Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life

by James Middleton

When he was a child, James Middleton wanted nothing more than a dog of his own.

Struggling to connect in the classroom, James would often take off in pursuit of nature and animals - adventuring in the Berkshire countryside, tinkering with rusty farm machinery, performing locum care to injured creatures, and losing himself for hours to the outdoors.

Then, finally, his pleas for a dog (made via handwritten letters to his parents) were answered.

Meet Ella traces the extraordinary bond between James and his beloved first pup, Ella. From their enchanting introduction when James was just twenty and their many expeditions, from Scottish mountain sides to royal weddings, their journey is marked by love, loyalty, and unexpected twists of fate. Ella, the well-mannered and kind-natured companion, accompanied James everywhere, even playing a pivotal role in introducing him to his future wife, Alizee.

But beyond the glamorous veneer of society engagements and entrepreneurial achievements lies a deeply personal account of James' battle with depression. Through unconditional love, Ella emerges as an intuitive friend, reading James' moods and offering solace during his darkest hours, becoming the catalyst for his healing journey, and helping him to see all the good in his life and future.

Touching, honest and life affirming, Meet Ella is both devastating and wonderfully heart-warming. A love letter to man's best friend, and a beacon of hope to anyone struggling through hard times.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Animals, Dogs, Biography, Biography Memoir, Psychology

247 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 26, 2024

About the author

James William Middleton is an British entrepreneur, and the younger brother of Catherine, Princess of Wales.

Reviews

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Meet Ella” was one of my most anticipated releases this year, and it certainly did not disappoint!

There are many reasons to read this book: an honest account of a man’s mental health struggles and journey to healing; beautiful nature writing describing scenic rambles in the Lakes District and Scottish Highlands; the charming vignettes of Middleton and Wales family life; a coming of age memoir from a boy bullied and misunderstood at boarding school to successful entrepreneur, husband, and father. But at its heart this is the very relatable story of the deep bond that a human shares with a beloved dog.

I have followed James on the periphery of royal events for more than decade and when he opened up his Instagram profile fell in love with his adorable and energetic pack of dogs. I felt like I already knew so much of Ella, Mabel, Zulu, Nala, and the rest of the canine crew! At times, especially in the second half, the writing in this book had quite a James Herriot feel to it that I think would appeal to lots of readers who enjoy stories of animals and English country life.

Overall, I found this a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming read… highly recommend it to lovers of memoir. It will certainly end up on my 2024 non fiction favourites list!

[Kayla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this! James is Kate Middleton’s brother so I was intrigued for obvious reasons but this is not a royal tell all. It’s a beautiful and raw portrait of depression and how animals can save you. There were some Middleton and Wales family tidbits that were fun surprises but the focus here in James’ battle with depression. I found his story and honesty so inspiring.

[Ute Weiß · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful inspiring book!

It is a book for people who struggle with mental health, for dog lovers (esp for us dog lovers ❤️) and for people with an open heart and mind.

How brave of James to tell the story of his struggles (how many adults suffer from ADD and depression and don‘t know it, don‘t know that there is help) and the importance of Ella and his other dogs.

„The daily rituals of feeding and walking the dogs gave me purpose even as my life was disintegrating“. -
I can relate to that very much, the dogs in my life have saved me over and over.

I see the power of therapy dogs whenever my dogs accompany me to school. They put a smile on every face. Students are happier and love cuddling them.

„What I learned about love, I learned from my dog“

Wise words.

[Rachael Tagg · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so beautiful. A great insight into how mental health doesn’t discriminate, and how the love and intuition of a dog is more powerful than we realise. I’ve recommended this book to so many people!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not being a pet person (sorry, James!), I wasn't sure I would enjoy this book but I ended up loving it. I always thought that James Middleton had a sweetness and vulnerability to him from the photos I had seen and that impression turned out to be spot on after reading his book. He is really open with his struggles regarding his mental health and his life in general. It was nice to read that his sisters (and their husbands) have been supportive and understanding. They all just seem like nice, normal people even though two of them will eventually be King and Queen of the United Kingdom. And Ella seemed like a magical dog. That is quite a statement coming from someone who is not a pet person.

[Robin · Rating 5 out of 5]

So heartwarming!
Especially during this turbulent pre- election period in the U.S. could not put down. Kept Kleenex nearby. Thank you James Middleton for sharing your lovely story about you and Ella and the others in your life.

[Cecilia · Rating 5 out of 5]

After I read a couple of excerpts I knew I wanted the book either in print or kindle. I knew audible wouldn’t give me the whole meaning of the book. I wanted to see the words and I also knew I would be highlighting a lot of passages. I read it in 3 or 4, and I didn’t want to finish it. It’s so well written, that you enjoy every bit of it. The way he described the anxiety, the thoughts constantly flowing, the need to be alone, the second guessing and sometimes not feeling like he fits… it’s so relatable. The love for Ella and how she helped him through his darkest moments is something special and you could feel how much she was loved and missed. I’ll read it again and maybe even get a printed copy.

[Michelle Cornelius · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was keen to read this book as soon as it was announced and it did not disppoint. James does not shy away from how painful his depression was and how just at the moment he contemplated taking his own life, Ella was there to support him and give him hope. She even introduced him to his future wife!

I've long thought that animals are very intuitive and healing to have around us and this books proves just that. It lends weight to the saying "Man's best friend"

I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who is struggling with life, it gives hope and light to the reader.

[Kate Lovegrove · Rating 4 out of 5]

The impact of our four legged friends is detailed with humility and self reflection. A down to earth account of mental health which is both heart warming and emotional. A true journey expresses in an easy to read style.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I listened to this book on audible, which I loved because it was narrated by the author. Heartbreaking and heartwarming all at the same time, I really loved the journey of this book.

[Katie Bolle · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was one of the most beautiful stories I’ve ever read. Highly recommend!

[Nia Parry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never did I ever think that a book about a dog would have me in tears 😢🙈

[Mary Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a kind, open hearted book written by a kind, open hearted man. Ella was a wonderful teacher.

[Sian Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Connected with this book on so many levels. Balled my eyes out at certain chapters🥺

[Debbie De Salvo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, how I loved reading this memoir. For James to share his life on the pages read was so brave. He had a challenging life made more complicated by his sensitive soul and academic struggles. I really appreciated his honesty when discussing his parents not understanding his feelings and serious struggles in schools. Having dyslexia and/or dyscalculia carries with it so much embarrassment and shame. Hearing about James’ efforts to fit in with his peers was heartbreaking. What’s incredible is that even though he felt like a failure, he kept moving forward. And then he found his beloved dog, Ella, and James shares with us a dark time in his life and also the light. When he meets his future wife and the adventures they shared, it is all because of Ella. My most favorite parts were the anecdotals he shared regarding his sisters Catherine & Pippa. Such a close family.
An excellent read.

[Julie Walde · Rating 5 out of 5]

A must read for all dog lovers!

This book is a wonderful story about a dog and her personal. Through all the struggles to come out better for having each other and having the wonderful memories to pass on. Loved it.

[Kay Gordon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, it was a gentle read of how James recovered from depression with the aid of his beloved dog Ella. It mad me cry at the end……

I had expected a little more detail of the recovery process but most of the book is autobiographical with bits of Ella interspersed, at times literally a sentence at the end of another holiday or adventure.

The utter privilege of James life did jar in places, his astonishment at having to wait 4 DAYS to see a counsellor/therapist….try the NHS James, you’ll be waiting MONTHS not days. And the endless holidays, with charted boats, chateau visits, Glen Affric estate at his disposal and Christmas at Sandringham. And the casual way he bought a farm in Berkshire with 30 acres…..there’s some serious money there, which is glossed over very quickly. But I suppose that just highlights that no matter how privileged your life is you can still get depression.

I’d recommend this book for anyone who has had depression and recovered, and anyone who loves animals and sees them as more than ‘pets’.

[Megan Rang · Rating 4 out of 5]

***** I received this audiobook free from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.

I chose this book because of the dog on the cover. It wasn’t until I was well over halfway through that I realized the author, James Middleton was someone who was well known. I really enjoyed all the parts with Ella and her offspring. It was heartwarming to see how much James cared and still cares for all of them. It is wonderful to know how much of an impact dogs had on his mental health struggles. I agree that my dogs are the ones who keep my mental health in check. In a few parts I think the story could have been trimmed back a bit without losing any of the important parts. Nothing with the dogs should be taken out.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Middleton writes about his dog Ella. A cocker spaniel who saved his life. Meet Ella, James writes about his difficulties in school. when he got Ella when he was in his twenties, James had been dealing with his mental health. he was later diagnosed as clinically depressed, and ADD. When James was at the lowest time in his life considering suicide, it was Ella who stayed close by. He writes fondly of Ella and the other dogs and animals he has had in his life. James Middleton is the younger brother of Catherine Middleton. He is honest when he writes of his struggles with mental illness. This is a nice tribute to his dog Ella and how dogs can make such a good impact on people. good read.

[Jo ✨☾ · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best (and saddest) book I have read this year (my 214th and last of this year)

I love the rawness of the story -- glad he found his ways in life as university is not for everyone and the dogs. wow ! so many of them and they are so lovely. My almost 10 year old corgi is wondering why I am crying... I have lost dogs before and it is very difficult.

[Laure Van Der Donck · Rating 5 out of 5]

Words can't describe how incredible this book is. It's as if James is sitting beside you, telling you his story. I've felt every emotion with this book. I've cried, laughed and related to many experiences.

[Lisa C Dalberth · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who has felt the sting of clinical depression (personally or a family/friend) and loves animals, this is a great read. It proves that even if you are depressed you can be optimistic and manage recovery. Personally loved the story of Ella and all the pups.

[Izzy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Listened to the audiobook. Poor Ella got sick whilst I was smelling candles in Homesense. What a dog.

[David · Rating 4 out of 5]

My girl Ella

[Carolyn Pina · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was worth reading, I guess, but it wasn’t my cup of tea, really.

[Lara · Rating 5 out of 5]

"What I learned about love, I learned from my dog."

[Allie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable read, very honest and open.

[Allison Mclean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Granted I only picked up this book because his relationship to Catherine and William. But it is a heart warming story of Ella and how she saved his life. Wonderfully heartful book!

[Valerie Campbell Ackroyd · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lovely memoir and a good explanation of mental health challenges

Although some will say that James Middleton would only have got a book deal because of his famous connections, his book, his story is one that would deserve to be told over and over no matter who he was. Someone with dyslexia, with ADD and depression, he struggles through his life feeling like the failure among his wealthy and famous family. But he doesn’t tell his story in a self pitying way, more as matter of fact, recounting what helped as well as his what hindered. He tells it as someone who found a cause, a friend, in this case a spaniel named Ella, that saw him through. Although the writing is simple, at times sounding like an old style high school essay of traveling and emotions—remember, he is dyslexic, he does have ADD how hard must this have been for him to marshall his thoughts even with help—I found it kind, peaceful, and serves as a reminder that if we have people and/or pets who love us, we are blessed.

[Jennifer Meiring · Rating 4 out of 5]

More of a 3.75 or 3.5. But I enjoyed it.