What began as a passion project has evolved into something more. We’re proud of where we’ve been and even more excited for what’s ahead.
There was a night when James sat on the edge of his bed staring at the mirror, pressing his fingers into his neck so hard they left marks. He was 21 years old and had already been diagnosed with stage-four cancer. Twice.
Anxiety had taken over. He couldn’t stop checking for lumps. He couldn’t stop convincing himself it was back.
And that’s when Frankie climbed onto his chest.
She grabbed his hand every time he reached for his neck. She barked when he tried again. She physically stopped him.
That was the moment everything changed.
Because sometimes a dog doesn’t just live with you. Sometimes a dog holds you together.
James grew up in Birmingham as an only child, and from an early age dogs were always his constant. Not background companions, but steady presences. The kind that make life feel quieter when everything else feels uncertain.
Years later, during chemotherapy, surgeries, relapses and months spent in isolation through COVID, that connection became something much deeper. Frankie stayed beside him through it all. When energy disappeared, she stayed. When fear took over, she stayed. When life stopped feeling predictable, she stayed.
That kind of loyalty changes how you see dogs forever.
James & Frankie was built from that experience.
This isn’t a training business built around obedience for the sake of appearances. It exists to help owners understand their dogs properly — to build calm, confident relationships based on trust, structure and communication.
When behaviour feels difficult, there is always a reason behind it. The work at James & Frankie focuses on understanding that reason and helping both owner and dog move forward together.
Because when the bond is strong, everything else becomes easier.
A percentage of every service supports Four Paws, a global animal welfare organisation working to improve the lives of dogs around the world.
Caring for dogs isn’t just about the ones in our homes. It’s about protecting them wherever they are.