Q+A with Niall Harbison of Happy Doggo
He's on a mission to save millions of street dogs around the world.
Every so often, the social media algorithms will get something right. I can’t recall exactly when they started to surface Niall Harbison’s content on my then-Twitter feed, but I’m so glad they did.
If you haven’t yet come across Niall’s posts, he spends his days rescuing dogs who have been beaten, abused, abandoned, neglected, sick and/or injured. He cares for them at what’s become known as the Happy Doggo Land in Thailand where he and his growing team triage their ailments, try to treat their traumas, and hope to turn their lives around.
He’s also the author of the recent best-seller “Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World.” In it, he shares the story of a sickly Golden Retriever he found tied up on a chain, living in filth.
He rescued her, named her Tina, and a tight bond was formed.
Her story of resilience and her ability to open up to humans after being so badly treated by them inspired much of Niall’s movement to save dogs all around the world.
I watch Niall’s stories unfold from thousands of miles away where my own dog lives in total comfort, wanting for nothing (except more treats and perhaps a miracle cure for her allergies). Niall, on the other hand, has truly seen the worst of the worst when it comes to dogs who are suffering. Somehow, he always finds a way to turn a heartbreaking story into something hopeful and up lifting.
One of the many things I’ve taken away from Niall’s experiences is that dogs are often much more resilient than we might expect. I knew he would have a unique perspective when it comes to understanding these wonderful creatures.
Here’s our conversation:
What is the biggest lesson you've learned about dog's that experience trauma?
The biggest lesson by far is that you have to give them as much time as possible. All dogs are fixable with time. We all want it to happen overnight and them to be perfect but time really is the only answer. It can be super frustrating but patience is the one thing that is always rewarded.
Why do you think some dogs are more resilient than others?
I think as a species they have to be the most resilient I have ever seen. Some of the pain and torture I see them endure is just hard to believe. As a whole they never seem to give up but there are 1-2 dogs who endure even more than others but keep pushing on. Just like people I guess.
What are the giveaway signs that a dog is sad/depressed?
The first one is always food. Thats when you know there is something very seriously wrong. If they are off their food or only eating it slowly or pushing it around. Also pretty obvious but if they are hiding or trying to make themselves as small as possible so nobody can even see them.
What advice do you have for someone who is taking on a rescue dog?
It's probably not going to be as easy as you think it is. Just remember this dog might have seen trauma or been let down in the past. You might need a lot of patience but I can also say that when you get them to a good place you will have a friend for life and the best feeling about the journey.
Have you ever met a dog that you don't/didn't like?
Ha I wouldn't say didn't like as I like all dogs but I have met some that are so insanely hyperactive and non stop that you just wish they would calm down and give us all a moments peace!!
If you hadn't met Tina, what do you think your life would look like today?
I probably would have got 70% as much done. There is something in her memory that just drives me on to push harder and get through the tough times because of her. There are some battles with dogs or some lengths I would not have been able to go to were it not for Tina.
Thank you, Niall!
Buy your copy of Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World
Learn more about the Happy Doggo mission
Read Niall’s Substack
Follow Niall on Instagram
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