A street dog who’s so far only lived a life of “pain” has been rescued, with his recovery and transformation planned by a UK charity working to help “fix the global street dog problem”. Street dogs can often suffer greatly throughout their lives as they struggle to find shelter and food, they lack access to medical care, and can be at risk of abuse from humans.
Founded in 2021 from a “simple act” of feeding a “few hungry street dogs on Sunday mornings”, Happy Doggo charity is based in Thailand and has since expanded to a “global organisation, with employees, partners, and volunteers all over the world”.
One dog benefiting from this is Tank, a mixed breed rescue dog who was found on the streets looking dangerously underweight, with a large, painful hernia dominating his rear end. He was rescued by the charity and his transformation is underway – but he still has a long way to go.
A video highlighting Tank’s story so far was shared by Happy Doggo on TikTok. Over a compilation of footage showing the poor dog’s condition, text was added to offer insight.
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 added: “This street dog is in agony [broken heart emoji] you’re safe now, Tank. »
In the footage, Tank was bathed and well cared for and it appeared as though he recognised and understood his handlers were helping him.
In the comments section, fellow TikTok users shared their thoughts. One person said: “You’re in safe hands, beautiful Tank. »
Another said: “He knows he’s safe now. »
A third commented: “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. »
Someone else shared: “Oh bless poor [boy] must be in agony. »
Another said: “Poor boy, he’s in the right place and he seems very gentle considering his pain. »
And a user said: “Praying his surgery goes well and he knows a better life. »
Someone else 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 keen to get his life “back on track”, started jogging around Koh Samui, Thailand.
This was when he noticed the many “malnourished dogs” and became determined to help them.
Happy Doggo’s website states: “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.”
