Big T was abandoned and left to die sick and alone. Seeing him today will fill you with joy
This is the story of Big T, the fighting dog.
He’s still fighting, still struggling with a major illness, but not giving up.
He was found just 10 days ago by Nial Harbison [@NiallHarbison], who found him in a very bad situation.
Ten years old, barely breathing, barely living with a giant painful growth hanging on his side – it didn’t look like he would survive.
But this old soul still has one more story to tell. Hopefully, one of never giving up, never quitting, and being a warrior.
The Rescue Story of Big T “the fighting dog”
Big T had been discarded by the very people who were supposed to love him. Left sick and alone on the streets of Thailand, he was barely hanging on.
That’s when Niall Harbison—a former chef turned full-time dog rescuer—stepped in.
If you follow him online (@NiallHarbison), you know he’s spent the last few years devoting his life to street dogs that others have forgotten. But even for someone like Niall, Big T was a heartbreaking case.
When Niall found him, Big T had a massive, painful growth on his side. His ribs were showing. He could barely stay upright. And yet… he still had those big, gentle eyes.
Vets gave him a 50/50 chance at best. The surgery he needed could end his life. But Niall didn’t hesitate. He saw something in Big T worth fighting for—and so he fought.
To be honest when he first came in and kept collapsing I wasn’t sure he would make it.
The vets advised us given his age and health it was 50/50 at best. He needed an operation which could kill him (3/8) pic.twitter.com/iXPKu07ujM
— Niall Harbison (@NiallHarbison) June 13, 2025
A Battle Fought with Love
For ten days, Big T’s life hung in the balance. There were moments Niall wasn’t sure Big T would survive the night. The old boy wouldn’t eat, wouldn’t move, wouldn’t make a sound.
But he was surrounded by warmth, comfort, and more love than he’d likely ever known.
Then came the surgery. Against all odds, Big T made it through. That night, Niall gave him a steak dinner—not because it was part of any medical plan, but because Big T deserved it.
And that’s when something incredible happened.
A Soft Bark That Shattered the Silence
In the quiet evening, Big T lifted his head… and let out a little bark.
It wasn’t loud. It wasn’t dramatic. But it meant everything.
It was the first sound he’d made since his rescue. And in that tiny bark was a message louder than words: “I like it here. I feel safe.”
For Niall, who had seen this dog go from lifeless to lively, it was a moment he’ll never forget.
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He’s Still Healing—But His Spirit Is Back
Big T’s journey isn’t over. His body is still recovering. But his soul? That’s wide awake now.
He’s found comfort, connection, and peace. Every tail wag, every deep breath, every sleepy sigh—proof that sometimes, all a broken soul needs is someone to believe in them.
Thanks to Niall, Big T now has that.
Please Share Big T’s Story
There are so many more dogs like him—left behind, overlooked, running out of time.
Sharing this story helps shine a light on what real compassion looks like. It reminds people that even the most broken hearts can heal… when someone cares enough to try.
And sometimes, healing sounds like a single, quiet bark. 🐾
