James grew up in a family who enjoyed pets and knew how to treat them with kindness. There was a succession of well-loved cats plus two hamsters which thrived with fond care and handling. When James left home after college to work in TV in New Bedford he soon acquired a best buddy, a black Labrador mix pup. James trained him well and taught him tricks such as ringing a bell on the wall above his food dish when he was hungry or needed water. James has played host and surrogate dad to his brother Tom's two Westy terriers on several occasions, two or three weeks at a time. James was able to have the two dogs feel at home in new surroundings and also to obey house rules. In the bargain James had the opportunity to enjoy his doggy guests. sometimes down on the rug playing with one or both in a mock tussle.