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Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World: The Dog Who Changed the World
It's not every day you meet a golden retriever in Thailand. When Niall came across a dog shackled to a short chain and in a poor state of health, something reminded him and his personal battle with addiction. He knew he had to rescue her immediately – golden retrievers are rare in Thailand but there was just something about this one in particular that told him she was special. He just didn't know how special she was going to be. He named her Tina and what she did next is an incredible tale of survival, hope and love.
Despite her terrible treatment at the hands of humans, she refused to distrust them and only opened her heart wider. She never once felt sorry for herself and instead made the most of every single second, showing everyone who met her how to just live in the moment. She taught Niall and everyone around her, how to be in this world, however confusing and hard we may find it. And always with her unique grin on her face – yes dogs can smile – and a reassuring wag of her shaggy yellow tail.
From the very minute Tina was freed of her chains, she got on with what needed to be done – changing the world and making it a better place for all the other dogs, whether they're street dogs from Thailand, or rescue pups in Montana. The movement behind Tina has not stopped.
It's only just begun.
This is her story.
Despite her terrible treatment at the hands of humans, she refused to distrust them and only opened her heart wider. She never once felt sorry for herself and instead made the most of every single second, showing everyone who met her how to just live in the moment. She taught Niall and everyone around her, how to be in this world, however confusing and hard we may find it. And always with her unique grin on her face – yes dogs can smile – and a reassuring wag of her shaggy yellow tail.
From the very minute Tina was freed of her chains, she got on with what needed to be done – changing the world and making it a better place for all the other dogs, whether they're street dogs from Thailand, or rescue pups in Montana. The movement behind Tina has not stopped.
It's only just begun.
This is her story.
7 pages, Audible Audio
First published May 6, 2025
388 people are currently reading
2598 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 191 reviews
April 25, 2025
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing this book in exchange for an honest review.
I love Niall's first book, Hope, so I knew this was going to be good too. It didn't disappoint. He is an amazing man doing amazing things for these dogs. Tina has left a huge impact on him and has launched him forward with his wonderful idea of building a vet hospital for the street dogs.
Any dog lover will enjoy this book. I appreciate that he mentions pit bulls are big, goofy dogs if they're raised right. And I love that he promotes dog adoptions rather than buying from breeders.
I love Niall's first book, Hope, so I knew this was going to be good too. It didn't disappoint. He is an amazing man doing amazing things for these dogs. Tina has left a huge impact on him and has launched him forward with his wonderful idea of building a vet hospital for the street dogs.
Any dog lover will enjoy this book. I appreciate that he mentions pit bulls are big, goofy dogs if they're raised right. And I love that he promotes dog adoptions rather than buying from breeders.
May 13, 2025
Follow Niall Harbison here: https://www.instagram.com/niall.harbi...
And here: https://www.instagram.com/wearehappyd...
Then read his books.
You won’t regret it! If everyone cared for the innocent the way this man does, the world would be such a better place.
Tina tells the backstory of the beautiful soul who has inspired Niall to build a hospital for Dogs Who Aren’t Doing So Good. The writing is heartfelt and inspiring and sometimes heart breaking. It’s about a man who gives his all to care for the dogs who give him all of their love in return.
And here: https://www.instagram.com/wearehappyd...
Then read his books.
You won’t regret it! If everyone cared for the innocent the way this man does, the world would be such a better place.
Tina tells the backstory of the beautiful soul who has inspired Niall to build a hospital for Dogs Who Aren’t Doing So Good. The writing is heartfelt and inspiring and sometimes heart breaking. It’s about a man who gives his all to care for the dogs who give him all of their love in return.
July 10, 2025
I had already casually followed Niall’s rescue stories on Instagram, and only knew of Tina in passing. Reading this book and then pouring through the pictures on the author’s social media, as well as on the Happy Doggo charity page was so incredible. Tears were flowing basically nonstop today.
The story itself details how the Happy Doggo mission to save, heal, rehabilitate, and love street dogs started out as one person and then became a community organization. Moving from the UK to Thailand, Niall and his fur babies/friends have gained more and more international attention- leading to fundraising for the opening of Tina’s Hospital, larger and more complex dog intakes, more global initiatives and partnerships for stray animals (and societies helping them), and spreading awareness to the general public on animal welfare.
A fantastic story and I hope the day comes to fruition where we can see Niall & Tina’s dream become reality; quality of life for all strays, no more unwanted/abandoned litters, and seeing more responsible pet ownership throughout the world.
I was so moved, especially as someone who has worked with local rescues in my city, fostered countless dogs, volunteered hours and hours, and still struggles seeing suffering animals everyday. It does feel like all the work we do is a drop in the ocean, so to help turn the tide: get involved! Volunteer, foster, donate! Spay/neuter your pets! Share media (posts, books like this one, news stories) that promote animal welfare and education!
At minimum, grab a copy of this story as funds do go back to Happy Doggo (check out their website and consider donating to Tina’s Hospital too 🎾 ❤️)
The story itself details how the Happy Doggo mission to save, heal, rehabilitate, and love street dogs started out as one person and then became a community organization. Moving from the UK to Thailand, Niall and his fur babies/friends have gained more and more international attention- leading to fundraising for the opening of Tina’s Hospital, larger and more complex dog intakes, more global initiatives and partnerships for stray animals (and societies helping them), and spreading awareness to the general public on animal welfare.
A fantastic story and I hope the day comes to fruition where we can see Niall & Tina’s dream become reality; quality of life for all strays, no more unwanted/abandoned litters, and seeing more responsible pet ownership throughout the world.
I was so moved, especially as someone who has worked with local rescues in my city, fostered countless dogs, volunteered hours and hours, and still struggles seeing suffering animals everyday. It does feel like all the work we do is a drop in the ocean, so to help turn the tide: get involved! Volunteer, foster, donate! Spay/neuter your pets! Share media (posts, books like this one, news stories) that promote animal welfare and education!
At minimum, grab a copy of this story as funds do go back to Happy Doggo (check out their website and consider donating to Tina’s Hospital too 🎾 ❤️)
April 24, 2025
Sweet baby girl Tina... Such a special dog. I was first introduced to Niall's Instagram right around the time that he found Tina. I was so drawn into her story, and I've followed Nialls's adventures daily since then. I've laughed and cried (really ugly tears) watching these dogs and I'm just so attached to everything that Happy Doggo does. Reading this book was just like checking in with my friends--I care more about the dogs in this book than I do most for most people. This story is about the legacy of a very, very special dog who deserved more than our cruel world gave her and our human desire to to better. Please make sure to check out Niall's Instagram, as well as Happy Doggo (I also highly recommend setting up a small monthly donation in honor of Tina).
Many thanks to Niall, the publisher, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Many thanks to Niall, the publisher, and Netgalley for an advanced copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
May 2, 2025
This book feels just like Niall talking to you and telling his story. Very authentic and his dedication to the dogs just shines through. I hadn't read Niall's previous book and didn't know anything about his work with street dogs in Thailand before reading this, and I'm very impressed! I'm glad Tina is so honored with this book and with the new hospital that's going up. I wish huge success for Niall and all of the Happy Doggo organization!
May 17, 2025
DID I FINISH THIS BOOK OR DID THIS BOOK FINISH ME?!?
I encourage everyone to grab a copy of TINA by Niall Harbison. This is a heartfelt story of transformation, a profound one. It’s about a man whose demons were reduced to ashes by the power of love: the love of a dog, and ultimately, thousands of dogs.
Sometimes we can’t fully grasp the impact we might have on someone’s life.
Let yourself be drawn into this story. Let yourself be wrapped in love, and in everything that came to be because of that love.
I discovered Niall and Happy Doggo through Alba, whose chapter is featured in this book, and I was deeply moved by the love and impact this one dog brought to thousands of homes around the world. Alba’s life was heartbreakingly short, a result of human negligence and violence, but she still got to witness the beauty of this world thanks to what Niall has created.
And for that, I’ll be forever grateful. Through Niall’s devotion and commitment to his mission, he not only changes lives every single day, he inspires us to do the same.
Thank you so much for this book, Niall, and thank you for not giving up.
I encourage everyone to grab a copy of TINA by Niall Harbison. This is a heartfelt story of transformation, a profound one. It’s about a man whose demons were reduced to ashes by the power of love: the love of a dog, and ultimately, thousands of dogs.
Sometimes we can’t fully grasp the impact we might have on someone’s life.
Let yourself be drawn into this story. Let yourself be wrapped in love, and in everything that came to be because of that love.
I discovered Niall and Happy Doggo through Alba, whose chapter is featured in this book, and I was deeply moved by the love and impact this one dog brought to thousands of homes around the world. Alba’s life was heartbreakingly short, a result of human negligence and violence, but she still got to witness the beauty of this world thanks to what Niall has created.
And for that, I’ll be forever grateful. Through Niall’s devotion and commitment to his mission, he not only changes lives every single day, he inspires us to do the same.
Thank you so much for this book, Niall, and thank you for not giving up.
November 19, 2025
This was a wonderful true story, and I appreciated that it was narrated by the author himself, even though that is not quite his character to do so. I loved how this was told as if he was just telling his story, not so much worried about writing a masterpiece. At least that’s how I perceived his book. ☺️ Niall, and the work he does, is both powerfully inspiring and emotional. Where he is in his life, what he is achieving with the street dogs, and where he has come from is so touching. I have a definite soft spot for animals, especially dogs, so this moved me for sure. I had never heard of Harbison, or his work, so I am thankful I found this to fulfill a reading prompt. 💛🐾🦮
July 20, 2025
Not a professional writer but I really liked his stories.
May 18, 2025
How could I not give this book a 5* rating. I defy anyone reading it not to have a tear in their eye, or running down their cheek. The universe sent an angel to an island in Thailand in the name of Niall. Broken spirited and recovering from addiction he found his place and reason for life rescuing, feeding and loving abused and broken street dogs. Filled with heart wrenching and heart warming stories, this book is a must read for anyone who, like me, can’t envision life without a dog by one’s side. And the overall message from this beautiful and honest story, love conquers all.
May 10, 2025
Don’t read this on public transport!
I did. I cried. Sometimes it was happy tears, when the most deserving dogs got the most lovely endings. Some was sad tears when the most wonderful dogs had to be let go from their pain.
Niall is an amazing person. So humble about his work, keeping the focus on the dogs and all the other people who help him. He’s also so open and honest about the challenges he faces on a personal and on a mission level.
Of course the book makes more sense if you follow his Instagram or YouTube or any social media of Happy Doggo and you can see the characters of the dogs in person.
Niall gives dogs dignity and respect. I read his words and hear his Irish accent calling all the dogs “Mister” and “Mrs”.
This isn’t a work of literary genius. It’s not got a plot that will make you think for weeks afterwards. But it will make you smile and cry and you know that you are doing your part for Tina’s Hospital through buying a copy.
Can’t wait to see the hospital up and running.
I did. I cried. Sometimes it was happy tears, when the most deserving dogs got the most lovely endings. Some was sad tears when the most wonderful dogs had to be let go from their pain.
Niall is an amazing person. So humble about his work, keeping the focus on the dogs and all the other people who help him. He’s also so open and honest about the challenges he faces on a personal and on a mission level.
Of course the book makes more sense if you follow his Instagram or YouTube or any social media of Happy Doggo and you can see the characters of the dogs in person.
Niall gives dogs dignity and respect. I read his words and hear his Irish accent calling all the dogs “Mister” and “Mrs”.
This isn’t a work of literary genius. It’s not got a plot that will make you think for weeks afterwards. But it will make you smile and cry and you know that you are doing your part for Tina’s Hospital through buying a copy.
Can’t wait to see the hospital up and running.
May 26, 2025
Niall's first book was amazing, but this one, was so much more emotional for me. The first book, I knew about half the dogs, so this time, seeing all my favorites and reading their stories again, happy tears, sad tears, so many feelings. Cindy and Eve- my favorite best friends. I loved experiencing all the stories in more depth than you get in just social media posts and hearing all about the improvements they are making with Happy Doggo.
Niall, if you're reading this- today you are up to feedings 1,250 street dogs; you've funded 82,063 sterilizations; and you've re-homed 79 dogs; I hope that's a different number than someone else sees when they are reading!
I'm so happy I got a copy of this through NetGalley, but I'm ordering my copy now!
Niall, if you're reading this- today you are up to feedings 1,250 street dogs; you've funded 82,063 sterilizations; and you've re-homed 79 dogs; I hope that's a different number than someone else sees when they are reading!
I'm so happy I got a copy of this through NetGalley, but I'm ordering my copy now!
May 22, 2025
let me be clear — the mission and the work behind Happy Doggo Land is absolutely worth 5 stars!!!!!
July 29, 2025
Will always support this man and the mission he is on.
May 11, 2025
What a book!
.
I've followed Niall and Happy Doggo on Instagram for a while and I loved reading about some of the dogs and Niall's goals for them. Of course it was an emotional journey with some truly awful examples of how humanity has let these dogs down but I would urge any animal lover to read this book and follow Niall's journey for the dogs on social media too.
.
For Tina 🧡
.
I've followed Niall and Happy Doggo on Instagram for a while and I loved reading about some of the dogs and Niall's goals for them. Of course it was an emotional journey with some truly awful examples of how humanity has let these dogs down but I would urge any animal lover to read this book and follow Niall's journey for the dogs on social media too.
.
For Tina 🧡
November 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book and the work Niall is doing is fabulous - I just really wanted to hear MORE stories about the dogs and their incredible life changing moments. Inspiring.
June 15, 2025
An inspring story of a man who overcame a rough childhood and addiction to help thousands of dogs in Thailand. Niall has truly found his purpose in life and the street dogs of Thailand have benefitted from it. He is in the process of building a hospital for dogs in Thailand named after Tina, who he rescued after being shackled to a chain and became an inspiration for all his future work.
November 27, 2025
Niall narra en este libro las historias de recuperación y lucha de algunos de los perros que han pasado por Happy Doggo, y a la vez expone sus experiencias personales y particularmente su lucha contra la adicción. un libro reconfortante y sencillo en estilo y lectura que nos recuerda que, al fin y al cabo, todos somos seres vivos tratando de sobrevivir en un entorno que muchas veces nos es hostil, de una manera u otra, y que podemos encontrar consuelo en ayudarnos unos a otros. y lo más importante, el dinero recaudado con la venta del libro se destina a la importante misión de Happy Doggo!
Read
May 20, 2025I just love dogs.
June 11, 2025
A great addition to following Niall and @happydoggo on socials
October 7, 2025
BORINGGGGG
May 9, 2025
heartfelt stories about the best dogs there ever were
I loved Niall’s stories of superstar Tina, loving Snoop, Jumbo, Billy, Alba, Shaq and Buttons (who now lives with a Rock Star).
I loved Niall’s stories of superstar Tina, loving Snoop, Jumbo, Billy, Alba, Shaq and Buttons (who now lives with a Rock Star).
May 24, 2025
Absolutely loved this, one of the few people I'd class a a hero 🌟
July 6, 2025
If you love dogs you will like this book. 5 stars
December 14, 2025
Made it to page 28 before bursting into tears. Niall Harbison, the man you are.
June 10, 2025
I love the work that Niall does and the dogs. Oh the dogs. I remember the journey of Tina and crying when she passed away. Sweet Alba and her sunrises also made me teary. If you don’t follow him on social, please do. It is amazing the change that one person can make.
July 12, 2025
I follow Niall and Happy Doggo on IG. it's such an uplifting account to read their posts and learn about the dogs. I know Tina's story and everything coming in her name, but I want to support the charity, so i bought the book. Loved reading about Tina and the other dogs and Nialls journey. She was so special and touched so many of us.
May 14, 2025
This was a nice, quick read. I picked it up because I’ve followed his account rescuing dogs for a while and wanted to learn more about them.
The writing is very simple and straightforward with some grammatical errors and a misspelling of Jennifer Aniston’s last name. But I appreciated the author’s vulnerability and willingness to liken his own dark periods in life to the dogs’ and how they’ve inspired each other.
If you’re looking for something lightheaded and inspiring - and don’t mind the bittersweet - this book is for you.
The writing is very simple and straightforward with some grammatical errors and a misspelling of Jennifer Aniston’s last name. But I appreciated the author’s vulnerability and willingness to liken his own dark periods in life to the dogs’ and how they’ve inspired each other.
If you’re looking for something lightheaded and inspiring - and don’t mind the bittersweet - this book is for you.
July 19, 2025
The dog lover in me enjoyed the stories and pictures. The English teacher in me disliked the grammar and spelling mistakes.
June 21, 2025
A simple book written from the heart. Breaking free from a difficult personal life, Niall has emerged to become an inspirational and amazing advocate for street dogs in Thailand. His compassion, devotion and commitment is tireless and unwavering.
For me, the book was a very emotional read, as is Niall’s Instagram account showing the often distressing and traumatic journey of many dogs that have needed help. Tina, a beautiful soul, is honoured in this book and was the inspiration for setting up Happy Doggos and building the new hospital. But then there was Alba too, and Hank and Billy and Panda and ………
‘Change the world and make it a better place for all dogs’
For me, the book was a very emotional read, as is Niall’s Instagram account showing the often distressing and traumatic journey of many dogs that have needed help. Tina, a beautiful soul, is honoured in this book and was the inspiration for setting up Happy Doggos and building the new hospital. But then there was Alba too, and Hank and Billy and Panda and ………
‘Change the world and make it a better place for all dogs’
Displaying 1 - 30 of 191 reviews