Sometimes, life changes quietly, without warning, during moments that feel ordinary.
For Golan Shoshan and his girlfriend, that moment arrived on a stormy night in Bali, Indonesia, just weeks before they were set to leave the country for good.
After spending three years living in Bali, the couple was deep in preparations to move back home to Israel.
Their plans were carefully laid out, timelines set, and goodbyes already underway.
Then a powerful storm swept through their village and delivered an unexpected visitor straight to their doorstep.
A small black dog stood there, soaked and trembling, as if she had chosen their home for a reason.
A Stray Dog Appears During a Storm and Feels Different Right Away
The couple had seen many stray animals during their time in Bali.
Street dogs were a common sight, and while each one tugged at their hearts, this moment felt different.
The little black dog had wide, expressive eyes and a quiet presence.
They named her Luna. Unlike other encounters, Luna did not wander off. She stayed.
“Luna found us. We didn’t go looking for her,” Golan told The Dodo.
From the very beginning, both he and his girlfriend felt something they could not explain, a strong sense that Luna was meant to stay with them forever.
Learning the Truth About Luna’s Past
Wanting to do the right thing, the couple asked neighbors if anyone recognized the dog. What they learned was heartbreaking.
Locals told them Luna had been abandoned by people in the area just days before the storm.
She had been left to fend for herself, confused and alone, during severe weather.
The couple had never owned a pet before and had not planned to adopt a dog, especially not during an international move.
Still, leaving Luna behind was never an option.
As soon as they realized she had no home, they took her straight to the veterinarian for a health check and a much needed bath.
A Complicated Plan to Bring a Dog Home Across Borders
Thankfully, Luna was healthy enough to travel. That relief quickly gave way to the reality of what came next.
Moving a dog from Indonesia to Israel is far from simple.
Indonesia and Israel do not have diplomatic relations, and animals are not permitted to fly out of Bali due to rabies regulations.
What seemed impossible on paper became a challenge the couple was determined to solve.
That very evening, they began researching every option available.
The process would delay their move by at least a month, but they were committed to seeing it through.
A Long Journey Filled With Fear and Trust
The plan they created was complex. Luna would be driven from Bali to Jakarta, a journey that takes about 24 hours.
From there, she would fly to Bangkok, Thailand, where she would reunite with her new parents.
The trip was stressful for Luna. She turned out to be deeply afraid of both car rides and flights.
Still, she pushed through, relying on the same trust that brought her to their door during the storm.
Once she reached Thailand and was back in their arms, the change was immediate.
“The next day, she was back to herself,” Golan said.
Waiting Patiently for the Final Step Home
The family spent the next month in Thailand completing paperwork and preparing for the final leg of the journey to Israel.
When Luna’s travel documents finally arrived, it felt like the end of a very long chapter.
During the 12 hour flight to Tel Aviv, Luna amazed them.
“She was such a good girl,” Golan said.
They played with her throughout the day so she could sleep comfortably on the plane. Luna spent much of the flight curled up on their laps, finally secure.
A New Life Begins in Israel
When Luna arrived at her new home, the transformation was undeniable.
“Once she got home, she was happier than ever,” Golan said. Surrounded by love and consistency, Luna relaxed into her new life.
A few months later, she continues to grow.
She is still learning to trust people, likely shaped by her early experiences, but she improves every day.
She adores other dogs, loves playtime, and has formed a strong bond with her humans.
“She learns quickly,” Golan said. “She loves other dogs, and she loves to play with her owners.”
