About Cowboys Heart

Meet Larry Dudley, Author of "A Cowboy's Heart" Larry Dudley was born in Corvallis, Oregon in 1955. He has lived in Oregon all his life except for a few logging stints in Alaska. In fact, he was in such a hurry to start life, he was almost born on an elevator in the hospital! Larry has always worked hard, played hard, drank hard and had what seemed like more than his share of hard times. At age 3, he and his siblings were placed in foster care due to family troubles. Joe and Nellie Zook took them in for a few years until their dad was able to bring them home again. The Zooks were a strong influence on their lives, and they continued to spend summers with them for many years on the ranch where Nellie grew up. It was with Joe and Nellie where Larry discovered his love of horses, and that passion has stayed with him to this day. Nellie was always important to Larry. Her greatest gift to him was the art of nonjudgemental listening no matter where he was in his life. He counts it as a blessing for the opportunity to take care of her when she had a stroke in 1997. Larry started drinking at age 11 and spent time in detention for 'youthful transgressions.' At 15 he was released from the court system and worked on a hay ranch in Reedsport. At 17, he joined the army for two years, stationed in California and Washington and trained as a scout in Recon. Larry began riding in rodeos in the army and continued for several years after his discharge. He rode bulls and said, "it was the greatest adrenalin rush I've ever had." There were many ups and downs, several marriages, and still....drinking. Finally, at age 39, one morning Larry prayed, "God, please show me how to live, or I'm done." That was the beginning of his faith in God, sobriety, and learning how to live life on life's terms. It wasn't easy, but with God's help, he was determined. He went to AA and still does. After three years sober, Larry started writing poems. They were more a gift than a struggle and the words seemed to flow through him. When you read his poems, you see the hard times, the faith and the growth. Now, thirteen years sober, Larry has found peace. Divorced, he realizes he'd never deserved to be married, that love was always his selfish need, not unconditional. Larry is a non-drinking, hard working truck driver with many interests, including active participation in Back Country Horsemen. He's spent hours on his favorite horse, Hutch, and his dream of publishing his poetry is a reality. Larry Dudley has learned to be a standup man with compassion for all, a delightful sense of humor and a helping hand for his family and friends.