Cowboy & Wills

A Love Story

By: Monica Holloway

Narrated by: Monica Holloway

Christened “charming” and “winning” by the Washington Post and “touching” by Publishers Weekly, this deeply moving memoir by celebrated author Monica Holloway tells the unforgettable true story of an extraordinary little boy with autism spectrum disorder and the irresistible puppy who transformed his life.

The day Monica Holloway learns that her lovable, brilliant three-year-old son has autism spectrum disorder (ASD), she takes him to buy an aquarium. But what Wills really wants is a puppy. From the moment Cowboy Carol Lawrence—an affectionate, high-spirited golden retriever—joins the family, Monica watches as her cautious son begins to step more confidently into the world.

With his new “sister” by his side, Wills finds the courage to invite children over for playdates, confront his fear of water, and finally sleep in his own bed, comforted by the puppy’s steady presence. As Cowboy proves to need her family as much as they need her, they discover the profound emotional support, companionship, and unconditional love that a dog can provide a child with special needs.

A heartfelt memoir about autism, family resilience, therapy dogs, and the life-changing bond between a child and a pet, this inspiring true story celebrates devotion, loyalty, and the unexpected ways healing can begin.

Critic reviews

"A boy and his dog -- that is sacred stuff. Layer onto that autism and the singular love of a mother and you've got the makings for deeply worthwhile reading. Monica Holloway is any one of us, doubled over with hope and pain and wishing." -- Kelly Corrigan, New York Times bestselling author of The Middle Place

"A young boy with autism is able to make friends with the aid of his pet dog named Cowboy. Pets can help open up social doors." -- Temple Grandin, New York Times bestselling author of Animals in Translation and Animals Make Us Human

"An intimate, loving, funny look at the heartbreaking relationship between one mom, one dad, their very special little boy, and the puppy that was heaven-sent to love them all." -- Leslie Morgan Steiner, New York Times bestselling author of Crazy Love and Mommy Wars

"Monica Holloway had me laughing AND crying within the first five pages of Cowboy & Wills. She crafts artful and, so often, hysterical observations of everyday life, while also revealing the many dimensions of heartache that come with being a mother who wants only the best for her family. Monica is the genuine article when it comes to pitch-perfect memoir writing." -- Jennifer Lauck, New York Times bestselling author of Blackbird and Still Waters

"Cowboy & Wills is the very best kind of memoir: a quietly profound story that reminds everyone of the power of simple acts of love. Holloway and her remarkable son are bound to inspire and transform many lives." -- Hope Edelman, New York Times bestselling author of The Possibility of Everything and Motherless Daughters

"Monica Holloway has written one of the most extraordinary memoirs I've ever read. Tender, loving, and heartbreakingly intimate, it chronicles her struggle to coax her son, Wills, out of the shell of autism. I highly recommend this gorgeous and frank book about family, connections, and the ephemeral state of belonging." -- Barrie Gillies, senior editor, Parents magazine

"Monica Holloway's Cowboy & Wills is a refreshing look at high-functioning autism. Her writing is personal, insightful, informative, and helpful. I highly recommend this book to families with autism, as well as to others who wish to gain a better understanding of the challenges and victories these families face." -- Elaine Hall, CoachE! in Autism: The Musical and author of Now I See the Moon

Heartwarming. A wonderful love story about a boy, his dog and his loving parents.

Loved this story. Shows how love can heal and inspire. This book is a love story about a boy and his dog, but it’s also about the love and patients of a mother who strives to support and advocate and understand her high functioning autistic son. Beautiful story.