This is the story of a committed mother doing everything she can to help her son who has autism spectrum disorder. It is very readable and parts are inspiring.The one part I struggled with was when the dog was so ill and they continued to try and keep it alive long past the point of kindness. I appreciate that the wellbeing of their son was the priority but this should not have been taken out on the dog.The perky ending with the arrival of the next dog was a bit odd too. Laine (librarianscanreadtoo.blogspot.com) Review:“Mr. and Mrs. Holloway, I have some news concerning about your son.” When a parent hears this from their doctor, they know right away something is wrong. At first you don’t want to hear it. You don’t want to accept that there could possibly be anything wrong with your child. Yes, he may show some signs of being too clingy, he’s terrified of strangers, won’t look you in the eye, and a simple bubble bath is an excruciating experience, but there can’t be anything seriously wrong with him, it’s just….HIM. But when the Doctor confirms that your son has Autism, and that it is a “lifetime affliction” that there is no cure, it changes your life forever. The first thing that usually pops into a mother’s head is “How am I going to do this? What can I do to help my child? Will he ever know how much I love him?” Monica Holloway is lost in trying to find these answers for herself, but because of her unconditional love to her son she wants to make his transition to life smooth. Many readers know that I love to read books and when it’s my turn at the Recommended Reading section, I like to read a “themed” book. This month is Autism Awareness Month and in honors of those that have Autism or a family member that has Autism I read the book “Cowboy & Wills”. It is a memoir of an unconditional love of a mother whose son has autism. Monica Holloway has read all the books; she read all the forums on the internet; she knew that some way, somehow her son was going to be alright, was going to be able to see the world for what it is and not be afraid of it. Monica didn’t realize that with all the doctors in the world, it was the love from a puppy that would change her sons’ outlook on life.The moment that her son was diagnosed, she went out to buy some fish to get Will interested in something. He seemed to be interested in the fish, in the hermit crab…a rabbit…a hamster and a sea turtle. Animals seem to keep her son stay in tune with life, and not crawl into his own shell. But with all those animals, Monica never imagined how much one Golden Retriever puppy would transform her son’s life….and hers. Because of her love for her son Wills, she bought him a Golden Retriever which Wills named her Cowboy. Cowboy is a female. She has blonde fur. While Wills not be able to look you in the eye, Cowboy would lick anybody close to her. Wills is in love. Where ever the dog went, Wills was sure to follow and vice versa. Wills wouldn’t leave the dog side for anything. And in turn, Cowboy showed that the big world that Wills is so afraid of isn’t so bad after all.A memoir so rich, so unforgettable that had me reaching for tissues, that I know you all will love and cherish. (I would like to dedicate this book to my cousin who has Autism.)
What do You think about Cowboy And Wills (2009)?
Loved thid book, and of course cried like a baby. I found myself getting really annoyed by the mom.
—aldo
Great story about the saving love between a autistic boy and his dog
—Aneudys97
Loved the story but too heartbreaking!
—eshaver123
