Never Just A Dog

In this deeply personal conversation, your host John Littlefair speaks with Richard Newman about his extraordinary relationship with his dog Woody, the grief that followed his death, and the unexpected ways that a dog can continue to shape your life long after they're gone.

Richard shares stories from his book Woody: My Journey Through Grief, Joy and Healing with a Dog, including the dream work that helped him reconnect with memories, emotions and parts of himself he had carried for decades.

They also talk about Richard's childhood, the importance of telling the truth, his approach to writing, and why he believes some of the most important things in life come from simply asking: what comes forward?

The conversation also travels into Richard's work as a filmmaker, including the award-winning documentary Addicted to Joy, his experiences with some extraordinary characters from the surfing world, and his belief that good stories need room to breathe.

Learn more about Richard here

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As the creator of Puppy Tales Photography and founder of the Australian Dog of the Year Awards, Kerry has met thousands of dogs and their people, documenting the quiet, powerful bond we share with them. But while travelling and telling those stories, she experienced her own heartbreak—losing her beloved dogs, Keiko and Summer.

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Puppy Tales

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For many Australians, Toby the Wonder Dog was a television star — the clever, charismatic dog millions watched on Totally Wild and Harry's Practice.

But behind the fame was a much more personal story.

In this episode, John Littlefair speaks with Dr Katrina Warren about the life she shared with Toby — and the difficult chapter that followed when she lost him.

Katrina reflects on what it was like saying goodbye to a dog who had been both her companion and television partner, and how life changes when a dog who had shaped so many years is suddenly gone.

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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. 

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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.

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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.

 

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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

 

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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]  

 

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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.

 

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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

 

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