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knod78's review
5.0
I used to be a person who bought Labrodor Retreiver bred dogs, because well, I didn't know any better. I was a cat person until I met my ex husband, and now I'm one of those weird people who is a cat and a dog person. But you hang around my friend, Caroline long enough, that attitude changes. In fact, she's the one who bought me this book for Christmas. She's our Houston crusader on a mission to get animals sterilized in Houston, and I've even volunteered at a spay/neuter event and went to a few of her fundraiser events. She was the person I called when some asshole dumped three small dogs in a cage in the park by my house. I'm happy to say they were adopted. This all coupled with seeing lots of strays in our area makes you change your mind. My last two dogs were adopted from shelters, and I will never buy another bred dog unless it ends up in a shelter, which as this books shows, happens. Although, all of my cats throughout history, included the fluffy terrorist next to me snoring have all been picked up from the streets (or my front yard).
Now, on to the book.
I teared up a lot reading this book when you read what happens. He only focuses on dogs, which I know there probably is an issue with cats, too. But one thing at a time. I love the way he talks about his own journey, which was rough. I love that he relates dogs experiences before and after he finds them as they relate to life lessons of humans. Although, he had two dogs with similar life lessons and that they were the favorites/more like his own journey. I love how the book shows how he adapted from just feeding them to a more responsible approach of getting them sterilized. I loved that he shows the other side of the argument on why some homeowners would be upset with him feeding stray dogs by their house, and that he shows he wasn't the first person to take this project on. He acknowledges that he only got famous quicker than they did. I will say he repeats information some times, and he really needs an index with the dog names. I did get confused of which was which.
Anyways. Please read this book, especially if you are considering getting a dog (or a cat). I will say that the author talks about stray animals without shaming you for buying a bred dog; he wants you the reader to see a different option. He also shows the kindness of people, and doing great things in the world to make our planet just that much better. And thanks to Caroline for making me think differently on the stray animal issue, and buying me this book.
Now, on to the book.
I teared up a lot reading this book when you read what happens. He only focuses on dogs, which I know there probably is an issue with cats, too. But one thing at a time. I love the way he talks about his own journey, which was rough. I love that he relates dogs experiences before and after he finds them as they relate to life lessons of humans. Although, he had two dogs with similar life lessons and that they were the favorites/more like his own journey. I love how the book shows how he adapted from just feeding them to a more responsible approach of getting them sterilized. I loved that he shows the other side of the argument on why some homeowners would be upset with him feeding stray dogs by their house, and that he shows he wasn't the first person to take this project on. He acknowledges that he only got famous quicker than they did. I will say he repeats information some times, and he really needs an index with the dog names. I did get confused of which was which.
Anyways. Please read this book, especially if you are considering getting a dog (or a cat). I will say that the author talks about stray animals without shaming you for buying a bred dog; he wants you the reader to see a different option. He also shows the kindness of people, and doing great things in the world to make our planet just that much better. And thanks to Caroline for making me think differently on the stray animal issue, and buying me this book.
artbreakerbookclub's review
adventurous
challenging
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
fast-paced
5.0
aquarii9's review against another edition
emotional
inspiring
lighthearted
slow-paced
5.0
How do you rate and review someone's personal story? The answer is you can't! Especially when the core of the story is selfless acts of kindness.
Niall is so open and honest about his journey in life, I wouldn't necessary called this a biography as it isn't all about himself. He discusses his own addictions and what he considers his failures in life which ultimately ended up with him moving to Koh Samui, Thailand. Whilst in Thailand he hit rock bottom which is when he turned his life around after a long stint in hospital due to his addictions.
I have been to Thailand and can tell you first hand that there are a lot of street dogs, Niall explains how they are often pets that the locals can't afford to keep, so they end up on the streets. As most aren't spayed/neutered the problem then continues on a greater scale.
The names he gives to the dogs based off their personalities are adorable. I think we need more people like Niall looking out for the ones who can't look out for themselves when there are such cruel people in this world. He has devoted his life to saving them and providing a better life for the street dogs of Thailand, starting small using his own savings to provide food, care, shelter and covering the vet bills. It's lovely to see the awareness he has raised and in turn voluntary donations he receives all to aid this project. Niall, despite his rise to fame on social media which is all focused on the dogs, still lives a very basic life in Thailand, putting everything towards these helpless animals. As a huge dog lover I found this book very emotional, despite Niall trying to focus on the positive outcomes the heartbreaks are inevitable. Niall's genuine love for dogs shows, he has given his life to save theirs and in return they have saved his.
Niall is so open and honest about his journey in life, I wouldn't necessary called this a biography as it isn't all about himself. He discusses his own addictions and what he considers his failures in life which ultimately ended up with him moving to Koh Samui, Thailand. Whilst in Thailand he hit rock bottom which is when he turned his life around after a long stint in hospital due to his addictions.
I have been to Thailand and can tell you first hand that there are a lot of street dogs, Niall explains how they are often pets that the locals can't afford to keep, so they end up on the streets. As most aren't spayed/neutered the problem then continues on a greater scale.
The names he gives to the dogs based off their personalities are adorable. I think we need more people like Niall looking out for the ones who can't look out for themselves when there are such cruel people in this world. He has devoted his life to saving them and providing a better life for the street dogs of Thailand, starting small using his own savings to provide food, care, shelter and covering the vet bills. It's lovely to see the awareness he has raised and in turn voluntary donations he receives all to aid this project. Niall, despite his rise to fame on social media which is all focused on the dogs, still lives a very basic life in Thailand, putting everything towards these helpless animals. As a huge dog lover I found this book very emotional, despite Niall trying to focus on the positive outcomes the heartbreaks are inevitable. Niall's genuine love for dogs shows, he has given his life to save theirs and in return they have saved his.
sauvageloup's review
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
sad
fast-paced
4.5
a moving and sincere autobiography that left me feeling more at peace about life's difficulties and my ambitions to care for people and animals.
pros:
- I knew quite a bit already about the dogs and Niall's work from his Instagram, so the story of his life was the most interesting and also very heart wrenching. You can feel his past pain and struggling through the page, though he tells it quite factually.
- I was surprised by his employment and business past, mixing with the rich and being a chef and business owner, which showed how he's always been a massive go getter and extremely determined, even when dealing with his own demons. his self reflection and plainness in facing his dark side is humbling to read.
- his love of the dogs shines through and I liked reading about how he keeps his spirits up when things go wrong with the dogs. you really root for his success, as his real passion is evident.
cons:
- only slight con was a bit of repetitiveness I felt in how each section discussed the dogs, and the timeline was a little confusing at times. But otherwise, the story was clear and touching.
overall, enjoyed it and appreciated the message of hope and perseverance. definitely invested in Niall's work and appreciate him even more.
pros:
- I knew quite a bit already about the dogs and Niall's work from his Instagram, so the story of his life was the most interesting and also very heart wrenching. You can feel his past pain and struggling through the page, though he tells it quite factually.
- I was surprised by his employment and business past, mixing with the rich and being a chef and business owner, which showed how he's always been a massive go getter and extremely determined, even when dealing with his own demons. his self reflection and plainness in facing his dark side is humbling to read.
- his love of the dogs shines through and I liked reading about how he keeps his spirits up when things go wrong with the dogs. you really root for his success, as his real passion is evident.
cons:
- only slight con was a bit of repetitiveness I felt in how each section discussed the dogs, and the timeline was a little confusing at times. But otherwise, the story was clear and touching.
overall, enjoyed it and appreciated the message of hope and perseverance. definitely invested in Niall's work and appreciate him even more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Cancer, Drug abuse, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug use, and Domestic abuse
brianneklodowski's review
5.0
I randomly stumbled upon Niall's Instagram account almost a year ago (I recommend that you do as well, @niall.harbison). Every day since then, I have followed his adventures. Sometimes, I specifically log in to Instagram or Twitter just to see what's happening in Thailand. When Niall mentioned that he was coming out with a book, I immediately purchased it (all proceeds from this book are donated to build a hospital in memory of Tina). This story really got me. I don't know that a book has ever made me cry so much. I cried so hard that my dog tried to comfort me, which made me cry harder. It was honest, heartbreaking, and heartwarming. Even if you don't follow the dogs online, any dog lover could appreciate this book. If you do follow the dogs online, you will love this so much. The work that Niall does is really just incredible and I really loved listening to his book on audio. Everyone should read this!
P.S. I'm so, so happy that his publishers let him add the extra chapter in about Tina at the end. RIP, sweet baby girl.
P.S. I'm so, so happy that his publishers let him add the extra chapter in about Tina at the end. RIP, sweet baby girl.