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Hope: Ein Mann am Abgrund, ein Rudel Straßenhunde und der Sinn des Lebens
Niall Harbison hat eine bewegte Vergangenheit hinter sich. Er arbeitet hart und feiert härter. Von heute auf morgen kehrt er seinem Unternehmen den Rücken und wandert nach Thailand aus, wo ihn seine Alkoholsucht beinahe das Leben kostet. Auf der Suche nach Orientierung werden die Straßenhunde auf Ko Samui zu seinem Anker. Er schließt Freundschaft mit den Vierbeinern, füttert sie, fährt sie zum Tierarzt und pflegt ihre Wunden. Jedes Leben zählt. Mit Geduld, Hingabe und unermüdlicher Arbeit gelingt es Niall, das Vertrauen der Hunde zu gewinnen, die ebenso versehrt sind wie er selbst. Nialls Engagement wird mehr als eine Vollzeitaufgabe, doch die Tiere geben ihm Kraft, Liebe und Halt. Er steckt sich ein ambitioniertes monatlich 10.000 Straßenhunden zu helfen. Niall begleitet seine Rettungsaktionen mit der Kamera. Und bald verfolgen im Netz über eine Million Menschen die Schicksale von McMuffin, Hope, King Whacker, Britney, Tina und Co. ›Hope‹ erzählt von einem Mann, der an einem unerwarteten Ort Sinn im Leben findet – eine Geschichte, die unter die Haut geht.
217 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 31, 2023
278 people are currently reading
1214 people want to read
About the author
Niall Harbison
9 books58 followersFeed and save dogs in Thailand. Positive and inspiring content. Founded @wearehappydoggo to improve the lives of street dogs globally
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 282 reviews
February 20, 2024
I'm reviewing the audiobook which isn't listed here yet. I follow Niall Harbison's account on social media and feel like I already know all of these dogs and it was a joy reading about their stories and also about Niall's road to recovery in more detail. I think you will get more out of this book if you follow him on Instagram, YouTube or even the hellhole that is Twitter. The audio is read beautifully by the author. Definitely recommended but I believe the book has photos which the audio does not so you might want to check that out first if you're unfamiliar with the dogs. Any way you discover the stories, I think you'll be inspired by these stories of survival, heartbreak and hope.
September 9, 2023
I’ve been following Niall on social media since early 2022 when I started doing research for my own travels in Thailand. I absolutely fell in love with his vision and the stories he would share, so was very keen to read all about it!
Niall has written about his own journey and the dogs journey in such a real, but beautiful way and I cannot recommend this book enough to absolutely everyone. Whether you are an animal lover, you’ve gone through your own struggles with mental health and addiction or you’re simply just curious about the Irish man who saves dogs, you’ll get to experience a difficult but wholesome story with lots of lessons to be learnt.
Niall has written about his own journey and the dogs journey in such a real, but beautiful way and I cannot recommend this book enough to absolutely everyone. Whether you are an animal lover, you’ve gone through your own struggles with mental health and addiction or you’re simply just curious about the Irish man who saves dogs, you’ll get to experience a difficult but wholesome story with lots of lessons to be learnt.
September 1, 2023
This book makes a lot more sense if you follow Niall on Instagram or YouTube so that you can see the beautiful creatures that he saves.
Naill does not see himself as an Angel, or a hero. He’s a man who has a mission and in doing so he is making reparations for his past life and his past sins. He’s a complex man of many addictions and he’s turned that determined personality away from self destruction and on to saving the street dogs of Thailand.
He does wonderful work and he is and amazing man and this book makes very clear why he is so uncomfortable with being described in positive terms.
If you go online and see how dedicated he is to the dogs, how he shows their personalities in the videos, and how his cheeky Irish lilt declares all the dogs “the best dog there ever was” then you will understand why so many love him.
I’ve followed him since the birth of the sanctuary. I was there when Mr Derek was brought in. When Hope was just a dead weight. When Marlon Brando left us all heartbroken. And when Lucky turned up again, after the book was sent for publication.
We root for the dogs. We root for Niall to overcome his demons too.
This book was a joy to revisit all the dogs again, to see how far they’ve come. There were tears reading it, I love the oldies and Mr Guieseppie’s passing got me crying all over again (it wasn’t the only place I cried…).
Niall is inspiring. And I hope that he gets all the moment he needs from this book to build Tina’s hospital.
Now I’m off to watch some more of his videos!
Naill does not see himself as an Angel, or a hero. He’s a man who has a mission and in doing so he is making reparations for his past life and his past sins. He’s a complex man of many addictions and he’s turned that determined personality away from self destruction and on to saving the street dogs of Thailand.
He does wonderful work and he is and amazing man and this book makes very clear why he is so uncomfortable with being described in positive terms.
If you go online and see how dedicated he is to the dogs, how he shows their personalities in the videos, and how his cheeky Irish lilt declares all the dogs “the best dog there ever was” then you will understand why so many love him.
I’ve followed him since the birth of the sanctuary. I was there when Mr Derek was brought in. When Hope was just a dead weight. When Marlon Brando left us all heartbroken. And when Lucky turned up again, after the book was sent for publication.
We root for the dogs. We root for Niall to overcome his demons too.
This book was a joy to revisit all the dogs again, to see how far they’ve come. There were tears reading it, I love the oldies and Mr Guieseppie’s passing got me crying all over again (it wasn’t the only place I cried…).
Niall is inspiring. And I hope that he gets all the moment he needs from this book to build Tina’s hospital.
Now I’m off to watch some more of his videos!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2024
I used to be a person who bought Labrodor Retreiver bred dogs, because well, I didn't know any better. I was a cat person until I met my ex husband, and now I'm one of those weird people who is a cat and a dog person. But you hang around my friend, Caroline long enough, that attitude changes. In fact, she's the one who bought me this book for Christmas. She's our Houston crusader on a mission to get animals sterilized in Houston, and I've even volunteered at a spay/neuter event and went to a few of her fundraiser events. She was the person I called when some asshole dumped three small dogs in a cage in the park by my house. I'm happy to say they were adopted. This all coupled with seeing lots of strays in our area makes you change your mind. My last two dogs were adopted from shelters, and I will never buy another bred dog unless it ends up in a shelter, which as this books shows, happens. Although, all of my cats throughout history, included the fluffy terrorist next to me snoring have all been picked up from the streets (or my front yard).
Now, on to the book.
I teared up a lot reading this book when you read what happens. He only focuses on dogs, which I know there probably is an issue with cats, too. But one thing at a time. I love the way he talks about his own journey, which was rough. I love that he relates dogs experiences before and after he finds them as they relate to life lessons of humans. Although, he had two dogs with similar life lessons and that they were the favorites/more like his own journey. I love how the book shows how he adapted from just feeding them to a more responsible approach of getting them sterilized. I loved that he shows the other side of the argument on why some homeowners would be upset with him feeding stray dogs by their house, and that he shows he wasn't the first person to take this project on. He acknowledges that he only got famous quicker than they did. I will say he repeats information some times, and he really needs an index with the dog names. I did get confused of which was which.
Anyways. Please read this book, especially if you are considering getting a dog (or a cat). I will say that the author talks about stray animals without shaming you for buying a bred dog; he wants you the reader to see a different option. He also shows the kindness of people, and doing great things in the world to make our planet just that much better. And thanks to Caroline for making me think differently on the stray animal issue, and buying me this book.
Now, on to the book.
I teared up a lot reading this book when you read what happens. He only focuses on dogs, which I know there probably is an issue with cats, too. But one thing at a time. I love the way he talks about his own journey, which was rough. I love that he relates dogs experiences before and after he finds them as they relate to life lessons of humans. Although, he had two dogs with similar life lessons and that they were the favorites/more like his own journey. I love how the book shows how he adapted from just feeding them to a more responsible approach of getting them sterilized. I loved that he shows the other side of the argument on why some homeowners would be upset with him feeding stray dogs by their house, and that he shows he wasn't the first person to take this project on. He acknowledges that he only got famous quicker than they did. I will say he repeats information some times, and he really needs an index with the dog names. I did get confused of which was which.
Anyways. Please read this book, especially if you are considering getting a dog (or a cat). I will say that the author talks about stray animals without shaming you for buying a bred dog; he wants you the reader to see a different option. He also shows the kindness of people, and doing great things in the world to make our planet just that much better. And thanks to Caroline for making me think differently on the stray animal issue, and buying me this book.
June 9, 2025
Books involving dog rescue are so inspirational. This one is about someone who first has to save himself from drugs and alcohol before going on a crusade to save street dogs in Thailand. And the dogs really needed saving. For those who avoid books where to dog dies in the end, he seems to not lay on the suffering too heavy, and I seem to remember only once where a dogs death covered in detail but in a way that really makes it worthwhile. Often, he writes of lessons he learned by the dogs’ examples and what a person can accomplish. The lessons he learns from dogs are ones us dog owners already know, but as for me I never get tired of hearing them. I will provide some quotes that I really enjoyed from the book.
When he was still in the midst of his addictions, he got a dog. Here is how it affected him:
‘And the uncomplicated buzz I experienced when he seemed to enjoy my attention on him lit up my soul. I felt something that I wasn’t really used to without the use of drugs or alcohol — I felt happiness.’
More thoughts on dogs from the book. Thoughts we have heard before, but I always enjoy:
‘He was like another limb, an adorable, fluffy loyal one If Snoop was with me, he’d be happy. He didn’t look for, anything or anyone else; being by my side made him w alk tall and proud. I know that sounds incredibly egotistical of me, but some dogs are just like that with their owners They're the only animals I know who love their human owners more than they even love themselves.’
Hearing of condition of dogs there, it is impossible to be unmoved.
‘I wasn’t sure how many of them even survived. It could be heartbreaking to see some of the states they were in. Ridden with fleas and worms, infected with ticks, frequently they seemed injured, hobbling. Usually by either a whack from a car, fighting with each other over scarce food, or even from snake attacks.
And yet the will to live and their spirits were amazingly unbroken, despite their tough lives. A dog might limp up to me with a horrible injury, and yet still be able to look at me, wide eyed and curious, with love and trust, and muster a tail wag somehow.’
He starts feeding them on a regular basis. We know dogs can be creatures of habit.
‘After just a couple of days of doing this I realised the dogs were waiting for me as soon as they heard the bike engine. ‘Hey little fellas,’ ’'d grin, seeing them jump up and obviously glad to see me. Their welcomes were so warm and unconditional. I realised how awful it would be if I didn’t appear the next day, if I broke the routine and they were left waiting for me. I imagined their little downcast faces, pawing at the mud. I didn’t want to let them down.’
Then comes the dream:
‘With fire in my belly that I hadn’t felt for years, I stayed up long into the night dreaming up my ludicrously ambitious aim — to help 10,000 dogs every month. If you were to ask me why I pulled out that particular target from my head, the truthful answer is, Iam not really sure. I'd love to say there was some scientific, well thought-out reason for it, but there really wasn't. It just happened to be a big number that I could understand (like 10,000 daily steps or a 10k run) and one that although seemed terrifyingly daunting at that point, I still felt might be achievable, within the realms of possibility.’
What really makes this book good is how he brings in the personality of so many dogs. He does that with naming them and in short powerful descriptions:
‘Instead, I’d started coming up with my own slightly silly ways of identifying the different packs I was feeding, like the Originals, the first pack of four dogs I met who lived at the top of the hill in the jungle. There was Mum, Dad and their two adorable puppies. All beautiful brown and black creatures with a bit of Alsatian in the mix from the look of it. Because they were so remote they were always absolutely starving. They were noble creatures, and exceptionally wary of people, but I was slowly winning them over one day at a time.
Then there was the pair | dubbed the Quiet Couple, an impeccably well-mannered husband and wife (or so I liked to imagine) duo who lived on the jungle’s edge. Inseparable from each other, they were heart-meltingly adorable, and would always want hugs and cuddles from me after their dinner.’
The moving story bit where a dog dies is about a dog named Tyson. I think people who avoid books where the dog dies miss out on a lot of great books.
‘My former life was always about being selfish, about lying to get my next drink, about making excuses for my actions, excuses for my failings. But now I was there for this soul as he passed. It felt like Tyson was absolutely reinforcing everything that I wanted to do, and I told him very clearly that I was going to do hard and incredible work in his name. Finally, I said to him, ‘People will remember you, Tyson.’’
A few more quotes:
‘When I think back to that broken dog hours from death and smelling of rotten flesh, I just can’t comprehend it’s the same dog. Her comeback and transition to where she is now is astonishing. If she can do it, so can you. ‘
‘The dogs would all come from different areas, but I remembered this one girl would always hang around on the outskirts of the pack. Never pushing herself forward. She was shy, quiet, reserved. She brought no drama to anyone. She knew her place and was grateful for anything. There are millions of dogs like her.’
Especially powerful when you put in the effort and money to save a dog that is pretty far gone”
‘I said goodnight to him, and shut the door, feeling certain he would be dead come the morning. I felt sorry that I'd never get to know him and wondered where I would need to dig his burial patch the next day.
I slept fitfully that night, and by 6 am I was wide awake and ready to face whatever state I was going to find him in. It was still dark at that time when I drove to the sanctuary. On arrival and bracing myself, I opened the door to his kennel ... and was stunned to find he was still breathing. Somehow, he’d survived the night. And then he made it through another one, and then another one. I spent four days convinced I would find him dead the next time, but he was just hanging in there, against all expectations.’
So, you cry at times while reading it end up appreciating the book and the person who is working to save all the dogs.
When he was still in the midst of his addictions, he got a dog. Here is how it affected him:
‘And the uncomplicated buzz I experienced when he seemed to enjoy my attention on him lit up my soul. I felt something that I wasn’t really used to without the use of drugs or alcohol — I felt happiness.’
More thoughts on dogs from the book. Thoughts we have heard before, but I always enjoy:
‘He was like another limb, an adorable, fluffy loyal one If Snoop was with me, he’d be happy. He didn’t look for, anything or anyone else; being by my side made him w alk tall and proud. I know that sounds incredibly egotistical of me, but some dogs are just like that with their owners They're the only animals I know who love their human owners more than they even love themselves.’
Hearing of condition of dogs there, it is impossible to be unmoved.
‘I wasn’t sure how many of them even survived. It could be heartbreaking to see some of the states they were in. Ridden with fleas and worms, infected with ticks, frequently they seemed injured, hobbling. Usually by either a whack from a car, fighting with each other over scarce food, or even from snake attacks.
And yet the will to live and their spirits were amazingly unbroken, despite their tough lives. A dog might limp up to me with a horrible injury, and yet still be able to look at me, wide eyed and curious, with love and trust, and muster a tail wag somehow.’
He starts feeding them on a regular basis. We know dogs can be creatures of habit.
‘After just a couple of days of doing this I realised the dogs were waiting for me as soon as they heard the bike engine. ‘Hey little fellas,’ ’'d grin, seeing them jump up and obviously glad to see me. Their welcomes were so warm and unconditional. I realised how awful it would be if I didn’t appear the next day, if I broke the routine and they were left waiting for me. I imagined their little downcast faces, pawing at the mud. I didn’t want to let them down.’
Then comes the dream:
‘With fire in my belly that I hadn’t felt for years, I stayed up long into the night dreaming up my ludicrously ambitious aim — to help 10,000 dogs every month. If you were to ask me why I pulled out that particular target from my head, the truthful answer is, Iam not really sure. I'd love to say there was some scientific, well thought-out reason for it, but there really wasn't. It just happened to be a big number that I could understand (like 10,000 daily steps or a 10k run) and one that although seemed terrifyingly daunting at that point, I still felt might be achievable, within the realms of possibility.’
What really makes this book good is how he brings in the personality of so many dogs. He does that with naming them and in short powerful descriptions:
‘Instead, I’d started coming up with my own slightly silly ways of identifying the different packs I was feeding, like the Originals, the first pack of four dogs I met who lived at the top of the hill in the jungle. There was Mum, Dad and their two adorable puppies. All beautiful brown and black creatures with a bit of Alsatian in the mix from the look of it. Because they were so remote they were always absolutely starving. They were noble creatures, and exceptionally wary of people, but I was slowly winning them over one day at a time.
Then there was the pair | dubbed the Quiet Couple, an impeccably well-mannered husband and wife (or so I liked to imagine) duo who lived on the jungle’s edge. Inseparable from each other, they were heart-meltingly adorable, and would always want hugs and cuddles from me after their dinner.’
The moving story bit where a dog dies is about a dog named Tyson. I think people who avoid books where the dog dies miss out on a lot of great books.
‘My former life was always about being selfish, about lying to get my next drink, about making excuses for my actions, excuses for my failings. But now I was there for this soul as he passed. It felt like Tyson was absolutely reinforcing everything that I wanted to do, and I told him very clearly that I was going to do hard and incredible work in his name. Finally, I said to him, ‘People will remember you, Tyson.’’
A few more quotes:
‘When I think back to that broken dog hours from death and smelling of rotten flesh, I just can’t comprehend it’s the same dog. Her comeback and transition to where she is now is astonishing. If she can do it, so can you. ‘
‘The dogs would all come from different areas, but I remembered this one girl would always hang around on the outskirts of the pack. Never pushing herself forward. She was shy, quiet, reserved. She brought no drama to anyone. She knew her place and was grateful for anything. There are millions of dogs like her.’
Especially powerful when you put in the effort and money to save a dog that is pretty far gone”
‘I said goodnight to him, and shut the door, feeling certain he would be dead come the morning. I felt sorry that I'd never get to know him and wondered where I would need to dig his burial patch the next day.
I slept fitfully that night, and by 6 am I was wide awake and ready to face whatever state I was going to find him in. It was still dark at that time when I drove to the sanctuary. On arrival and bracing myself, I opened the door to his kennel ... and was stunned to find he was still breathing. Somehow, he’d survived the night. And then he made it through another one, and then another one. I spent four days convinced I would find him dead the next time, but he was just hanging in there, against all expectations.’
So, you cry at times while reading it end up appreciating the book and the person who is working to save all the dogs.
May 31, 2025
Inspirational! After trauma during his teenage years, Niall relies on binge drinking to get through life. Despite being successful in business, his life spirals out of control and brings him close to death. Deciding to turn things around, he moves to Koh Samui in Thailand to help street dogs.
The dogs he rescues are in terrible condition. What he achieves is uplifting and heart warming.
In helping dogs, he finds happiness and fulfilment, learning from them to live in the moment and treasure the simple things in life.
A must read for animal lovers.
The dogs he rescues are in terrible condition. What he achieves is uplifting and heart warming.
In helping dogs, he finds happiness and fulfilment, learning from them to live in the moment and treasure the simple things in life.
A must read for animal lovers.
August 31, 2023
I have been following Niall on Instagram since pretty early on and was so excited when I saw this book at the airport (a couple of days ahead of general release in the bookstore). I DEVOURED it. Absolutely loved it. Niall has such a natural voice, and it was beautiful to hear more about his life and the dogs that we all know and love. Thanks so much Niall, loved this, and can’t wait for the day that the land is open for visitors!
July 17, 2025
Got this for xmas and decided to pick it up the other day to read something light after being gut-punched by The Devil All The Time.
Was surprised at how much I liked this. Great story about someone who was able to overcome addiction and end up putting all his energy into helping street dogs in Thailand.
As someone who is dug daft, I had to hold back the tears during a couple of chapters.
Was surprised at how much I liked this. Great story about someone who was able to overcome addiction and end up putting all his energy into helping street dogs in Thailand.
As someone who is dug daft, I had to hold back the tears during a couple of chapters.
September 5, 2023
Niall and his dogs are a beacon of hope for anyone who has ever struggled to find their purpose — sometimes that purpose is on the side of the road waiting for you to notice it instead of just mindlessly driving by. This was a simple and meaningful read (plus proceeds are donated!). These stories add so much dimension to the positivity shown on Niall’s social media. This is a unique look behind the scenes: heart-wrenching decisions, nonstop schedules, being a 24/7 point of contact for anyone with dog emergencies, sleepless nights, complicated logistics planning, boots-on-the-ground handiwork, learning and implementing on-the-go crisis medical training, and much more behind all of the happiness online. What I appreciated most was a respectful (but honest) view of the cultural nuances in Thailand re: street dogs, animal abuse, and related legislation (or lack thereof). That put the complicated nature of this dog-saving endeavor into perspective for me… I cannot imagine even getting started, much less being so productive with it!
Would LOVE a part two with stories of other locals and ex-pats currently helping Niall, or those on their own dog-saving adventures. How did they get started? What are they working on? How are they doing it? What have they improved, and what are they planning to improve? What do they need help with? What challenges persist? How do they deal with the emotional difficulties and physically demanding nature of these tasks? … would also love this as an interview podcast! So many stories to be told!
Would LOVE a part two with stories of other locals and ex-pats currently helping Niall, or those on their own dog-saving adventures. How did they get started? What are they working on? How are they doing it? What have they improved, and what are they planning to improve? What do they need help with? What challenges persist? How do they deal with the emotional difficulties and physically demanding nature of these tasks? … would also love this as an interview podcast! So many stories to be told!
March 8, 2024
I very much enjoyed reading this book. It was well written in a natural conversational style that allowed readers get closer to what led Niall to setting up the dog charity, whilst also sharing personal insights and life lessons he has learnt along the way. It’s a terrific story with amazing stories and wonderful characters who just happen to be dogs ! I must too commend Niall on how he shines a positive light on others in this book, giving them due recognition for the part they have played and deserve. All in all a good read and Niall’s honesty, resilience, passion and energy is to be admired. So many dog lives saved and improved from his incredible work. Thank you Niall.
December 2, 2023
This is such an inspiring read. Niall came back from a clearly very dark place and found his purpose helping the dogs of Koh Samui in Thailand. I loved reading about the dogs and their different personalities!
January 13, 2024
I don’t think it’s a particularly well written book but I follow Niall and love seeing the dogs so I enjoyed reading the book and getting more background and insight into his life and what goes on . You would want to have been following Nial to enjoy this
May 23, 2025
꧁Rezensionsexemplar von NetGalley.꧂
Niall Harbison hat Jahre voller Abstürze hinter sich, bis ihn die Arbeit mit Straßenhunden einen Sinn im Leben gibt.
Dieses kurze Büchlein erzählt diese Geschichte und stellt uns eine Reihe von Schützlingen vor. Hope, die Namensgeberin des Buches, trägt den Namen nicht umsonst.
Menschen wie Niall haben meinen vollen Respekt für ihre ehrenamtliche Arbeit.
Niall Harbison hat Jahre voller Abstürze hinter sich, bis ihn die Arbeit mit Straßenhunden einen Sinn im Leben gibt.
Dieses kurze Büchlein erzählt diese Geschichte und stellt uns eine Reihe von Schützlingen vor. Hope, die Namensgeberin des Buches, trägt den Namen nicht umsonst.
Menschen wie Niall haben meinen vollen Respekt für ihre ehrenamtliche Arbeit.
July 2, 2024
I have been following Niall for awhile now and really enjoy his account, so when I saw he wrote a book it was a no brainer for me to get.
I very much enjoy his journey and also how he started caring for the dogs. Though some of it was sad there were many parts that brought a smile to my face, just like his posts.
If you need a feel good read, this one is it.
I very much enjoy his journey and also how he started caring for the dogs. Though some of it was sad there were many parts that brought a smile to my face, just like his posts.
If you need a feel good read, this one is it.
September 17, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
Rescue dogs are the best!
The author tells his story of his parent's divorce when he was a child and how he turned to alcohol and drugs to bury his pain. He created a few successful businesses and luckily, one gave him great income.
When his instinct took him to Thailand and he saw all the of street dogs needing love and attention, he devoted his time, money, and energy all into at least making the street dogs' lives better.
Niall is amazing and it's so awesome to see the positive difference he makes in so many dogs' lives.
Rescue dogs are the best!
The author tells his story of his parent's divorce when he was a child and how he turned to alcohol and drugs to bury his pain. He created a few successful businesses and luckily, one gave him great income.
When his instinct took him to Thailand and he saw all the of street dogs needing love and attention, he devoted his time, money, and energy all into at least making the street dogs' lives better.
Niall is amazing and it's so awesome to see the positive difference he makes in so many dogs' lives.
May 17, 2024
Following Niall and HappyDoggo on social media inspired me to pick up this book and delve deeper into his journey of dedicating his life to helping stray dogs. The stories shared are a poignant mix of lovely, sad, and heartbreaking moments, yet they are also filled with hope. The narrative beautifully captures the emotional highs and lows of rescuing these animals. I shed a tear or two while reading, touched by the profound impact of his work. This book is a heartfelt tribute to the resilience of stray dogs and the compassion of those who care for them.
October 23, 2023
I’ve been following Niall on IG for quite some time. I loved reading the behind the scenes and learning more of his background. I don’t think everyone can do what he’s doing and with the perspective he’s doing it with. Five stars for sentimentality and perspective.
February 24, 2024
A great read, Niall is a true inspiration. Thank you Niall for doing so much great work to help our fluffy friends. The book is quite emotional at times, especially when discussing Marlon Brando and Tina :(
November 24, 2025
Hope by Niall Harbison is the story of how he came to get sober, move to Thailand and start rescuing dogs. Very life affirming, and proof that the world is mostly full of good people. Also lots of photos of cute doggos. Hugging my own former street dog even tighter after reading this.
September 18, 2025
Psi so izjemna čustvena bitja in ta res ganljiva resnična zgodba dokazuje, da nam lahko živali povsem spremenijo življenje na bolje, samo prisluhniti jim moramo.
June 19, 2025
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
September 22, 2023
I randomly stumbled upon Niall's Instagram account almost a year ago (I recommend that you do as well, @niall.harbison). Every day since then, I have followed his adventures. Sometimes, I specifically log in to Instagram or Twitter just to see what's happening in Thailand. When Niall mentioned that he was coming out with a book, I immediately purchased it (all proceeds from this book are donated to build a hospital in memory of Tina). This story really got me. I don't know that a book has ever made me cry so much. I cried so hard that my dog tried to comfort me, which made me cry harder. It was honest, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Even if you don't follow the dogs online, any dog lover could appreciate this book. If you do follow the dogs online, you will love this so much. The work that Niall does is really just incredible and I really loved listening to his book on audio. Everyone should read this!
P.S. I'm so, so happy that his publishers let him add the extra chapter in about Tina at the end. RIP, sweet baby girl.
P.S. I'm so, so happy that his publishers let him add the extra chapter in about Tina at the end. RIP, sweet baby girl.
January 21, 2025
I have never heard of Niall, Happy Doggo, or an Irish guy running a dog rescue in Koh Samui before. But I can honestly say I was deeply touched by this memoir. A friend said this was one of her favourite reads in 2024, and I can see why.
Niall Harbison has battled with depression and addiction for most of his life. After a stint in the ICU in Thailand, he vows to turn his life around and find purpose. So he began feeding stray dogs in Koh Samui. And thus began his inspiring story of redemption as he relentlessly and tirelessly tried to save street dogs.
I loved how incredibly genuine he is, and his love and concern for the dogs he has rescued shines on every page. I loved hearing the stories of some of the dogs he rescued- Scoop, McMuffin, King Whacker, and Tina, among others. I loved that each chapter was the backstory to some of these dogs who had suffered horrific abuse, but were still somehow full of joie de vivre. We humans don’t deserve dogs.
A must read for any animal lover. You have our support, Niall. Please keep going!
Niall Harbison has battled with depression and addiction for most of his life. After a stint in the ICU in Thailand, he vows to turn his life around and find purpose. So he began feeding stray dogs in Koh Samui. And thus began his inspiring story of redemption as he relentlessly and tirelessly tried to save street dogs.
I loved how incredibly genuine he is, and his love and concern for the dogs he has rescued shines on every page. I loved hearing the stories of some of the dogs he rescued- Scoop, McMuffin, King Whacker, and Tina, among others. I loved that each chapter was the backstory to some of these dogs who had suffered horrific abuse, but were still somehow full of joie de vivre. We humans don’t deserve dogs.
A must read for any animal lover. You have our support, Niall. Please keep going!
September 6, 2023
I've been following Niall on social media for a while now and had this on pre order as soon as he announced it. Whilst some of the stories he shares about the dogs are deeply sad, his sheer determination to keep going and making a difference is truly inspiring! Proceeds from this book will go to saving more dogs, amazing!
September 6, 2024
Fastest I’ve ever finished a book…Niall’s story of overcoming addiction and mental health struggles through finding a purpose and a rhythm through caring for street dogs in Thailand is heartwarming and gives a guy pause to consider is anyone ever too far gone to be redeemed and given another chance
October 1, 2023
This had me crying on the tube
Read
April 9, 2024I could not read this. So depressing what we do to animals, how we treat them. Plus still can’t get over my dog. Probably is a good book, but can’t face reading it.
February 29, 2024
Starting off by admitting I’m definitely biased since I love seeing his pupdates on twitter. An easy read about Niall’s struggle with addiction, how his life brought him to Thailand, and the many dogs he’s encountered there. I found the dogs’ stories uplifting but be warned that the book describes the awful conditions most of the dogs are in before receiving help. I was a big fan of the inclusion of color photo pages to reference the pups I was reading about. Not sure if people that don’t follow the dogs online would find this book as interesting as I did. If this book had a lot more reviews would I have rated it a bit lower… maybe, but I feel like a good four stars is deserved for helping the dogs and sharing your vulnerabilities.
May 18, 2025
I follow Niall and happy doggo on social media.
It's really lovely to hear his back story and how, after ending up in ITU due to his excess drug and alcohol use, ended up driving around Thailand on a moped, feeding street dogs and trying to do what he can to improve their health, and to arrange sterilisation of the dogs.
Just a really sweet read. Niall has suffered from alcoholism, anxiety and depression and, now that he's found his calling, he no longer drinks but tries to do what he can for his doggo friends.
Really lovely read.
It's really lovely to hear his back story and how, after ending up in ITU due to his excess drug and alcohol use, ended up driving around Thailand on a moped, feeding street dogs and trying to do what he can to improve their health, and to arrange sterilisation of the dogs.
Just a really sweet read. Niall has suffered from alcoholism, anxiety and depression and, now that he's found his calling, he no longer drinks but tries to do what he can for his doggo friends.
Really lovely read.
October 20, 2023
4.5
I'm a massive fan of Niall Harbison and have followed him on Twitter and Instagram for quite a while. His personal story is remarkable (he is unflinchingly honest and open) and the connection he has with dogs is incredible.
While on social media, he does filter/edit a portion of sadness of the lives of street dogs, the stark reality is still there. He doesn't sugarcoat it. (It may not be for the faint hearted.)
One person can and does make a difference. These dogs and his mission are such a part of my life too now (and for countless others worldwide).
I'm a massive fan of Niall Harbison and have followed him on Twitter and Instagram for quite a while. His personal story is remarkable (he is unflinchingly honest and open) and the connection he has with dogs is incredible.
While on social media, he does filter/edit a portion of sadness of the lives of street dogs, the stark reality is still there. He doesn't sugarcoat it. (It may not be for the faint hearted.)
One person can and does make a difference. These dogs and his mission are such a part of my life too now (and for countless others worldwide).
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