Re-issue: All You Really Need w/ John Bartlett

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About The Episode

We are re-issuing this Freedom Ride episode with our show host John Bartlett, where he shares the backstory of his late three-legged pit bull, Tiny Tim - who lost his leg in a car accident on Christmas Eve. His story is about their journey together from the North Shore Animal League Shelter to a forever home with John. Tiny Tim inspired John to create a foundation in his name to support independent dog shelters and rescues in honor of his hairy soulmate.

How John Bartlett’s Rescue Dog Tiny Tim Found His Forever Home And Inspired A Foundation

About The Episode

“Freedom Ride” is a series of individual stories on DSTP that focuses on guests telling their own inspiring, rescue-based tales.

John Bartlett has had many dogs in his life, but perhaps the most special and important relationship he had was with Tiny Tim, a three-legged pit bull rescue.

While initially looking for a small dog, Tiny Tim came into John’s life by surprise and changed it for the better. They would run down the street, the only way Tiny Tim could, and go all around Manhattan. John rescued him from the shelter to a loving home, and Tiny Tim found constant enjoyment on a daily basis. In turn, it enriched John’s life in many ways.

During this time, John also had his own store in the West Village (of NYC) where he sold his fashion line. Tiny Tim would always go to work with him, which John had always wanted to have with a dog, and they became an inseparable duo known around the neighborhood. Tiny Tim even was featured in newspapers, won awards, and became a local staple. John even started a collection of clothing capturing the three-legged essence in a silhouette icon, and the line become loved by all those who adored Tiny Tim.

As is the case with all dogs, eventually it came time for Tiny Tim to go. It was an emotional but beautiful farewell. In the wake of his passing, John created The Tiny Tim Rescue Fund, which sells the dog logo-driven clothes of his silhouette. The profits go to dog shelters and rescue organizations so that more dogs like Tiny Tim can be rescued. It’s a way for John to keep Tiny Tim’s legacy alive and have his story keep evolving so that more people can hopefully get inspired and involved.

About The Guest - John Bartlett

John Bartlett came to prominence when he started his own self-titled Men’s Fashion collection in 1991, becoming a fixture for years in the fashion industry. He has been featured on platforms such as The New York Times, Washington Post, GQ, Charlie Rose, and more. Later, John created a specialty line of dog-themed apparel and accessories with all profits supporting his “Tiny Tim Rescue Fund” (named after his three-legged rescue dog of the same name). Bartlett has long championed the issues of animal rights and welfare. He has worked alongside the Humane Society of the United States, the North Shore Animal League, and other animal rights organizations helping to raise awareness and spread the message of compassion. At the start of 2019, the Dog Save The People podcast launched with John as the host. To date, he has spoken with around 50 guests about their stories with their dogs, looking at the positive ways they impact humans. Currently, John resides in New York City and is the proud owner of two rescues and a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog. 

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Jack Sommer