It has long been known that dogs are a man’s best friend, and this bond can sometimes be even more significant when the human has special needs. Cowboy & Wills: A Love Story, the latest offering from critically acclaimed author Monica Holloway, tells the tale of her autistic son, Wills, and how his relationship with animals helps him overcome many social obstacles. One particular family pet – a Golden Retriever named Cowboy – helps bring Wills into the world of play dates, sharing stories with classmates, bubble baths without panicking and finally sleeping in his own bed.
In a story perfectly suited to the silver screen, the author shares even the most intimate of her family’s experiences, pulling you into their lives as if you were right their alongside Wills and his dog Cowboy. We catch a glimpse of some of the trials and tribulations families with a child with autism spectrum disorder deal with on a daily basis as well as seeing the endearing charm their quirkiness evokes. Wills is an exceptionally brilliant and cautious child that learns to try new things thanks to Cowboy, a slightly rambunctious puppy with a big heart.
This story is both heartwarming and heartbreaking at the same time. The author shares her son’s story so well that you feel like cheering out loud throughout their triumphs and will surely need a tissue or two during times of setbacks and disappointment. An excellent read for any parent or animal lover, whether their lives have been touched by someone with special needs or not. – Lisa Fox, Staff Writer
Thank you for spotlighting this book. I read it earlier this year and loved it. My son is autistic and I found myself relating to many of the situations in this book.
My nephew has CP. He is the most amazing little guy I have ever met. Thank you for entering me for the giveaway!
My brother is severely autistic. When my mother died, he was transferred on an emergency basis to a group home. He had grown attached to “Happy Days”, our cat and I was told that they had to pry his hands off of her when they took him to the group home. All that happened before I could fly in. He was not allowed to keep Happy Days. So besides grieving for my mother, he as also grieving for Happy Days. I think there should be a law to allow autistic kids to have a dog or cat as a therapy animal.
[ed. note – I am so sorry about your brother. I agree with you about the therapy animal. My son is in love with our dog. He would be lost without her sleeping on his bed everynight.]
I myself have two sons with autism, Nathan is eleven and Parker is nine. My friend Elizabeth just found out her two year son also has autism. I could not imagine my life without them, and together Elizabeth and I research and use each others knowledge. I just wish I could make it easier for the three of them, but I have already learned so much from them. Thanks for entering me, I sure someone else has a better story to tell.
I have a neice and nephew that have Autism. My entire family is learning daily how to adapt to their daily needs. I have taken what I learn there and apply it to my volunteer work at a therupedic riding center where we deal with adults and children with many special needs. I would like to share this book with my group so that we can continue to learn.
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My nephew Andy Thomas is a miracle from God he is gifted with Down Syndrom. He is now 9 years old and not able to talk with his voice but his mother who got involved with Miami Valley Down Syndrom to be able to give Andy all she could, taught him to sign so he can still communicate. Andy loves my dogs I have a minature pincher named Gizmo who he lets him walk her on a leash and our large black lab Chester who swims in lake Cumberland with him and makes him laught. I work at a vet clinic and see how animals can help old and young with many handicaps. Thanks so much for writing about the love and gilfts that animals bring to man.
what a great book mverno@roadrunner.com
My neighbor across the street is named Justin and he has cerebral palsy and assorted other special needs. He’s 24 and so very smart and yet, his greatest joy is in music and watching shows like Sesame Street. He comes and visits me everyday and his laughter is contagious.
My youngest daughter has Down Syndrome. She is sweet stubborn and has brought us so much joy.
Did you have the drawing yet?? I have not seen any postings???