122 Comments
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leslyefeb's avatar

I am a monthly supporter and just donated a bit more for Mangosteen because I believe in your work, character and integrity. There is no magic potion to harden your heart to the losses. Maybe you wouldn't have found this work if there was. By your count, you have rehomed fifty dogs and more to come. You have sterilized thousands. You are learning to manage your panic attacks, even though they are gutting. Many of the locals are on your side, recognizing what you're trying to do. I have no advice for you Niall, only a hope for really good long renewing sleep and more successes. Maybe sometimes we just have to accept, maybe that's the way to peace?

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Raphaela Dodd's avatar

What a wonderful post.....🥰

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Alina's avatar

What a great post

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Anne Hickey's avatar

Remember Niall that you can’t help anyone unless you have your own health. Giving yourself time to rest means every dog benefits. ❤️

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Louise Cowley's avatar

Tempted to not write a comment as hopefully you're sleeping and not reading these. But if you are, I just want to say that you're 100% correct - just like having kids! I feel for you and all those doggos.

But know this, you may feel helpless, but you're so NOT, you have helped them in so so many ways! Even if it's just being there in their darkest hours. You bring them hope, life and happiness. Always. You're quite simply amazing!

Now, get some sleep!!!

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KFBJ 🐧🐯🐵🐶's avatar

I have a 6 yr old human son and an 8yr old dog. The dog is tougher in lots of ways but both are so rewarding. They both have their needs and you’re always trying to do your best for them but at least children can articulate their feelings when they reach a certain age! And I’m in Ireland 🇮🇪 where it’s super safe. I can only imagine the challenges in Thailand

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Patricia Tsouros's avatar

These updates are equally essential for us to read and certainly put moans and groans in perspective. Keep going, Niall. Where would all the dogs and their futures be without you?

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Christine Barraclough's avatar

I hope you feel loved by all of us supporters because you are loved by us as well as the doggies!

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Betsy's avatar

And that could not be more true! 🐶❤️

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Lynda G.'s avatar

If you weren’t emotionally attached you wouldn’t be the person you are, doing the hard stuff and getting others around the world to do their part. Go get a fried chicken and coke, watch something silly and get some rest. Tomorrow will be better ❤️

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Bee's avatar

All warriors need rest. I hope you found a peaceful nights rest. Big hugs

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Julie Pickford's avatar

I am so looking forward to Tina’s hospital being up and running. You will not only be able to fix your dogs on site (no more 12hr trips) but you will be offering a vet service in the community. Keep buggering on Niall. The future is just wonderful. 🤩

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Margy's avatar

Take Care Niall. Hopefully tomorrow will be a day filled with wins.

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Lauren Ward's avatar

You are amazing.

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Fiona Gormley's avatar

Brilliant synopsis as usual Niall. Outstanding work despite the daily challenges. Feel traumatised just reading about some of those horrendous scenarios. Can only imagine what you must feel. Appreciate your total honesty, ingenuity and absolute dedication to the street dogs.

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Alexandra Waymark's avatar

Lovely post 👏🏻 Niall really is incredible isn’t he 🙏

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Fiona Gormley's avatar

He certainly is. One in a million!!

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Betsy's avatar

I totally agree! You could not have said it better, Fiona! ❤️

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Fiona Gormley's avatar

Thanks Betsy!

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Sandy Mitchell's avatar

Thank you for all you do for the dogs Niall, even at the great cost to you personally , take care of yourself though, they need you x

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Bonnie Marquez's avatar

I want to say to you that what you are doing is absolutely pure act of love. Not only for the few sick animals that come to you. But to all the dogs homeless or not . I am an avid animal lover. I can only imagine how hard it was to see your dog that was shot. and even though all the help he will get from a hospitol so far away. You will give him the sense of healing just by your unconditional love for him. I had to say goodbye to my longtime BFF Scout in 2022 at the age of 14.5 years old. His heart slowly started to let go after 4 years of having a heart murmor. My daughter had been taking care of him while we were out of state at my sister in laws house where she was very sick. We were gone for 5 days and my daughter kept me updated on Scout's progress. He was completely arthritic and his knees were no longer able to let him comfortably walk up stairs and had to be carried. He was 72 pounds and we lived on the third floor. She could see that he was just holding on for us to come home. I had hoped we made it back in time. We came home at 2am that morning of October 13 to find him sleeping on his bed next to my side of the bed. He opend his eyes and tried to getting up to greet us so happy with our other dog. I got lots of kisses . We went to bed that night and awoke at 630am to Scout wheezing and couldn't breath right and I could feel the fluid in his lungs gurguling. We had our son say his goodbyes. His first and only BFF for 11 years. My heart sank in my chest. and I was shaking my husband gently lifted Scout up and carried him to the car. We took him to the Vet. and knew was was awaiting us. The gentle way to end his suffering was to put him to sleep. Scout was a rescue from Fayetteville, NC. My husband gave him to me as a Mother's Day present in 2011. Scout became my shadow, my travel companion my guard dog. my hearing dog. we trained him to help me , due to my hearing impairment. Scout just loved us all. He loved to travel and we always took him whereever we went. The last hours we spent telling him how much we loved him, and how much we will miss him. We thanked him for coming into our lives and filled it up and made it perfect. As we held him with our arms around him it was time for his final breath. My heart and soul just died that day. Now we had only one rescue, Miss Ellie Mae who was 2 years old. Scout somehow showed her what she needed to be for me. I have never had a dog like Scout. He was my child , he was a member of our family. We miss him everyday. Miss Ellie Mae is now 5 going on 6 years old . our lives are filled, but there is an emptiness that never goes away. Bless you for doind what you do. It means the world to people like me who rescue dogs. Love and Light xx Mama B

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Avril Hunter's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing in detail what your typical day looks like. "The Good, the Bad and the Ugly," sounds spot on. What a roller coaster. I'm grateful that there are brave souls like you who are willing to take the ride day after day and do what you do for the sweet, innocent and so very deserving souls that you try desperately to help and do help. I admire your courage and dedication and will continue to support the love and selflessness that you demonstrate day after day. Love to you, the pups and everyone who cares and understands the importance of love and caring.❤️ AJH - Austin, TX

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Angela Smith's avatar

You have so much to deal with on an emotional level. Niall, it would take its toll on anybody, so please allow yourself the time and space to meditate and relax when your body tells you to. You are so precious to so many people around the world and I imagine it terrifies most of us that you’ll get too overwhelmed with it and pack it all in for an easier life ❤️❤️❤️ Thank you for persevering even when you have to deal with so much sadness on a daily basis

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Sue's avatar

Thank you as ever. Hope you do manage to find the sleep and restoration you need. Take care

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