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Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World
It's not every day you meet a golden retriever in Thailand.
Niall met Tina, a dog shackled on a short chain and minutes from death, one day in Thailand. Her story sparked a global movement, so Niall made a to build her hospital and treat every street dog who needs help.
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 began.
This is her story.
Niall met Tina, a dog shackled on a short chain and minutes from death, one day in Thailand. Her story sparked a global movement, so Niall made a to build her hospital and treat every street dog who needs help.
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 began.
This is her story.
320 pages, Hardcover
First published May 6, 2025
394 people are currently reading
2644 people want to read
About the author
Niall Harbison
12 books65 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 219 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. 💛🐾🦮
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.
July 20, 2025
Not a professional writer but I really liked his stories.
February 14, 2026
This is not just Tina’s story but the stories of many dogs rescued by Niall in Ko Samui, Thailand. Niall overcame depression and alcoholism and devotes his life to helping street dogs.
January 5, 2026
I would give all the stars to Niall. What a selfless man. There are so many good people in this world I just wish all the good would eradicate all the evil ❤️
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!
January 1, 2026
⭐️ 3.5 - ok let me start off by saying I don’t usually read nonfiction, so that’s probably why I came into this hesitantly because I had no clue what it was going to be like. Thanks Aunt Aino for the gift lol. The message of this book and Niall’s work is amazing and I love all that he does, but unfortunately because this isn’t my favorite genre I couldn’t get into the book as much. There were also many typos and grammatical errors that need to be looked at. Otherwise I like the stories of the dogs and the hopeful message, but it was just a tad bit too long and the themes were repetitive for me. Thank you Niall for all the work you are doing though 🙏
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.
January 20, 2026
Le doy cinco estrellas con el corazón, porque, no nos engañemos, no deja de ser un libro testimonio sin demasiado valor literario. Pero sí que tiene un enorme valor emocional.
En su primer libro, Hope, el autor contaba cómo pasó de ser un alcohólico en Tailandia sin más propósito en la vida que beber hasta morir, a encontrar uno nuevo en alimentar y rescatar perros callejeros.
Uno de esos perros fue Tina, una golden retriever que cautivó a gente de todo el mundo a través de las redes sociales y que le dio una nueva dimensión a las aspiraciones del autor. Este libro cuenta su historia y cómo su paso por el mundo consiguió unir a tanta gente de todo el globo en un sentimiento común.
En su primer libro, Hope, el autor contaba cómo pasó de ser un alcohólico en Tailandia sin más propósito en la vida que beber hasta morir, a encontrar uno nuevo en alimentar y rescatar perros callejeros.
Uno de esos perros fue Tina, una golden retriever que cautivó a gente de todo el mundo a través de las redes sociales y que le dio una nueva dimensión a las aspiraciones del autor. Este libro cuenta su historia y cómo su paso por el mundo consiguió unir a tanta gente de todo el globo en un sentimiento común.
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!
December 30, 2025
Amazing book and what Niall is doing is just incredible - and he’s approaching everything he wants to achieve in such a sensible, realistic way. Even though I follow Niall and Happy Doggo on social media, reading more details in the book about the dogs’ stories still brought a tear to my eye :,) The book is very well written and it’s clear that a lot of effort was put into it. I hope it continues to generate lots of profit to enable Niall and Happy Doggo to help even more deserving dogs.
February 1, 2026
Five star, not because this is any great literary achievement, but because of all the good feels. The author numerous times throughout the book, admits that he is a very flawed individual, but after having come to terms with addiction, he has dedicated the rest of his life to making the lives of street dogs in Thailand better. It’s a really great read, and if you are a dog lover, like me an excellent read. One person really can make a difference.
March 8, 2026
Lovely uplifting book demonstrating how the passion of one human can improve the circumstances of animals in our world. I want to hug my dog a bit tighter after reading this book. Read and amplify!
Read
May 20, 2025I just love dogs.
June 11, 2025
A great addition to following Niall and @happydoggo on socials
October 7, 2025
BORINGGGGG
February 15, 2026
The author is trying to make a difference in Thailand by helping the street dogs that are injured or abused. Such a beautiful charity devoted to dogs.
January 4, 2026
What a wholesome story wow
Displaying 1 - 30 of 219 reviews