In 2020, Niall Harbison faced a life-altering moment in an intensive care unit in Thailand after battling severe alcoholism. Alone and desperate, he made a commitment to transform his life. “I just said … I’ve got to do something meaningful in my life,” he recounted. At that time, he was 41, feeling miserable, and had abandoned a successful career in Dublin as a social media entrepreneur and private chef. Now, at 46, Harbison has dedicated himself to rescuing street dogs and has turned his life around in the process.
Harbison’s journey began with a simple pledge: if he survived, he would make a difference in the world. With a lifelong love for dogs, he started by feeding the street dogs of Koh Samui. Five years later, his mission has evolved dramatically. His short videos showing acts of compassion towards these animals have gone viral, garnering him over 1 million followers across various social media platforms, including Instagram, X, and TikTok. Harbison is now the founder of Happy Doggo, a nonprofit organization aimed at reducing the global stray dog population while educating communities on how to care for them.
Daily Life of a Dog Rescuer
Each morning, Harbison sets out before sunrise on his moped to feed around 100 street dogs across the island. “I do that at 7 a.m. before it gets hot or busy,” he explained. Yet, every day presents new challenges. Harbison noted that unforeseen circumstances can arise, such as dogs being injured or abandoned. “A dog could have been hit by a car, six puppies could be dumped by the side of the road,” he said, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of his work.
The emotional toll of his mission is significant. Harbison has openly discussed his struggles with depression, particularly after witnessing the suffering of the dogs he rescues. “It’s very, very emotionally draining,” he admitted. Some of his rescues have been victims of violence, including dogs that have been stabbed or shot. “There are times where I can’t cope with it, and I have to just lay down in a dark room for an hour,” he shared.
Despite the challenges, Harbison remains determined. “The only thing that keeps me going is the dogs. They’ve got nobody to count on,” he stated, highlighting the responsibility he feels towards these vulnerable animals. His resolve has been tested on numerous occasions when confronted by locals during his feeding rounds. Once, he was approached by a man wielding a knife, and another time by someone who appeared to have a firearm.
Building a Sustainable Rescue Operation
Harbison emphasizes that the issues surrounding stray dogs are rooted in cultural practices rather than individual malice. “It’s a societal problem,” he explained, citing the challenges faced by local farmers when dogs threaten their livestock. Instead of responding with anger, Harbison advocates for kindness, community building, and education as means to foster change.
Today, Harbison oversees a comprehensive rescue operation with a dedicated team of 22 employees, including cooks, medics, and field staff. Together, they care for approximately 1,200 dogs every day. “We have a hospital now, and we are trying to build a mobile clinic,” he mentioned, underscoring his commitment to expanding the nonprofit’s reach.
Harbison’s future plans include launching a sterilization campaign to address the growing stray dog population. He aims to increase his team size to 40 or 50 staff members as they prepare to develop mobile clinics that can reach rural communities, where stray dogs often face abandonment or violence.
To support this ambitious expansion, Harbison has taken on a personal challenge: training for the upcoming Bangkok Marathon with just a month to prepare. “We need to raise this money,” he said, recalling how the idea emerged during a meeting about funding. Initially, he intended to train for six months, but time constraints led him to accept the challenge on a shortened timeline.
The marathon aims to raise funds for mobile veterinary clinics equipped to assist stray dogs in rural areas. “It’s going to be even tougher than a normal marathon — but it’s for the dogs,” Harbison stated, emphasizing the importance of this cause to him personally.
Harbison’s mission extends beyond immediate rescues; he envisions a future where the global stray dog population is halved. He relies on three key pillars to achieve this goal: sterilization, education, and legislation. “I need to get governments to change. They’re the ones who can make the real difference,” he affirmed, highlighting the importance of systemic change.
Through his resilience and dedication, Niall Harbison continues to forge a path for himself and countless dogs in need, driven by a purpose that emerged from his darkest moments.
