James Middleton has recreated the iconic Love Actually carol singers scene with his golden retriever Isla to promote Dogs Trust’s Christmas adoption appeal.
The 37-year-old patron of the welfare charity stars alongside his beloved dog in a heartwarming video shared on Dogs Trust’s official Instagram account.
The recreation puts a charitable twist on the famous romantic scene, highlighting the organisation’s longstanding slogan “A Dog is For Life, Not Just For Christmas”.
In the video, titled “Love Unconditionally”, Middleton uses a series of cue cards to raise awareness about the hundreds of dogs that are gifted at Christmas only to be abandoned in the New Year.
The initiative comes from Middleton, who is not only a dedicated “dog dad” but also the founder of dog food company Ella & Co and author of “Meet Ella: The Dog Who Saved My Life”.
Mirroring the famous scene between Keira Knightley and Andrew Lincoln, the video shows Middleton arriving at Isla’s “house” with a stack of cue cards.
Middleton’s cards deliver a powerful message about dog abandonment.
The video concludes with a touching moment as Isla follows Middleton onto the street, jumping up to give him an affectionate lick.
Through his cue cards, Middleton shares a hopeful message: “With any luck, by next year, there will be fewer dogs in shelters.”
The cards continue: “But for now let me say, with hope and an agenda, because at Christmas you spread the word, dogs are for life – not just for Christmas.”
Taking direct action, Middleton showcases specific dogs seeking homes, displaying a card featuring names and pictures of dogs currently available for adoption at Dogs Trust.
The slogan highlighted in the video was originally coined by the charity’s former chief executive Clarissa Baldwin in 1978.
The campaign addresses a serious issue, drawing attention to the hundreds of dogs that are given as Christmas presents only to face abandonment in January.
The message emphasises the long-term commitment required when bringing a dog into one’s life, reinforcing Dogs Trust’s mission to prevent post-holiday pet abandonment.
