A royal relative by marriage, the Princess of Wales cousin James Middleton spoke candidly about the role dogs have played in his life during an interview with Ok!. He revealed that he did not own a dog until adolescence and confessed that he wrote letters to his parents begging them to bring a pet into the family. When a black Spanish puppy named Tilly joined the household, she quickly became his closest companion and best friend. Tilly’s arrival marked the start of a lifelong journey with dogs that would shape more than just his daily routine.
“I found immense comfort in my dog Tilly, especially when she was younger. In those early years, she seemed to know all my secrets — including matters of the heart and other complicated things I found hard to share with anyone else”, James Middleton explained. The bond with Tilly endured for years, and even though she passed away 17 years ago, her memory continued to influence his relationship with animals and his outlook on life.
Following Tilly, Middleton welcomed a string of canine friends, including a golden retriever and other Spaniards, each leaving a lasting imprint on his emotional well-being. The dogs helped him navigate periods of melancholy and a challenging phase when he found it difficult to work or respond to messages, providing a steady source of comfort and purpose. In moments of doubt, a loyal dog offered a simple path back to routine and resilience.
Middleton has often attributed his recovery to the steadfast presence of his pets. He recalled that Ella, in particular, seemed to understand what had happened and appeared to encourage him to care for himself. The act of walking a dog, getting dressed, and stepping outside could transform a fog of sadness into clear, breathful moments of relief. Even a short ten or fifteen minute outdoor break could refresh the mind and reframe a difficult situation, giving him a renewed sense of direction.
Today, James Middleton remains deeply devoted to canine companionship. He serves as an ambassador for Pets As Therapy, a role that aligns with his belief in the therapeutic value of pet ownership for people facing emotional or mental health challenges. In addition, he founded Ella & Co, a pet products brand named to honor the dogs who accompanied him through tough times and helped shape his career in the pet industry. His ongoing advocacy underscores how animals can provide not only companionship but also meaningful support for recovery and everyday life.
As Middleton’s public conversations about his pets continue, their influence on his life story stands as a reminder of the quiet, reliable comfort dogs can offer. The enduring bond between a person and their dogs—whether in moments of joy or hardship—often becomes a cornerstone of personal resilience and daily motivation. The narrative of Tilly, Ella, and the later canine companions illustrates a consistent thread: loyal dogs help people face challenges with gentleness, patience, and renewed purpose. [citation]