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

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

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 

[email protected]  

 

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:

 

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:

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

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:

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

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

 

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.

Never Just A Dog Website

John Littlefair's email

 

Important website links for helpful resources and support

Red Nose Australia

Lifeline