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Grieving the Loss of a Dog Rescue Founder’s Beloved Golden Retriever
Guest Contributor
In a heartfelt tribute that has resonated with dog lovers around the world, Niall Harbison, founder of the Happy Doggo rescue in Thailand, recently opened up about the profound grief he experienced after the loss of a very special Golden Retriever named Tina. His powerful message, shared on social media and featured in his New York Times best-selling memoir, Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World, has touched hearts and sparked reflections on the deep emotional bonds we share with our pets. For those seeking comfort after losing a dog, Harbison’s story offers both solace and inspiration.
Tina’s journey began in early 2023 when Harbison rescued her from the streets in a severely neglected state. Despite her frailty, Tina’s spirit shone through. Harbison not only gave her a home but also showered her with the love and care she had never known. Tragically, Tina passed away just six months later. Yet, in that short time, she left an indelible mark on Harbison’s life and the lives of many who followed her story.
In a recent Instagram video, Harbison shared intimate moments with Tina—cuddling in a hammock, playing with tennis balls, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Over these clips, he reflected on the emotional cost of love. “So it's true — when all is said and done, grief is the price we pay for love,” read the onscreen text. I found this detail striking in its simplicity and truth. It’s a sentiment that resonates deeply with anyone who has loved and lost a pet.
Harbison’s message struck a chord with his global audience. As the founder of a well-known dog rescue, he often receives messages from people seeking advice on how to cope with the loss of their pets. In response, he shared a candid admission: “I wish I had a good answer but I don’t. All I can say is enjoy every precious second you have with them.” His words highlight the fleeting nature of time with our pets and the importance of cherishing each moment.
Now, Harbison is allowing himself the space to grieve Tina properly. “I’ve kept myself as busy as I could possibly be since she left us. But now I’m starting to think about her more,” he wrote. This shift marks a turning point in his grieving process—one that many pet owners will recognize. It’s a reminder that healing often begins when we stop distracting ourselves and allow the memories to surface.
In the interview with Parade Pets, Harbison elaborated on what made Tina so unique. He described her as a “soulmate dog,” a term that will resonate with many who have experienced a once-in-a-lifetime connection with a pet. “It was just her innocence and the suffering that she had and just seeing how much she enjoyed life,” he said. Despite only a few months of comfort and joy, Tina embraced life with a spirit that inspired Harbison and his followers alike. Her “joie de vivre,” as he put it, was a lesson in resilience and gratitude.
Harbison’s reflections also include a gentle call to action for pet parents: to be present and intentional in their time with their dogs. “Take your dog for an extra walk this weekend,” he encouraged. “Go on an adventure. Give them extra treats. Cuddle them that little bit longer or just talk to them. It means the world to them.” These simple acts of love can become cherished memories, especially in light of the inevitable goodbye that all pet owners eventually face.
For those unfamiliar with Harbison’s work, he is the founder of Happy Doggo, a rescue organization based in Thailand that is dedicated to saving and rehabilitating street dogs. His mission has garnered international attention, and his social media platforms on Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok serve as both educational tools and sources of inspiration. Through these channels, Harbison shares stories of rescue, recovery, and the unbreakable bonds between humans and dogs.
His book, Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World, delves deeper into his journey with Tina and the broader mission of Happy Doggo. It’s a testament to the transformative power of compassion and the lessons we can learn from even the briefest relationships. Harbison’s openness about grief, love, and healing offers comfort to anyone navigating the loss of a pet, and his story serves as a poignant reminder of the joy dogs bring into our lives.
As Harbison continues to honor Tina’s memory through his work and advocacy, he reminds us all of the importance of presence, empathy, and love. In his words and actions, there is a universal message: while grief may be the price we pay for love, the love itself is always worth it.