Clearly you will need local cooperation and particularly local leaders on this who will spearhead the mission of persuading people. Hard to be the foreign guy telling everyone they’re doing it wrong.
This, like the sterilisation programme, is treating the issue at its source. In the UK there is an organisation called Wild Justice who work to change legislation and progress prosecutions related to wildlife crime. Could be some value in talking to them about approaching this new challenge perhaps?
Behind you 100% and if I can help with more information or support, please just let me know.
Yes yes! Education and thinking how to change behaviour is key. Side step: I’m currently involved in trying to change UK government policy in Wales re oral health ( access to dentists) for refugees and asylum seekers. They reckon this is high on their health worries. So we are also building a campaign to educate about oral hygiene and diet. As a music therapist I’m hoping to add music-based messages into animations and composing songs. Could animation and song/music be a way through here too?
Wow, a music therapist! I trained to be a music therapist back in 1980 and got my license in 1983. But here in the states funding for arts therapies was drying up and I never got to work in my field. Later I got licensed as a psychologist.
Music and performing arts are critical for social messaging, especially now with social media. Songs, art, theater, etc. are all ways of getting the message across in a captivating way without hitting people over the head with it or shaming. Keep going! And Niall, if you do read this please do look to engage local performers and artists as a way to get the message across.
It surprises me that in a country where the majority religion is Buddhist that there can be the cruelty to other beings that you see in your work at Happy Doggo.
And yes, local leaders working with Happy Doggo to enforce the cruelty laws that exist and to also campaign for caring for animal companions and spaying and neutering will be a major step.
Happy Doggo’s programming for children also seems like a great component: creating in childhood the knowledge of how to care for and understand the bonds between animals and humans can bring that understanding to their families and friends and is something that will grow with them throughout their lives.
Niall, you clearly outlined the bigger picture. Education, local cooperation and enforcement are key. Your ideas are sound. And with huge numbers of us around the world joining this mission, there will be global change! I loved seeing children being taught and schools exposed to this. Could local small community watch groups form? They could raise awareness and help dogs needing to be rescued get help from Happy Doggo. They could give input on what they feel is most effective. The small local groups could gather and meet periodically with Happy Doggo. IG, Facebook, YouTube can play a big role. You all are doing an incredible job!! Step by step!
I fully support you in this new initiative! It’s true that if we can change the way humans treat and think about animal welfare, there will be less and less of such cases of abuse and neglect. This will be the hardest part of your mission yet but I and am sure others will fully stand behind you on this. Do let us know what else we can do to help apart from donating. As always, thank you Niall.
My heart is singing!!! I have been talking about this for sooo long and I am working on a project with Soi Dog Foundation, which I hope will also highlight the need for prosecutions!! These abusers should not be allowed to get away with it and Niall you are certainly the man who will make a difference! Prosecution is expensive but I'm sure we, your followers, will donate to help you move this forward and bring successful prosecutions. Thank you a million times!! :-)))
Yes, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has thought about how you can change people, the cruelty and neglect is really hard to bear. If only everyone could be like the man who showed you McMuffin. It won't be easy as you're aware, clearly you've considered this carefully, you're right about having locals do the educating and enforcing. Please don't be seen to be involved in those areas, as you've said, saving face is a huge cultural thing in Thailand so you must be kept safe, you've seen how some people treat dogs, nail guns, slashing, stabbing, gosh, even a pick axe. Good luck and prayers to you, I already subscribe and have bought your books. I'd love to do more.
Yes I agree about not being forward facing. You are tackling a lot- my advise is to keep your eye on your original vision and encourage others to take up the banner of policing.
Niall, I can hear the pain and trauma in your post. Your anger and determination completely justified. And you’re right, if there are no consequences for people, people don’t change. That said - I highly recommend connecting to an established organization in Thailand that has the skillset to focus on this endeavor. The rescue/sanctuary should be kept as separate as possible, as to help maintain safety and the proactive work you’re all doing. If people see the rescuers/educators also as the law enforcers, there could be even more violence toward you, your team, and the dogs (in and out of your care). But this mission is vital. I know you’ll do all you can to bring these people to justice. Dog speed ❤️
You are right Niall and it will take time. I believe starting with the children and educating them at school will really help. They will then teach their parents and let them know that cruelty has consequences. Keep fighting❤️
Unfortunately Niall some people are born cruel and have no empathy for animals, also I think children are raised to follow there parents ways, all animal lovers find it unbelievable what you and your team do that follow you, please look after yourself best you can, I do donate each month, wish I could give more, but I know every penny helps for medicines, just remember all the dogs love you all,
You keep doing things that need doing ... you are a complete mensch! It's because of you, people like you, supporters like us in your huge world family, that more dogs are having a chance to live better lives. By any measure your efforts are an incredible success, but you never stop. You're definitely one of my "12 people you'd invite to dinner". When you are feeling frustrated, down or tired ... there are millions of us out here that would unconditionally give you a massive hug.
It's definitely a case of changing hearts and minds. I donate to various charities, mainly canine ones, I've always thought that there are so many voluntary organisations doing brilliant work, that it would be great if they were all connected in some way, just wish I could suggest a way of doing this.
Also think getting celebrities who love animals - Ricky Gervaise, Tom Hardy, Keanu Reeves, Peter Egan would probably be prepared to get more involved if asked - not just financially but just by banging a very loud drum.
Particularly relevenat at this time whilst that disgusting festival is goin g on once again in China
Changing peoples minds, hearts and attitudes is difficult enough but doing it in another country, through a different language is definitely a huge challenge but there’s no better man for taking on a challenge 💪🥰 I’ve no doubt with informed advice and the support of key Thai staff members you can have an impact and make changes. You also have an army of followers ready to take action, all you have to do is say the word and we’ll answer your call 😁
I know you’ve visited a school in the past with Rusty if I remember rightly. Education is key but maybe having workshops in the local villages and/or migrant camps showing the success stories, the transformation in abused dogs lives, telling the people about the free services you provide, including the hospital and explaining the consequences of harming an animal. There is no better man for changing hearts and minds. Dream big Niall, we are still with you all the way 💚🤍🧡
Clearly you will need local cooperation and particularly local leaders on this who will spearhead the mission of persuading people. Hard to be the foreign guy telling everyone they’re doing it wrong.
Totally. Maybe with the cooperation of the Embassy? they have more access to the top line of politicians.
Excellent idea.
This, like the sterilisation programme, is treating the issue at its source. In the UK there is an organisation called Wild Justice who work to change legislation and progress prosecutions related to wildlife crime. Could be some value in talking to them about approaching this new challenge perhaps?
Behind you 100% and if I can help with more information or support, please just let me know.
Yes yes! Education and thinking how to change behaviour is key. Side step: I’m currently involved in trying to change UK government policy in Wales re oral health ( access to dentists) for refugees and asylum seekers. They reckon this is high on their health worries. So we are also building a campaign to educate about oral hygiene and diet. As a music therapist I’m hoping to add music-based messages into animations and composing songs. Could animation and song/music be a way through here too?
Wow, a music therapist! I trained to be a music therapist back in 1980 and got my license in 1983. But here in the states funding for arts therapies was drying up and I never got to work in my field. Later I got licensed as a psychologist.
Music and performing arts are critical for social messaging, especially now with social media. Songs, art, theater, etc. are all ways of getting the message across in a captivating way without hitting people over the head with it or shaming. Keep going! And Niall, if you do read this please do look to engage local performers and artists as a way to get the message across.
It surprises me that in a country where the majority religion is Buddhist that there can be the cruelty to other beings that you see in your work at Happy Doggo.
And yes, local leaders working with Happy Doggo to enforce the cruelty laws that exist and to also campaign for caring for animal companions and spaying and neutering will be a major step.
Happy Doggo’s programming for children also seems like a great component: creating in childhood the knowledge of how to care for and understand the bonds between animals and humans can bring that understanding to their families and friends and is something that will grow with them throughout their lives.
Niall, you clearly outlined the bigger picture. Education, local cooperation and enforcement are key. Your ideas are sound. And with huge numbers of us around the world joining this mission, there will be global change! I loved seeing children being taught and schools exposed to this. Could local small community watch groups form? They could raise awareness and help dogs needing to be rescued get help from Happy Doggo. They could give input on what they feel is most effective. The small local groups could gather and meet periodically with Happy Doggo. IG, Facebook, YouTube can play a big role. You all are doing an incredible job!! Step by step!
I fully support you in this new initiative! It’s true that if we can change the way humans treat and think about animal welfare, there will be less and less of such cases of abuse and neglect. This will be the hardest part of your mission yet but I and am sure others will fully stand behind you on this. Do let us know what else we can do to help apart from donating. As always, thank you Niall.
My heart is singing!!! I have been talking about this for sooo long and I am working on a project with Soi Dog Foundation, which I hope will also highlight the need for prosecutions!! These abusers should not be allowed to get away with it and Niall you are certainly the man who will make a difference! Prosecution is expensive but I'm sure we, your followers, will donate to help you move this forward and bring successful prosecutions. Thank you a million times!! :-)))
Yes, I'm sure I'm not the only one who has thought about how you can change people, the cruelty and neglect is really hard to bear. If only everyone could be like the man who showed you McMuffin. It won't be easy as you're aware, clearly you've considered this carefully, you're right about having locals do the educating and enforcing. Please don't be seen to be involved in those areas, as you've said, saving face is a huge cultural thing in Thailand so you must be kept safe, you've seen how some people treat dogs, nail guns, slashing, stabbing, gosh, even a pick axe. Good luck and prayers to you, I already subscribe and have bought your books. I'd love to do more.
Yes I agree about not being forward facing. You are tackling a lot- my advise is to keep your eye on your original vision and encourage others to take up the banner of policing.
Niall, I can hear the pain and trauma in your post. Your anger and determination completely justified. And you’re right, if there are no consequences for people, people don’t change. That said - I highly recommend connecting to an established organization in Thailand that has the skillset to focus on this endeavor. The rescue/sanctuary should be kept as separate as possible, as to help maintain safety and the proactive work you’re all doing. If people see the rescuers/educators also as the law enforcers, there could be even more violence toward you, your team, and the dogs (in and out of your care). But this mission is vital. I know you’ll do all you can to bring these people to justice. Dog speed ❤️
This, unfortunately, is very wise advice.
You are right Niall and it will take time. I believe starting with the children and educating them at school will really help. They will then teach their parents and let them know that cruelty has consequences. Keep fighting❤️
Unfortunately Niall some people are born cruel and have no empathy for animals, also I think children are raised to follow there parents ways, all animal lovers find it unbelievable what you and your team do that follow you, please look after yourself best you can, I do donate each month, wish I could give more, but I know every penny helps for medicines, just remember all the dogs love you all,
Regards Karen Harvey.
You keep doing things that need doing ... you are a complete mensch! It's because of you, people like you, supporters like us in your huge world family, that more dogs are having a chance to live better lives. By any measure your efforts are an incredible success, but you never stop. You're definitely one of my "12 people you'd invite to dinner". When you are feeling frustrated, down or tired ... there are millions of us out here that would unconditionally give you a massive hug.
Yes! We need this in Antigua too. They still have illegal dogfighting.
100%!
You can not always be the nice guys and defend the people who neglect, kill and abuse those dogs.
You often say it is a different culture but for me this is hard to accept and I don‘t think it only is that.
Being a decent human has nothing to do with culture.
Asking for help or talking beforehand is the key.
And you are all over there, you are out there, people know happy doggo.. you even now have a thai team, so being bad to animals doesn‘t make sense.
I hope the people are willing to learn and to talk if they have a problem.
Giving Anthony hopkins a tablet or so can‘t be that difficult, rather than letting him suffer again.
If they wan‘t less street dogs, they need to work with you and not just poisoning one after another, that doesn‘t help the problem.
Thank you Niall, you are so fabulous and also your team!
You really do a fantastic job!
I adore you
Well said once again Niall.
It's definitely a case of changing hearts and minds. I donate to various charities, mainly canine ones, I've always thought that there are so many voluntary organisations doing brilliant work, that it would be great if they were all connected in some way, just wish I could suggest a way of doing this.
Also think getting celebrities who love animals - Ricky Gervaise, Tom Hardy, Keanu Reeves, Peter Egan would probably be prepared to get more involved if asked - not just financially but just by banging a very loud drum.
Particularly relevenat at this time whilst that disgusting festival is goin g on once again in China
Big Love
Here you are saying what many of us are thinking. All power to you and your wonderful team, Niall.
Changing peoples minds, hearts and attitudes is difficult enough but doing it in another country, through a different language is definitely a huge challenge but there’s no better man for taking on a challenge 💪🥰 I’ve no doubt with informed advice and the support of key Thai staff members you can have an impact and make changes. You also have an army of followers ready to take action, all you have to do is say the word and we’ll answer your call 😁
I know you’ve visited a school in the past with Rusty if I remember rightly. Education is key but maybe having workshops in the local villages and/or migrant camps showing the success stories, the transformation in abused dogs lives, telling the people about the free services you provide, including the hospital and explaining the consequences of harming an animal. There is no better man for changing hearts and minds. Dream big Niall, we are still with you all the way 💚🤍🧡