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

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