James Middleton: 'My dog helped me through my depression'
Whether it’s daily snuggles on the sofa, or the wagging tail that greets you when you get home, it's hard to imagine a life without our pets. But sadly last month, James Middleton had to face the day all dog owners dread. After fifteen years together, he said goodbye to his beloved cocker spaniel, Ella, who died following liver failure.
As he opens up about the void her death has left, he's joined by Matthew Robinson from Pets As Therapy, plus therapy dog, Mabel and her puppy, Isla.
Speaking about how having a dog helped him through his darkest times, James said: 'There was this look that she would have and the tip of her tail would wag a little bit. She would know there was something - she just had to kind of nestle herself, or distract me with something that would potentially help me stop a really challenging thought that I was having.'
Matthew said: 'There's not any one given area that benefits the most from Pets as Therapy visits. It's literally anywhere where there's a person who needs animal companion therapy.'
James added: 'I would never wish depression on anybody but I'm pleased I experienced it because of the person I am now with the comfort of myself.'
As part of their 40th anniversary celebrations, Pets As Therapy is launching 'PATnics' this March. More informationis available on their website.