James Middleton, Brother of the Princess of Wales, Says His Dog Saved His Life

James Middleton wrote a very special book about his Cocker Spaniel, Ella, who he attributes to saving his life.

The brother-in-law to the future king wrote a memoir where he opens up about his battle with mental health and how his dog pulled him through. An excerpt of his upcoming book has been published, and he tells a beautiful story about Ella. Take a look!

An extract of his book was published in the Daily Mail , detailing the night Ella saved his life.

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"One bleak November night in 2017, I reach my lowest ebb. It is around 2 am, and I cannot sleep. I’ve barely eaten for days, and when I do, the food clogs my throat and makes me retch," the extract reads. "I pace round the flat where I live alone. I feel suffocated, desperate for air."

He details that night and how on that night he paced up and down, thinking dark thoughts and in a state he felt there was no other option.

But then he sees Ella, his black Cocker Spaniel , through the rooftop skylight. He feels Ella wants to climb up to be with him, but he worries about all the safety issues for a dog. And while James is up there, Ella, at the bottom of the ladder, does not move.

"I glance down the ladder again. Ella has not moved. Her brown eyes are still staring intently at me, soulful and pleading, and as my gaze locks on hers again, my brain quietens," James writes.

"In that instant, I know I will not jump. What would happen to Ella if I died? How long would she wait alone in the flat for someone to find her?"

James talks about all the times he and Ella have been together and how long they've been together as a team.

"I have loved her with every bit of my being since she was a tiny, sightless newborn pup. She has been my companion, my hope, my support through my darkest days. She has loved me unconditionally, faithfully."

"I haul myself back from the brink, slowly climb down the ladder, and stroke Ella’s silky head. She is the reason I do not take that fatal leap. She is Ella, the dog who saved my life."

Can Dogs Help People Who Struggle With Mental Health Issues?

The short answer is yes; dogs can help people who struggle with mental health issues like depression and anxiety. They can also do great things for your health overall.

Studies have shown that dogs reduce depression, anxiety, and stress and can ease loneliness, which is exactly what Ella did for James.

The National Alliance on Mental Illness ( NAMI ) pets can be a great source of comfort for people.

"When we’re facing despair, loneliness, chronic health issues, depression, addictions, or anything beyond our ability to cope, a pet can help ease the pain," the site explains.

NAMI says having a pet can also "give us a reason to get out of our thoughts."