Publication Date: May 6, 2025
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.
A dog’s rescue from the streets of Thailand serves as the foundation for an inspirational true story.
In Tina, author Niall Harbison tells the story of the skinny, sick dog found chained up and traces her impact not only on him but on everyone she encounters.
Her recovery, which the author compares to his own struggle of sobriety, is nothing short of a miracle. He details the early days with the Golden Retriever who stole his heart with her gentle devotion, serving as a catalyst for an opportunity to help bring education and awareness to the plight of street dogs.
Tina’s impact extends well beyond the moment she took her last breath by inspiring Niall to make her life matter. Through photos in the book, her legacy is evident with the founding of Happy Doggo.
Tina celebrates the life of a special dog who continues to inspire others to help street dogs become healthy and loved.
Niall Harbison is a street dog rescuer based in Thailand. Originally from Dublin, Niall moved to Thailand after selling his very successful marketing and PR company. He now lives in the countryside where he spends his days feeding and looking after the thousands of street dogs he comes across. His first book Hope: How Street Dogs Taught Me the Meaning of Life went on to become an international bestseller. This is his second book.
