COWBOY & WILLS

"Everything became easier when it was for Cowboy," Monica Holloway says of the bond between her son Wills and his dog. Holloway was looking for a way to break through the walls of her son's autism when a female puppy named Cowboy came into their lives. Dog and boy quickly took to each other, and Cowboy helped the youngster make the kinds of social connections that are often difficult for autistic children. Holloway reads her story with a mother's voice—her exuberance, love, anxiety, and joy all come through clearly. In the end, this memoir takes a sad turn when Cowboy is diagnosed with lupus. But along the way, there are plenty of joyful and tender moments, as well as insights that will help anyone interested in gaining a better understanding of autism. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine [Published: FEBRUARY 2010]