A street dog in Thailand, found three months ago with "horrible stomach injuries," has made a full recovery, as announced by Niall Harbison, founder of the animal welfare organization Happy Doggo. The dog's journey from a "broken" state to complete health underscores the critical medical interventions provided by groups dedicated to aiding Thailand's extensive street dog population.
Harbison, known for his extensive work in rescuing and rehabilitating stray canines in Thailand, shared the dog's remarkable turnaround on social media. "3 months ago I got a message about a street dog with horrible stomach injuries. When we finally caught her she was utterly broken. I can finally say she has fully recovered. Amazing to see…," he stated in the tweet, accompanied by a thread detailing the rescue and recovery.
Happy Doggo, a global non-profit, provides extensive care for street dogs, ranging from daily feeding programs that reach over 800 dogs to large-scale sterilization efforts, having funded the sterilization of over 80,000 dogs since 2022. The organization frequently encounters animals suffering from severe conditions, including those hit by vehicles, abused, or afflicted by common ailments like malnourishment, skin diseases, and parasitic infections prevalent among Thailand's estimated one million stray dogs.
The successful rehabilitation of dogs with critical injuries, such as the one highlighted by Harbison, often requires intensive veterinary care. Happy Doggo is actively expanding its medical infrastructure, including the development of "Tina's Hospital," a dedicated veterinary center designed to provide advanced medical facilities, including operating theaters, diagnostic tools, and intensive care units for the most vulnerable street dogs. This initiative aims to enhance their capacity to treat complex cases.
Harbison's personal journey, which led him to establish Happy Doggo after overcoming his own challenges, began with feeding stray dogs on Koh Samui. His efforts have since grown into a significant movement, inspiring global support and partnership with other prominent organizations like the Soi Dog Foundation to tackle the widespread issue of stray animal welfare through comprehensive rescue, treatment, and population control programs.