Niall Harbison, 46, transformed his life from the brink of death to a mission of rescuing street dogs. In 2020, while hospitalized in an intensive care unit in Thailand, he made a pledge to create meaningful change after battling alcoholism and substance abuse. “If I survive, I’m gonna do something that actually makes a difference in the world,” he recalled.
After abandoning a successful career as a social media entrepreneur and private chef in Dublin, Harbison committed to helping stray dogs in Southeast Asia. His journey began with simple acts of kindness, such as feeding the street dogs of Koh Samui, where he now resides. “I feed 100 street dogs every morning before it gets hot or busy,” he explained.
Building a Nonprofit Empire
Over the past five years, Harbison’s efforts have gained remarkable traction. His short videos showcasing the feeding of street dogs went viral, attracting over 1 million followers across platforms like Instagram, X, and TikTok. This success led to the establishment of Happy Doggo, a nonprofit organization focused on reducing the global stray dog population and educating communities on responsible pet ownership.
Each day presents new challenges for Harbison and his team of 22 employees, including cooks and medics. They care for approximately 1,200 dogs daily, providing food and medical attention. “I have plans to catch up on admin, but we could get calls about dogs in need at any moment,” he shared, emphasizing the unpredictability of his work.
Harbison’s dedication often leads him to confront harsh realities. He has witnessed numerous cases of animal cruelty, including dogs injured by vehicles or intentionally harmed. “It’s very, very emotionally draining,” he admitted. Despite these challenges, he remains resolute, driven by the belief that the dogs depend on him.
Facing Local Challenges with Compassion
Harbison’s work has not been without danger. He has encountered hostility from locals, including threats from individuals wielding knives and firearms. However, he views this violence as a symptom of a broader societal issue rather than mere aggression. “These are people struggling to survive. It’s a societal problem rather than one guy with an anger-management issue,” he stated.
Instead of responding with anger, Harbison focuses on fostering understanding and community engagement. He believes that lasting change requires compassion and education. “I have to change the whole culture through kindness and community building,” he explained.
In addition to daily feeding operations, Harbison is expanding his rescue efforts. He aims to build mobile veterinary clinics to reach rural areas where stray dogs are often abandoned or harmed. “Next year is where the big growth comes,” he noted, anticipating an increase in staff to facilitate these initiatives.
To support this expansion, Harbison is preparing for the Bangkok Marathon, set for November 2023. With only a month to prepare, he is determined to raise funds for the new mobile clinics. “It’s going to be even tougher than a normal marathon — but it’s for the dogs,” he said, underscoring the personal significance of this challenge.
Harbison’s long-term vision is ambitious: to halve the world’s estimated 500 million street dogs through a framework of sterilization, education, and legislative change. “I can do a bit on the ground and raise some money, but I know that I need to get governments to change. They’re the ones who can make the real difference,” he emphasized.
Through his unwavering dedication and compassion for animals, Niall Harbison has turned his life around, channeling his experiences into a mission that not only saves dogs but also seeks to transform societal attitudes towards them.
