A street dog who has so far only known a life of “pain” has been rescued, with his recovery and transformation planned by a UK charity keen to help eradicate the suffering of countless street dogs all over the world
A street dog who has endured nothing but “pain” throughout his life so far has been saved, with his rehabilitation and transformation now being overseen by a UK charity dedicated to tackling the “global street dog problem”. Street dogs often endure much suffering as they struggle to locate shelter and food, without access to medical attention, all while facing potential mistreatment from humans.
Established in 2021 following the “simple act” of feeding a “few hungry street dogs on Sunday mornings”, Happy Doggo charity operates from Thailand and has grown into a “global organisation, with employees, partners, and volunteers all over the world”.
One dog benefiting from their work is Tank, a crossbreed rescue who was discovered on the streets appearing dangerously malnourished, with a massive, agonising hernia protruding from his hindquarters. He was saved by the charity and his transformation has begun – though he faces a lengthy road to recovery.
A video documenting Tank’s journey so far was posted by Happy Doggo on TikTok. Across a montage of clips showing the unfortunate dog’s state, text was overlaid to provide context.
It reads: “This is Tank. He is in agony. He’s a street dog who was absolutely petrified. Pain was all he knew but Tank never gave up hope. An X-Ray revealed a hernia and an operation will be needed.
“He will need to stay with us a few weeks to build him up. It’s not going to be easy but he’s safe now and we will fix him.”
In the caption accompanying the clip, Happy Doggo wrote: “This street dog is in agony [broken heart emoji] you’re safe now, Tank.”
The footage showed Tank being bathed and cared for, seemingly recognising that his handlers were there to help him.
TikTok users flooded the comments section with their thoughts. One person reassured: “You’re in safe hands, beautiful Tank.”
Another commented: “He knows he’s safe now.”
A third praised: “A society is judged by the way it treats and cares for its animals. THANK YOU FOR CARING. WHAT WILL THE WORLD DO WITHOUT PEOPLE LIKE YOU.”
One user said: “Oh bless poor [boy] must be in agony.”
Another observed: “Poor boy, he’s in the right place and he seems very gentle considering his pain.”
Some other user sent well wishes: “Praying his surgery goes well and he knows a better life.” Another added: “So sad to see. Hope Tank will be ok.”
Happy Doggo was founded by Niall Harbison who, after “recovering from a near-death experience” and eager to get his life “back on track”, started jogging around Koh Samui, Thailand.
It was during these runs that he noticed the many “malnourished dogs” and felt compelled to help them.
According to Happy Doggo’s website: “In 2023, Niall travelled to Europe, The US, and Dubai, organising walks where dog lovers could meet up, chat, and talk about their collective goals to help street dogs.
“Niall secured a piece of land and set about making a sanctuary for dogs to recuperate, taking in only the most sick and vulnerable dogs.
“Today, Happy Doggo Land has capacity for 15 dogs, an on-site kitchen that prepares food for over 1,000 dogs a day, and a field clinic for Happy Doggo residents and visiting street dogs.
“In 2025, we will also begin construction on a state of the art hospital to treat an even wider range of injuries and illnesses.”