We will use your email address only for sending you newsletters. Please see our Privacy Notice for details of your data protection rights.

Kate’s brother James has confessed his dogs have been his “friends, companions, teachers and therapists” in a heartfelt blog post introducing his new company, Ella & Co. In a lengthy message, James explained how his five dogs and the huge help they gave him when he was struggling with depression pushed him to launch a new venture. 

The 33-year-old entrepreneurs said: “After starting my business Boomf, in 2013, I spent a long year, struggling with depression and was unable to focus on my work and other aspects of my life.

“During this difficult time, my dogs saved me.

“They were my friends, companions, teachers and therapists.

“Even though I cared deeply about my business, during that time I realised how important my dogs were to me and I was driven to see what I could give back to them. 

“It became my mission to discover what I could do to repay even a small percentage of what they had been able to give to me.

“I spent my time researching and thinking about how I could make their lives as healthy and happy as possible.

“This led me to consider what I was feeding my dogs and found that raw food was a much better and healthier alternative.

“As I learnt more about the kibble manufacturing process, I was horrified. 

“I discovered that most commercially available dog food is heated until all nutrients are completely destroyed, only to be artificially sprayed back on as part of a cocktail of preservatives.

“While dogs can survive on this type of kibble, they cannot thrive.”

From his painful experience and the research done on the wellbeing of his beloved pets, James created a company which provides a sustainable raw diet for dogs – which he believes is the healthiest food choice for pets.

The company, launched earlier this month and called Ella & Co, has been named after his therapy pet.  

On the company’s website, James explained: “The idea was born out of my close bond with my therapy dog, Ella.

“I wanted to repay her, and my other amazing dogs, by becoming the best owner I can be.

“The first step in my journey: creating the perfect balanced diet.”

James’s love for dogs is well known by people who follow the entrepreneur on Instagram, as his five pets regularly feature on his social media account.  

In his latest Instagram post, James surprises his fiancee Alizee by shaving his beard for the first time in seven years.

In the brief clip, the entrepreneur is sitting in his car with his dogs.

Pointing at them right before shaving, he reveals he isn’t just worried about what his fiancee will think about his shaved face but also whether the pets will recognise him. 

In April, James launched Paw Print Fund, a fundraiser in aid of animal welfare charities who support animals and pets.

He said: “Who else is experiencing friendship, comfort and unconditional love from their loyal pets during this difficult time?

“I want to give a big shout out to all our pets who our keeping us calm and helping us carry on!”  

Source: Read Full Article