A closer look at the four-legged heart of The Adventures at Red Oak Farm: Things Take Time by Regina S. Richmond
Every good story has a hero. Sometimes, it’s the brave one charging into action. Sometimes, it’s the quiet soul who shows up again and again, offering comfort when it’s needed most.
In The Adventures at Red Oak Farm: Things Take Time by Regina S. Richmond, that hero is a black farm dog named Cowboy. Loyal, smart, and always alert, Cowboy doesn’t wear a cape, but he’s every bit the protector and friend Stacy needs as she navigates life on the farm.
He’s not just comic relief or background noise. He’s a full character, with a sharp sense of what’s going on around him and a heart that stays wide open, even when others pull back.
Cowboy’s Loyalty Runs Deep
From the moment readers meet Cowboy, it’s clear he takes his job seriously. Whether he’s herding horses, watching over the barn, or tagging along on every one of Stacy’s adventures, he’s always nearby, steady, dependable, and brave.
But his loyalty isn’t just about action. It’s emotional, too. Cowboy feels what the people and animals around him are going through. He senses when Stacy’s unsure. He keeps an eye on Bravo, the scared and standoffish horse, without ever pushing him too far. He even sniffs out trouble before anyone else notices it.
In many ways, Cowboy is the quiet protector of Red Oak Farm, and like most real-life dogs, he’s a lot smarter than people give him credit for.
A Dog That Feels Like Family
What makes Cowboy so relatable is that he isn’t perfect. He gets into things he shouldn’t. He has strong opinions. He can be stubborn and nosy and even a little dramatic at times. But that’s what makes him real.
Regina S. Richmond doesn’t paint Cowboy as a flawless, polished storybook pup. She writes him like a dog you’ve known your whole life. The one who slept at your feet, followed you from room to room, and somehow always knew when something was off.
For many readers, especially kids with pets of their own, Cowboy will feel like an old friend. And for those who’ve never had a dog, he just might be the one to make them wish for one.
The Unspoken Bond Between Stacy and Cowboy
Stacy doesn’t always have the words for what she’s feeling. Sometimes she gets quiet. Sometimes she gets overwhelmed. But Cowboy never asks her to explain. He just stays close.
That kind of bond doesn’t need words. It’s built on presence. On trust. On shared routines and small moments, like walking through a field together or sitting in the barn when the sun goes down.
Through Stacy and Cowboy’s connection, The Adventures at Red Oak Farm: Things Take Time shows young readers what true friendship looks like. It’s not loud or flashy. It doesn’t need to be. Sometimes it’s just knowing someone’s got your back, no matter what.
The Humor He Brings
Let’s be honest, Cowboy isn’t all serious. He brings a dose of much-needed humor to the story, too. Whether it’s his Halloween costume (yes, he wears one), his playful teasing of the horses, or the way he always seems to know what’s going on, Cowboy’s personality lights up every scene he’s in.
Even when things feel heavy, he’s there to balance it out, sometimes with a wag of his tail, sometimes with a perfectly timed bark, and sometimes by doing something only a dog could get away with.
A Reminder That Heroes Come in All Forms
Cowboy may not save the day in dramatic ways, but he does something even more important: he’s steady. He’s safe. He’s love in a fur coat.
And in the world of The Adventures at Red Oak Farm: Things Take Time, that makes him a hero.
Regina S. Richmond brings Cowboy to life in a way that reminds us all, kids and adults alike, that you don’t have to be big or bold to make a difference. Sometimes, being there, listening, and loving with your whole heart is more than enough.
And if you’ve ever loved a dog, you’ll recognize Cowboy right away.
He’s the tail-wagging proof that not all heroes wear capes. Some… just follow you home.