A young Sunshine Coast couple has sparked fierce debate online after launching a GoFundMe campaign seeking $20,000 to bring a stray puppy they rescued in Bali back to Australia. The campaign, set up by 27-year-old Madelynn Davey, has attracted both heartfelt support and sharp criticism since going public in early August 2026.
Ms Davey discovered the puppy — now named Sadie — scavenging for food on the side of a busy road in Indonesia while she was living there with her boyfriend. The couple took Sadie in, and when it came time to return to Australia, they say leaving her behind simply wasn't an option.
Why Does Relocating a Dog from Bali Cost So Much?
According to the couple, importing a dog from Indonesia into Australia is considered one of the most complex and expensive pet relocation processes in the world. The costs stem from a strict series of requirements that must be completed before Sadie can set foot on Australian soil.
These requirements include:
- Vaccinations and microchipping
- Blood and parasite testing
- Extensive government paperwork
- Cargo flights
- A mandatory six-month quarantine period in Singapore to confirm the animal is free of disease before entering Australia
For now, Sadie remains in Indonesia, where she is being cared for by a private trainer while the couple works to secure the funds needed to begin the process.
What Madelynn Davey Says About Sadie
On the GoFundMe page, Ms Davey described the moment she found Sadie as one she couldn't walk away from. "We found Sadie when she was just a tiny puppy living on the streets. She was little, hungry, and needed someone. I couldn't leave her there knowing she had no real safety, no home, and no one properly looking out for her," she wrote.
She went on to explain that while Sadie is currently safe, she is still far from the life the couple envisions for her. "Right now, Sadie is safe and being cared for, but she is still not home," Ms Davey added.
The 27-year-old also emphasised that she is not relying solely on public generosity. "I am working, saving, and doing everything I can to make this happen. Sadie is my responsibility, and I will keep doing my part and building a better life for her. But this is a huge amount of money, and any help would make a real difference in getting her home sooner."
Online Backlash — and Some Support
After the couple shared their story on TikTok, the response was swift and divided. Many users were blunt in their criticism, pointing out that with an estimated 700,000 stray dogs in Bali alone, the money could be better spent helping animals already in need of a home closer to Australia.
"Can't you just get a new dog? It would be cheaper," one commenter wrote. Others were more direct: "$20k for a dog? You are out of your mind," said another. A third simply asked, "Queen, 20k, are you crazy?"
However, not everyone was dismissive. More than 50 people have donated to the campaign since it launched, with total contributions reaching nearly $2,500 at the time of publication — a meaningful start, though still a long way from the $20,000 target.
What Happens Next for Sadie
The couple remains determined to see the process through, regardless of public opinion. With Sadie still in the care of her Indonesian trainer, the clock is ticking on the lengthy international relocation timeline.
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Whether the GoFundMe reaches its ambitious target remains to be seen, but the campaign has already succeeded in igniting a broader conversation about the lengths — and the costs — people will go to for an animal they love.
