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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