Being With Cows

LoveReading Says

It might be difficult to believe in the healing power of cows, but Dave Mountjoy will convince you.

In his memoir, Being With Cows, he recounts how he and his wife, Diana, had moved to the French Pyrenees and were casting about for business ideas for their beautiful plot of land. After learning that they would be able to convert one of the barns into a residence if they acquired some farm animals, they decided to buy some cows. Having spent time on his mother’s family farm in Worcestershire countryside, it seemed the most logical next step.

They were only getting to grips with their new farm when they learn that Mountjoy’s brother, Cork, had committed suicide. Mountjoy writes how this tragedy led him to appreciate how the cows could help him heal. He found that his form of bovine therapy—sitting quietly with his cows and learning to be still for them—helped him navigate the depths of grief and eventually find acceptance and quiet joy.  

Mountjoy coined the term “cowfulness” to describe being mindful in the presence of cows and the peace he feels in their presence. (He doesn’t mention the smell, though, which must be overpowering). He beautifully describes the countryside, and the rotating cast of interesting animals, including foxes, pine martens, newts, owls, deer and wild boar, that he encounters.  

He now runs Being With Cows retreats on the farm so other people can experience the same joy he found with his herd. 

Maureen Stapleton

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