In this episode of Never Just A Dog, John Littlefair speaks with Dave Bartley, an officer with Merseyside Police (UK), about the loss of his working dog, Ghost, who was killed in the line of duty.
Ghost wasn’t a pet — he was a partner. Trained to run toward danger, Ghost served alongside Dave until his death during operational duty.
Rather than letting Ghost’s loss fade, Dave carried his grief further. His journey took him to Beautiful Joe Park in Meaford, Canada, a place dedicated to remembering service animals. What he saw there became the catalyst for something bigger.
Dave went on to raise funds for a dedicated memorial honouring all serving police dogs — not just Ghost, but every dog who has given their life in service.
This conversation explores service, loyalty, grief, and why the loss of a working dog deserves recognition. 
 You can reach out to the host of this show directly;
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
The official website is:
Never Just A Dog

This short trailer is a breath before the climb, a moment on the roadside to remember why these stories will always matter.  Because it will never, ever be ‘just a dog’.
I’m your host, John Littlefair, and welcome to our shared world.

OFFICIAL WEBSITE LINK

Connect with your podcast host, John, below
john@johnlittlefair.com.au

Todd Ingraham’s courage and spirit touched thousands through his marathon running, his work with his police dog Chase, and his battle with Motor Neurone Disease.
After his passing, his wife, Tina, sat down with your host John Littlefair, to reflect on Todd’s life, the love they shared, and the impact he continues to have. This is a tribute to the man whose story inspired so many, told by Tina Ingraham.
 
Connect with your host John Littlefair via email below
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
Official Never Just A Dog Website

In this episode, we visit Meaford, Ontario — home to Beautiful Joe Park. It’s more than green space. It’s a tribute to a real dog whose story changed how people think about animals.
Back in the 1800s, a dog named Beautiful Joe was rescued from abuse. His story, written by Margaret Marshall Saunders, became one of the first books to give a voice to animals.
The novel “Beautiful Joe” has sold over 7 million copies worldwide. It was first published in 1893 and became the first Canadian book to sell over a million copies.  
Today, the park that bears his name honours that legacy — with monuments to service dogs, education programs, and quiet places to reflect.
Your host, John Littlefair sat down with Sharon Mansion, vice chair of the Beautiful Joe Heritage Society. She’s part of the team keeping Joe’s story alive — and making sure it still matters.
 
Beautiful Joe Park website
Paradise Island Memorial Plaque- Purchase Here
 
Never Just A Dog Official Website
 
Connect with directly with Never Just A Dog Host John Littlefair via email below
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
 

 In this heartfelt episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Todd Ingraham, an elite athlete and former WA Police canine handler, who has conquered some of the world’s toughest marathons. However, nothing could have prepared Todd for his most challenging battle yet — Motor Neurone Disease (MND).
 
Todd opens up about his transition from the marathon track to living with MND, and the unbreakable bond he shares with his black Labrador and police partner, Chase. This story is about resilience, love, and determination.
 
Todd’s wife, Tina, has transformed her heartbreak into a mission, raising over $50,000 for MNDAWA. Her dedication and love are a testament to the strength of the human spirit.
 
If Todd’s story touches your heart, below is a direct link to Tina’s fundraising page
Tina’s Fundraising Page is Here
 
 
For more information, you can email 
john@johnlittlefair.com.au  
 
Never Just A Dog Official Website
 

In this episode of Never Just A Dog, John Littlefair explores the extraordinary bond between humans and dogs, from their ancient beginnings as wolves beside our fires to the deep, wordless understanding we share today.
Why do they choose us? Why do they stay, love, and trust us unconditionally? Through early literature, ancient carvings, and stories passed down through generations, we uncover how dogs have always been woven into human history—not just as companions, but as loyal partners in life.
Join John as he traces the origins of this timeless connection and the devotion that makes dogs family.
 
 Official podcast website
 
Connect directly with your host John Littlefair here:
info@johnlittlefair.com.au
 
Scientific References from episode:
Dr Maria Guagnin, Max Planck Institute
Takefumi Kikusui, Azabu University, Sagamihara, Japan
 

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Health & Community Psychologist, Mindset Coach, Author, and Media Commentator Dr. Marny Lishman
Marny’s a nationally recognized mental health expert with years of experience, having run a successful private practice in Western Australia. She’s worked with organizations, schools, and individuals, helping them build resilience and psychological flexibility in today’s fast-paced world.
As a regular commentator on TODAY EXTRA, SUNRISE, Nine News Perth, and a columnist for Body + Soul, Marny’s advice is trusted by thousands. She’s also the author of Burnout to Brilliant and Crisis to Contentment—two books I love and highly recommend.
Links to Dr Marny Lishman’s books are below:
Purchase Crisis to Contentment here
Purchase Burnout to Brilliant here
Learn more about Marny here
 
Official Never Just A Dog website link below:
https://johnlittlefair.com.au/
 
Connect with podcast host John Littlefair via email below:
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
 

In our previous episode, your host John Littlefair sat down with Gail Anthea Brown, a writer from Scotland’s northern Highlands, who shared the story of her beloved dog, Brody. Brody was a vital part of Gail’s family—a friend, inspiration, and a true source of joy.
In Part Two, we join Gail as she opens up about the difficult path of grief after Brody’s passing. She shares the challenges of moving forward while holding onto cherished memories, and how her journey has taken a new turn with the recent arrival of Reeva, a rehomed dog. Reeva has brought comfort and a renewed sense of love into Gail’s life, reminding her of the healing power of companionship.
Learn and read more about Gail by following the links below:
Gail Anthea Brown
What dogs teach us about living and dying
Finding meaning in challenging times
 
Connect directly with your podcast host John Littlefair
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
Podcast Official Website

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Gail Anthea Brown, a writer from Caithness in the Northern Highlands of Scotland. Gail’s work, rich in folklore and personal storytelling, is deeply inspired by her experiences, including the journey with her dog Brody, a beloved member of her family.
Brody brought joy, loyalty, and inspiration into Gail’s life, shaping her writing and infusing her stories with warmth and authenticity.
 Brody’s passing has left a profound absence, yet his memory continues to resonate in Gail’s work. With a background in Psychology, Mental Health, and Creative Wellbeing, Gail brings a unique perspective on the connection between loss, creativity, and companionship.
This is part one of a two-part series with Gail, where she shares how Brody’s life and legacy have shaped her work and how the bond they shared speaks to the profound role our dogs play in our lives.
Never Just A Dog Official Website
Connect with your host John Littlefair directly below:
john@johnlittlefair.com.au

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with award-winning writer and podcaster Clarissa Moll.
We dive into Clarissa’s own story, including the loss of her husband in a tragic hiking accident back in 2019, and how that experience has shaped her work in guiding others through grief.  
Alongside her daughter Fiona, Clarissa has co-authored the soon to be released ‘Hurt Help Hope, a real conversation about teen grief and life after loss’.
You can pre-order/purchase Clarissa’s book through the link below
 Purchase Here
 
You can host the host of Never Just A Dog podcast directly via email below
john@johnlittlefair.com.au
Official Podcast Website