A crowd of 75,000 fans in Cardiff watching the long-awaited reunion of Oasis this weekend got a little bit of a hidden treat with another star of the show – Liam Gallagher’s rescue dog Buttons. The blink-and-you’d-miss-it appearance of Buttons on the giant screen behind the band on their first gigs in 16 years reveals an unlikely but heart-warming story of an Irishman who runs a dog rescue sanctuary in the heart of Thailand.

Niall Harbison shared the story of Buttons, a dog who was one of the first he rescued as he built a new sanctuary in Thailand, which he called “remarkable”, as he posted a clip of Buttons’ appearance as an integral part of Oasis’ new shows – which you can watch above – bringing renewed attention to his work in south east Asia.

The band’s frontman has always been a dog lover, and he had his partner Debbie began following Niall’s efforts to save and rehome abandoned, ill or stray dogs in Thailand. Niall’s stories showing how he nurses dogs back to health have got him millions of followers on social media, and people do apply to offer them a new home in the UK.

One email to add to the list did catch his eye – it was from the Oasis star offering to give a home in the UK to Buttons, one of the dogs living in the sanctuary. Niall told the Daily Mirror back in May this year that it seemed strange talking to the world-famous frontman on a Zoom call to vet his character.

“Up popped Liam Gallagher on the screen with his partner,” Niall said. “I’m asking him questions, thinking ‘this is nuts’, but what was really funny was, I thought ‘it must be the wife that’s watching this on Instagram and she’s dragged him in to make sure they get the dog’.

“But then he started to open up [about the other dogs on Niall’s social media]. It was a real mind blower to be honest,” he said. “He’s a real funny, just genuine dog lover, you know? He’s just very, very funny and loves the dogs.”

Buttons appears as Liam Gallagher belts out another Oasis classic in Cardiff

The former head chef went on: “It would have been tricky if you got a celebrity and they weren’t [suitable]. We’d have to say no. But with him, it wasn’t even a question. The only question was they had a couple of cats so we had to test Buttons with a couple of cats to make sure, but he was the ideal owner, I’d say.”

And he joked that he felt like saying to Liam that he is “softening” his reputation. “I think people who like dogs just melt. It makes you see a different side to people, absolutely,” he said.

And after Buttons featured in the most widely anticipated rock reunion for years, Niall took to social media again to share his joy at seeing Buttons, sharing the dog’s tale on X/Twitter.

Liam Gallagher and his rescue dog Buttons
Liam Gallagher and his rescue dog Buttons
(Image: Liam Gallagher/Instagram)

“Most people were probably looking at Liam Gallagher and Oasis on stage,” he said, after spotting Buttons on the big screen. “Look a little closer and you’ll spot a dog called Buttons. Her’s is a remarkable story.

“Buttons was a little puppy who walked into our sanctuary in Thailand in the middle of the jungle just as it was getting built. She had been abandoned. She kept coming back daily for food and hoping for company.

“Day after day Buttons came back. I eventually took her in and put her up for adoption. Little did I know but Liam and his partner Debbie had been following. After a long process she was adopted to them in the UK.

“Buttons has grown into a beloved member of the family and landed on her paws. Liam has been a big supporter of We Are Happy Doggo, and donated his globe from the last tour to raise funds.”

“I don’t think Buttons realizes her dad is a rock star. She just loves her humans. Two years ago she was abandoned as a puppy in Thailand. Buttons set out to make herself a better life by sneaking into our sanctuary. She certainly did that. So if you are wondering why there is a dog on the Oasis screens now you know,” he added.

“Well done Buttons. I think you can say you’ve made it when your dad has you on the big screen.”

Liam has spoken before about his love for Buttons, who joined his family a year or so ago. “We follow this geezer, this Irish lad who rescues them, and they’ve been all battered and beaten and stuff,” he told Jonathon Ross’s chat show.

“So we fell in love with Buttons and then he flew her over from Thailand and got on a ferry from Amsterdam to me. I don’t want to go on tour no more, I want to stay at home with her. I’m going to keep it as it is because she’s perfect.”

Last year on a solo tour, Liam dedicated his rendition of the Oasis classic Half A World Away to Buttons, and then at the end of the tour, he put one of the centrepiece stage props – a giant globe from his Definitely Maybe tour – up for auction. It raised £25,000, which he donated to Niall Harbison’s work in Thailand.

Niall’s post has had more than 18,000 likes on X, with more than 250 people commenting. Geepers808 said: “From abandoned and hoping for food and company to being on stage and a rock star! So happy that you helped Buttons find the life she deserves!”

Aron wrote: “Just the pick me up I needed on this grey Sunday morning.” Patti Collins: “Buttons is living her best life.”

Buttons the dog, as a puppy, walked into Niall Harbison's sanctuary in Thailand. He's now a much-loved member of Liam Gallagher's family, and appeared on the big screen at the Oasis reunion gig
Buttons the dog, as a puppy, walked into Niall Harbison’s sanctuary in Thailand. He’s now a much-loved member of Liam Gallagher’s family, and appeared on the big screen at the Oasis reunion gig
(Image: Niall Harbison)

Des Tratynor: “Niall this is beautiful and amazing.” Sunday’s Child: “This always makes me giggle…little Buttons is famous!! I love it so much! I remember how surprised we all were when you announced Liam was getting Buttons! You never know where the road will lead! Congratulations on your big tour Buttons (and Liam)!!”

Montecaldo: “That’s such an incredible story. Buttons is the real superstar. You did it Buttons. From the streets to a beloved celebrity dog. Look at her! Thanks Niall and Liam.” Kelly McCarty: “Dog version of “from rags to riches”. Incredible story!!” Cinnamon: “I love @oasis and now even more.”

Perri: “I love Oasis and Liam, just a little bit more. How cute it was to have Buttons in the imagery.” Salomon Svs: “We need more stories like these.” Miz Beaverhausen: “What a wonderful story.”

For more information about Niall’s work, visit here or go to happydoggo.com/donate to support his cause. He specifically requests follows on Instagram here and at https://www.instagram.com/niall.harbison?igsh=Mmd6N3FvZGUxY2dw