James Middleton, brother of the Princess of Wales, has made a heartfelt plea for canine companionship—not just in homes, but in the workplace.
The 38‑year‑old entrepreneur, founder of the ethical dog‑wellbeing brand James & Ella, argues that businesses should embrace dogs as office colleagues. As reported by Marie Claire, he stated, “Dogs in the workplace should be a generic ‘yes’ unless there is a very good reason to say ‘no.’” He explained that when his team gathers in person, “there are dogs everywhere” and that “they increase productivity. Ideas come from those 15‑minute breaks, taking them out to the garden.”
For Middleton, this isn’t theoretical—it’s grounded in personal experience. His company, James & Ella, launched during the pandemic and operates remotely; yet when colleagues meet in person, the presence of his six dogs—four Cocker Spaniels and two Golden Retrievers—creates a unique atmosphere of creativity and connection.
His advocacy extends beyond workplace perks. Middleton also dreams of therapy dogs on prescription. In an interview with PEOPLE, he said, “An ambition [of mine] is to get dogs to be on a prescription from doctors because I think there is an undeniable amount of things that dogs can do for us.”
He emphasized that dogs motivate us to get up and outside even when our mental energy is low. He’s collaborated with charities like Pets as Therapy to highlight dogs’ ability to uplift emotionally isolated individuals in care homes, schools, and hospitals.
This passion is deeply personal to Middleton. His 2024 memoir, Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life, chronicles his struggle with depression and how his beloved cocker spaniel, Ella, became his lifeline. In Barnes & Noble’s description, the book is a “love letter to man’s best friend,” tracing their bond from youthful adventures to pivotal royal moments, and illustrating how Ella anchored him through despair. The Times also notes how the memoir candidly addresses his mental health struggles and how therapy, family support, and Ella helped him through suicidal thoughts.
In an emotionally charged excerpt reprinted by PEOPLE, Middleton recounts a night in November 2017 when, standing on a rooftop in crisis, he locked eyes with Ella. Her unwavering gaze stopped him from taking a fatal step—“She has been my companion, my hope, my support through my darkest days… She is Ella, the dog who saved my life.”.