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This touching story shows how even the smallest gesture can lead to something extraordinary. For Niall Harbison, what began as a simple act of compassion—feeding stray dogs in Thailand—turned into a journey he never expected. Though his intention was only to make life a little easier for dogs living on the streets, one special pup found a unique way to say thank you, leaving a lasting mark on his heart.
A Gentle Pup Named Snickers
Among the many dogs Niall encountered, a young Goldendoodle mix named Snickers stood out. At just four months old, she had once been part of a family with children who adored her. But as time passed and she grew, the affection she once received began to fade. She was left to roam outside alone, exposed to dangers most puppies never face.
As Niall explained to The Dodo, “The kids love the puppies for a couple of weeks, but then they are on their own to live with the dangers of traffic and everything else a dog faces in the jungle. It’s a tough life.”
Like hundreds of other strays he cared for—more than 1,000 in total—Snickers was given food and comfort. But she had a personality all her own, and soon, she started doing something none of the other dogs did: she brought him gifts.
A Flip-Flop with Meaning
The first item she delivered was unexpected—a single, worn flip-flop. “It was a woman’s size,” Niall remembered, “but it felt as if she was saying to me, ‘Here you go, you could do with a new set of shoes.’”
That small act marked the beginning of a tradition. Every day, Snickers would find something-a toy, a scrap, a shoe—and offer it to Niall as a token of her appreciation. “All she had to give was whatever she could find on the streets and her entire heart,” he wrote on X.
Unconventional Presents, Sincere Intentions
Over the next year, Snickers continued her daily ritual, bringing him everything from muddy toys to old shoes. Though her gifts were humble, they touched Niall deeply. He believed it was her way of expressing love and connection, something he’d seen in pet dogs that bring toys to their owners at the end of the day.
“I genuinely think she is trying to show kindness and possibly play,” Niall explained. “It’s her way of showing love.”
A Gift in Return
After receiving more than 100 heartfelt gifts, Niall knew it was time to return the favor. As the founder of Happy Doggo, a rescue organization in Thailand, he officially brought Snickers into the shelter, giving her a home filled with love and safety.
Snickers had survived by staying alert and cautious, so she never had the chance to play like other dogs. But that soon changed thanks to a friendly pup named Teddy, who taught her how to play fetch. “Snickers has never played fetch in her life,” Niall wrote. “As a street dog, she was too busy avoiding dangers like big trucks to ever be able to relax. It only took her about 10 minutes of Teddy teaching her to learn how to bring the ball back.”
A Box Full of Joy
To welcome her officially, Niall surprised Snickers with a box of new toys, a collar, and a cozy bandana. It was her turn to receive instead of give. That afternoon, she played joyfully before curling up in her bed, safe at last. While Snickers hasn’t yet been adopted, Niall is confident her forever home is just around the corner.
“Her gifts are always creative and from the heart,” he wrote. “She deserves her own humans to share her kind heart with.”
A Heart That Always Gave, Now Receiving Love in Return
Snickers may have grown up with little, but she gave more than most. Thanks to Niall and his commitment to Thailand’s street dogs, she now has a chance at the life she always deserved. Her story reminds us that even the smallest creatures, with the simplest gestures, can teach us what it truly means to care.
Thank you, Niall, for all the hard work you do to help dogs just like Snickers
She always offers me up some lovely footwear options.
It’s probably too simplistic but I always like to think she is thanking me with the little she has for the food and medicines and looking after her friends (3/8) pic.twitter.com/ySORcgzoRV
— Niall Harbison (@NiallHarbison) October 15, 2024
