Never Just A Dog

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

[email protected]

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:

[email protected]

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

[email protected]

Official Podcast Website

One of the greatest human tragedies is the sudden unexpected death of a child. When that death remains unexplained, it is even more devastating for the parents, the family, and society at large.

 In our previous episode, we had the honor of hearing Brad’s heart-wrenching story about the sudden and unexpected loss of his daughter Grace.  Brad shared the profound impact this loss has had on his life and the ways he’s found to cope and honor Grace’s memory.

In this episode, we continue our exploration of this deeply emotional journey with Brad’s wife, Felicity.  She will offer her perspective on navigating the grief of losing a child, the personal and collective challenges she and Brad have faced, and the ways they have supported each other through this unimaginable experience.

This episode is a powerful continuation of our conversation, providing further insight into resilience, hope, and the enduring strength of love.

To learn more about Red Nose Australia click the link below to visit their website

Red Nose Australia

To visit the Never Just A Dog website click the link below

Never Just A Dog

Contact your podcast host directly via email

[email protected]

For crisis support please contact Lifeline Australia

Lifeline Australia

'Come & sit awhile with me'

One of the greatest human tragedies is the sudden unexpected death of a child. When that death remains unexplained, it is even more devastating for the parents, the family, and society at large.

On this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with Brad Polain, who, along with his wife Felicity, tragically lost their daughter Grace to Sudden Unexpected Death of a Child (SUDC). In this episode, Brad will share his story, the profound impact of this loss on their lives, and how he has found ways to cope and honor Grace's memory.

'A personal mention for Brad's sister Donna for her love, care and kindness'

Never Just A Dog Website

John Littlefair's email

[email protected]

Important website links for helpful resources and support

Red Nose Australia

Lifeline

In this episode your host John Littlefair chats with Anne Marie Farage-Smith.

 Anne Marie Farage-Smith is a lifelong animal lover and an advocate for all animals. She holds a Master of Science degree in mental health counselling from St. John Fisher University and a Master of Science degree in education from Nazareth University and is a Pet Loss Grief Counselling Trained Professional.

As a licensed mental health counsellor and educator in private practice, she has offered clinical guidance to many individuals and groups experiencing grief and loss. She is the founder of the Rochester Center for Pet Grief and Loss.

 Anne Marie is the author of the book Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss.

 Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss is designed to help readers understand the bond they have with their pets and why losing them is uniquely painful; aid them in understanding the grief they experience in the aftermath of that loss, and teach them the skills they need to process this loss.

To purchase Healing Wisdom for Pet Loss the website link is below:

Purchase Book Here.

Rochester Center for Pet Grief and Loss

https://www.petlossroc.com/

To connect directly with your host John Littlefair:

[email protected]

Official Website

In this episode your host John Littlefair chats with Eliza-Rose Kan, a registered Music Therapist.

Eliza’s passion for both music and healing has led her on an incredible journey. Join us as Eliza shares her inspiring path to becoming a music therapist and the transformative power of music in the realm of therapy.

To get in touch with your host John Littlefair

[email protected]

Original music be Eliza-Rose Kan 

Never Just A Dog Website Link

Join John and Talya on this introspective journey as they pay tribute to George's enduring legacy, offering insights into the profound connections we forge with our animal companions and the significance of holding their memories close to our hearts, even years after they've passed away.

And a special thank you to the supporting cast, in no particular order, Meg, Mog, The Fish, and the two crazy comedians Angus and Hamish.  

Connect with John directly via email:

[email protected]

Website

https://johnlittlefair.com.au/about/

'This episode is dedicated to my dear friend Barbara'

-John- 

In this episode, your host John Littlefair chats with New York Times Best-Selling Author and International Speaker, Michael Hingson.

Michael's life journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. Blind since birth, he faced one of the darkest days in modern history, the 9-11 attacks, and emerged not only as a survivor but a testament to the incredible bond between humans and animals. His guide dog Roselle played a pivotal role in this story of teamwork, resilience, and the indomitable will to not just live but thrive. All of this is beautifully chronicled in his Best-Selling book Thunder Dog.

 ‘Chapter by chapter of this intriguing work will keep you spellbound. Thunder Dog celebrates the power of the human and animal bond. We all can learn life lessons from this incredible story’

 -Larry King, Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster-

You can purchase Thunder Dog via the link below.

Thunder Dog

But Michael's impact extends beyond the pages of his book. He takes his experiences and lessons to audiences around the world, delivering compelling presentations. Find out more at Michael’s website below.

https://michaelhingson.com/speaker/

As mentioned in the episode Michael also has a new book that will be published later this year. Live Like a Guide Dog: true stories from a blind man and his dogs about being brave, overcoming adversity and moving forward in faith is available for pre-order. The link is below.

Live Like A Guide Dog

In this special bonus episode the host and creator of Never Just A Dog, John Littlefair, reflects on his journey over the last three years.

This episode is dedicated to the amazing guests who are Talya, Jess, Rosa, Warren, Jessy, Katie, Tyler, Brayden, Sarah, Pascale, Gretta, Mikayla, Shan, Paige and Beau, Chris, Lillian, David, Shay, Victoria, Beth, Simon, Mathilde, Michel, Erum, Luke, Ivana, Kit, Carolyn, Sonya, Kate, Mark, Dylan, Mary-Frances, Andrew and Anji. 

In this episode, John mentions the incredible work of Mary-Frances O'Connor, PhD.  Find out more by visiting her website below.

https://maryfrancesoconnor.org/

To find out more about the book 'Dog's Best Friend, a brief history of unbreakable bond' visit the link below to Simon Garfield's website.

https://www.simongarfield.com/books/dogs-best-friend/