Tina: The Dog Who Changed the World
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THE INSTANT SUNDAY TIMES AND IRISH TIMES NUMBER ONE BESTSELLER.
THE NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER.
Hope taught me the meaning of life, Tina taught me the meaning of love.
It's not everyday you meet a golden retriever in Thailand.
When Niall came across a dog shackled to a short chain and in a poor state of health something reminded him of his personal battle with addiction. He knew he had to rescue her immediately – golden retrievers are rare in Thailand – but there was just something about this dog in particular that told him she was destined for more.
He named her Tina, and what she did next is an incredible tale of survival, hope and love. Despite her terrible treatment at the hands of humans, she refused to distrust them or feel sorry for herself, and only opened her heart wider – always with a grin (yes dogs can smile) and a reassuring wag of her shaggy yellow tail.
From the minute Tina was free of her chains, she got on with what needed to be done, inspiring a dog hospital to be built and named after her and helping dogs from all over the world – whether they're street dogs from Thailand or rescue pups in Montana. The movement behind Tina has not stopped.
This is her story.
Niall Harbison's book 'Tina' was a No.1 Sunday Times bestseller w/c 2025-05-12.
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Book Details
- ISBN
- 0008725713
- Binding
- Hardcover
- Authors
- Niall Harbison
- Publisher
- Harper Element
- Published Date
- May 6, 2025
- Language
- English
- Pages
- 320
- Physical Info
- 1.3 in H x 9.3 in L x 6.3 in W (0.85 lb)

This book is phenomenal. Couldn't put it down. Niall and company does not disappoint with these inspirational tales of all the best girls and boys, folded into one of the greatest love stories of them all. Like so many others around the world, I was immediately captivated by Tina. Her comeback story, her beautiful soul, literally everything about her. The very best girl 💕
I'm a rescuer and with 15 years of full time passion and effort saving dogs, I recognized so much of what was happening in these stories. The truth is that we cannot adopt and rescue ourselves and pets out of the crisis today - spay and neuter is the only way to make a dent in it. The transparency in physical and mental health conditions combined with the power of unconditional love from dogs is what makes this a great book and an inspiration for all of us.
Love this book. Who couldn’t love this book?
Beautiful book
Picked up Niell’s posts on X. He truly is a Saint, saving countless dogs in Thailand. I have not yet had a chance to read this book … because my husband has been hogging it and he loves it. I know I will too!! Niell’s just the GOAT !!
- 5 stars: 20 (100%)
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This book is phenomenal. Couldn't put it down. Niall and company does not disappoint with these inspirational tales of all the best girls and boys, folded into one of the greatest love stories of them all. Like so many others around the world, I was immediately captivated by Tina. Her comeback story, her beautiful soul, literally everything about her. The very best girl 💕
I'm a rescuer and with 15 years of full time passion and effort saving dogs, I recognized so much of what was happening in these stories. The truth is that we cannot adopt and rescue ourselves and pets out of the crisis today - spay and neuter is the only way to make a dent in it. The transparency in physical and mental health conditions combined with the power of unconditional love from dogs is what makes this a great book and an inspiration for all of us.
Beautiful book
Love this book. Who couldn’t love this book?
Picked up Niell’s posts on X. He truly is a Saint, saving countless dogs in Thailand. I have not yet had a chance to read this book … because my husband has been hogging it and he loves it. I know I will too!! Niell’s just the GOAT !!
After reading this book, He and his staff have definitely found a place in heaven. With all the good work that he does saving animals.
Love this story about Niall's journey and his mission to save street dogs and spay and neuter in Thailand. His personal back story is very moving.
Niall is a treasure and I’m currently listening to his other book on audible! I plan to go back and re-listen to this one again after
Poignant story of dog rescue, by a beautifully flawed man. It makes you love him, all the more. I laughed and cried reading this book. I love dogs and I admire Niall. He took a broken life and turned it into purpose. Buy this book!
Niall is brutally honest about his life. But for someone who has been through so much in life, it’s heartwarming to see the way he cares for these rescued dogs. This is an easy read—sad at times—tears were flowing as I read. If you’re a dog lover get this book! It helps his cause too!
Niall's story is amazing. What an inspiring message. I have one rescued dog and a puppy from a rescued mother. They are my joys.Reading Tina has got me thinking of volunteering at a nearby shelter.Keep it up Niall!
Niall & his team are so kind, generous hearted, caring, loving & compassionate. This book has touched me deeply. I have smiled, cried & was so touched. Devoting their lives to saving these beautiful dogs is so amazing. I have been telling my friends your story & asking them to read your book. God bless each one of you. Sylvia
Great story of a very good person and his mission to care for the dogs in his part of the world. We need more like him. Read it in 3 days. Note: I am a car person but loved the book. You will too!
Oh my gosh, all the dogs that are cooked for and fed. It takes an army of volunteers. So glad you’ve found your purpose Niall. You were so incredibly honest about your addiction and hitting bottom. So glad you are healthier now and have a huge mission to add the hospital to your project.
This was an insightful book about special dogs and a wonderful person. I follow Niall on X every morning at sunrise with my cuppa tea and my rescued cats and dogs.I recommend reading this book if you love animals or are looking for answers to life's challenges. We can all benefit from learning how to find a purpose and move forward rather than the alternatives. Thank you Niall!
I follow Niall on X where he writes about all his efforts to rescue these poor street dogs. Anyone who's lost a beloved pet can understand how hard it was for him to lose Tina. But he gave her the best ending he could have in her tragic situation. Hope Niall writes more books about his rescues. There's a lot more insight about his mission in this book. Niall is one of my heroes.
What an act of pure love for those wonderful creatures that love unconditionally: dogs. But, what an act of pure grace for humans. Through laughter and tears this book shows the power of caring for living creatures. It is restorative, sweet and raw. Loved it.
I have been following Niall since almost the beginning. I just happened upon seeing a post he had shared. Since then I have cried so many tears. But I also have laughed and cheered for every pup that was saved. This book is a beautiful tale of courage,heartbreak ,and love. Tina , she broke my heart. The love and courage she showed was unmatched. To go through life like she did and still was able to forgive.. amazing. What Niall has accomplished in such a short time is truly remarkable.He gave his word to a dog who went thru hell and came out the other side kind of like he himself has full of love and forgiveness. It’s amazing what a hurt dog and a man can teach us about love ,courage and forgiveness and a promise kept.
Absolutely wonderful story about an incredible dog. I am grateful to have followed Niall on Instagram during Tina’s time. Truly a once in a lifetime special girl. This book is such an easy read/listen and I finished it in two days. Niall is an incredible writer and shares his story, living out a truly amazing life saving street dogs, while being real and honest. What a beautiful tribute to Tina.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Heartfelt Must-Read“Hope taught me the meaning of life, Tina taught me the meaning of love.” This book is a gem, capturing the incredible journey of Tina, a golden retriever rescued from cruelty in Thailand. Niall, battling addiction, sees himself in her plight and frees her from chains. Tina’s resilience and boundless love inspire a dog hospital named after her, proving second chances can change lives. Her joyful spirit, wagging tail, and doggy grin steal your heart. This concise, moving tale of survival and compassion is a powerful reminder of hope’s transformative power. Highly recommend!