UPDATE: A heartwarming rescue story is unfolding in Thailand as former alcoholic Niall Harbison dedicates his life to saving street dogs after a near-fatal battle with addiction. Just four years ago, Harbison woke up in an ICU, his liver failing due to alcoholism. Today, he runs Happy Doggo, a sanctuary feeding over 1,200 dogs daily.
In a remarkable turn of events, one dog named Tina transformed Harbison’s life and mission. Found malnourished and chained in the mountains, Tina had been abandoned after years of breeding. Her heartbreaking story resonated deeply with Harbison, who recognized his own struggles in her plight.
As he recalls, “I thought I was at rock bottom, but saving Tina gave me a reason to live.” The rescue unfolded urgently when Tina suffered a life-threatening condition called bloat after receiving her first proper meal. Harbison and his colleague, Valeria, acted quickly, releasing the gas to save her life. The bond formed during that intense moment of vulnerability became the foundation of Harbison’s recovery journey.
Harbison’s mission expanded beyond personal recovery; it blossomed into a commitment to the countless street dogs in Thailand. With millions in desperate need, he now focuses on feeding, rescuing, and sterilizing dogs to prevent suffering. “The need was overwhelming. No one else seemed to be doing much,” he said.
The Happy Doggo sanctuary has become a beacon of hope, illustrating Harbison’s remarkable transformation and the impact of animal rescue. His journey is chronicled in his memoir, “Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World,” which recently hit the New York Times best-sellers list in 2025.
Harbison is on a mission to save half of the world’s estimated 500 million street dogs — a goal that may seem impossible, but one that fuels his passion. “I believe a dog can save a man’s life,” he states, highlighting the emotional connection between humans and animals.
As Harbison continues to share his story, he aims to inspire others to recognize the healing power of compassion and connection with animals. Follow his journey at happydoggo.com or on social media (@niall.harbison and @wearehappydoggo) to stay updated on his life-saving work.
This urgent and uplifting story captures the essence of resilience, reminding us that even in our darkest moments, hope can emerge from the unlikeliest places.
