For years, Happy Doggo — a Thailand-based animal charity dedicated to giving stray dogs second chances — has come to the rescue of countless pups, each with a dreadful backstory. But a few of these rescues proved to be as challenging as that of Billy, a senior pup found roaming the streets in the most gut-wrenching state. (watch tiktok below)

Billy had been heartlessly beaten and abandoned, possibly by his previous owners. He was blind, had deep cuts on his face, and suffered from a host of health issues.

When the Happy Doggo team — led by the organization’s founder, Niall Harbison — found Billy, it was instantly obvious that the extent of his suffering and miserable existence was more than what most pups experience in their lifetime. Nonetheless, they were determined to turn his life around. What they weren’t prepared for, though, was how difficult this mission would be.

The first step that the Happy Doggo rescue team took was to ensure Billy underwent a thorough medical examination. Unfortunately, the vet’s findings were a heavy blow to his rescuers. Billy was 90% blind, had brain swelling, suffered from severe PTSD, had heartworm, and was afflicted with numerous blood issues.

@happydoggoniall It’s as if every word of this song was written for little Billy. It’s been 9 months now since he came in a broken and sorry mess… 🪱 Heart worms Badly slashed 🧠 Swollen Brain Severe PTSD 🩸 Lots of blood issues Over 90% blind In the early days we had to pass him around and hold him to try and calm him down. There were points where Niall thought about having taken too much on. There were many times he thought Billy might be unfixable. There was so much patience needed. Billy got a lot of lucky breaks including great care at a hospital over 800km away which he visited 3 times. He also had his eyesight surgery fully funded by a kind person online. It tools literally months for him to come back to normal but Billy did. His biggest break though was his new parents Bronwynn and Bruce. Not many people wanted a 8-10 year old dog who had so many recent illnesses but they opened up their hearts and home to Billy even coming over to meet him and put him at ease before the trip. Billy always had his little suitcase with him for trips but he can now finally retire that. He won’t be needing it again as he is finally home where he belongs. A 9 month journey for this little distinguished gentleman who can now retire with love and comfort around him. Nobody deserves it more. I think Billy shows us that no matter how down we are or how dark things might seem there is always a way back. For little Thai street dogs but also for us humans. ️ #dog #rescuedog #dogsoftiktok original sound – 𝓛𝔂𝓻𝓲𝓬𝓼 – 𝕃𝕪𝕣𝕚𝕔𝕤

His overall health was deep in the trenches, so much so that, for a moment, Niall and his team thought Billy was “unfixable.” Though they felt like they had bitten more than they could chew, they refused to give up on Billy. One thing stood clear to them, though: they had to gather all the patience they could muster because Billy’s road to recovery was going to be a long, bumpy one.

For months, Billy’s immediate health needs were tended to by an amazing veterinary team. He’d go for vet visits at least thrice a week, all while receiving gentle love, care, and nourishment from the Happy Doggo team.

Then, a miracle happened. A kind stranger online offered to pay for Billy’s life-changing eye surgery! After approximately nine months of being under Happy Doggo’s care, Billy made a full recovery, including his eyesight. This sweet-natured boy bounced back health-wise, shocking Niall and his team. Indeed, setting the wheels of Billy’s rescue in motion wasn’t in vain, as they witnessed first-hand that no dog is too broken to be saved.

The biggest surprise came when a family in Singapore expressed interest in offering Billy a forever home. To the Happy Doggo team, this was nothing short of a miracle since not many would be willing to open their hearts and homes to a senior pup with a recent history of numerous illnesses.

Billy was flown to Singapore, where he is now making the most out of his second chance at life with his forever family and new dog siblings. He’s completely free from the fear of abandonment and cruelty, as his current family cherishes him with every fiber of their being. Today, Billy is spoilt with treats, adventures, leisurely walks, a cozy bed, and, above all, tons of affection.

His journey from a discarded pet to an adored one is enough proof that even dogs with the worst beginnings can have the most beautiful endings. Pet rescue advocate Rocky Kanaka couldn’t agree more.

“The story of Billy is a reminder of the love and compassion that exists in the world. It’s about second chances, hope, and the belief that every pet deserves a loving home,” Rocky Kanaka said.