safe.
What are your hobbies?
I like karate, tennis, volleyball and badminton. I also enjoy playing chess, singing, reading about ancient history, politics, culture, science and psychology. Thanks to the internet, I read now mostly online.
When and where did you begin to practice veterinary medicine?
After returning from Australia in early 2000, I helped in my father’s veterinary clinic in Sanur. I remember him helping a dog full of maggots with only tobacco water. At the end of that year, I opened my own veterinary clinic in Bukit Ungasan, then in August 2002, with a help of my animal-loving friend Melissa, I opened the Restiati Veterinary Clinic in Pererenan Village in the Canggu area.
Is the Balinese attitude and the Western attitude towards their pets different?
The differences are in the amount of responsibility each society takes which probably has a lot to do with culture and financial affordability. Most Balinese (and Indonesians) have a tendency to think that their animals belong to the Universe, while most Westerners believe that their pets are their own personal responsibility. This means that when animals have problems, Indonesian tend to leave their pet’s fate in the hands of nature and they make less of an effort to help their animal. By contrast, most Westerners make a greater effort to save their animals.
What are the most common pets on Bali?
Dogs and cats, though Balinese tend to have more species diversity to include fish, birds and fighting cocks.
Of all the foreign nationalities who make up your clientele, who are the most avid and caring pet lovers?
Japanese ladies.
What is the most unusual pet you’ve ever encountered in your business?
An iguana.
What’s the most frequent ailment or injury that you find in your work?
Road accidents, fighting injuries, skin and nutrition problems, and food poisoning from eating rotten garbage, home chemicals and dead rats.
What’s the most bizarre pet sickness you’ve ever seen?
I once treated an animal’s body that was half eaten by screw worms. The owners did not know what was happening to their animal. Another unusual ailment is venereal sarcoma, a transsexual cancer in street dogs in which bulges appear on the animal’s vagina or penis, but amazingly they still survive and still produce litters.
What are the most common types of abuse or mistreatment of animals that occur on Bali?
When people buy an expensive pet, then immediately restrict them within a very small space without enough food or water until they eventually die. Many injuries also occur when people hit or kick animals.
Do you do any pro bono work?
Even though we aren’t a non-profit organisation supported by outside funding, my clinic has always tried to contribute to the welfare of Bali’s animals. We board some street dogs in the clinic’s kennel until they are ready to be adopted. Who are we to charge? Dogs and cats have no bank accounts.
What do you like best about your work?
When an animal that was near death is finally ready to go home, wagging its tail when the owner picks it up. That’s what I like best!
What have you personally gained from your work?
I’ve come to understand the unconditional love that can exist between an animal and a human being.
How do you choose a good veterinarian?
First ask the vet if they have a license or work for a licensed clinic. Ask what kind of facilities the clinic has. Many unlicensed veterinarians rely on incomplete medicine and equipment contained in just one bag. Be sure that the vet works full time at the clinic and is not just works there as a side job. Except in an emergency, a good veterinarian will not agree to perform a surgery on site or in the client’s bathroom. A good vet will also honestly explain all possible problems and the treatment procedure clearly.
Where can people learn more about your work?
They may visit my clinic in Canggu, or email me at restiati@balivetclinic.com
For anyone interested in being considered for Siapa, please contact: <pakbill2003@yahoo.com>
