100% Hand-Carved Wooden Highland Cow Figurine – Rustic Farmhouse Decor, Meaningful Gift for Cow Lovers (Handmade by LiveWell®)

My father's name was Michael Maynard. U.S. Marine Corps, 1st Battalion, 5th Marines. September 14th, 2007. Iraq. Baghdad. Two mortar rounds that day. My mom said the guy who showed up at our door stood there holding his cover for a long time before he said anything. She already knew. I was eleven years old. I ended up joining too. Maybe I wanted to be close to him. Maybe I thought I'd be luckier than him. I came back alive. Just covered in burns. My mom never once acted like I was hard to look at. Even when I was at my worst, she just said, "It's okay. Mom's here."

Now she's going through chemo. Last week she threw up all day. When she finally fell asleep, she was still holding my hand. I sat by her bed and thought about a lot of things. Thought about how my father never saw me in uniform. Never knew I could do woodworking. Paint birds. Make wind chimes that actually look good. And then I thought — he didn't make it home. But my mom is still here. So I go to my garage every day. Make wind chimes. One after another. Not for the money. It's because my father wasn't there to take care of her to the end.

I still can.

I'm not too late.

A Little Wooden Cow With a Family Story

1. The Wood I Choose

I make each Highland cow from American basswood, a wood known for its fine grain, smooth texture, and suitability for detailed carving. It allows me to shape the flowing coat, gentle face, and curved horns clearly.

I buy the wood in small batches from a U.S. lumber supplier. Natural grain, small knots, and color differences make every finished cow slightly different.

2. The First Highland Cow in Our Family

The reason I carve Highland cows goes back to a story my mother told me many times.

When my father and mother were young and first dating, my father did not have much money. Instead of buying her an expensive gift, he carved a small Highland cow from a scrap of wood and gave it to her by hand. It was simple and imperfect, but it became the first meaningful gift he ever gave her.

My mother kept that little cow for years. It sat on a shelf through birthdays, moves, difficult seasons, and quiet family evenings. After my father never returned home from Iraq, it became more than a decoration. It became a reminder of the young man she loved before the uniforms, the deployments, and the loss.

3. Why I Began Carving

After returning from service, I often struggled with how much my appearance had changed. My garage became a quiet place where I could work without feeling watched.

Remembering the cow my father made, I picked up a block of wood and tried to recreate it. My first attempt was uneven, but when my mother held it and smiled, I knew I wanted to keep carving. It gave my hands purpose and kept my father’s memory close.

4. Made Slowly, One Detail at a Time

Each cow begins as a small block of basswood. I shape the body, face, legs, ears, horns, and long coat, then sand and finish the surface to reveal the wood’s natural warmth.

Because each piece is finished individually, grain, texture, and small carving details may vary.

Height: 3.54 inches / 9 cm
Width: 2.16 inches / 5.5 cm
Depth: 1.96 inches / 5 cm

It is an ideal size for a bookshelf, desk, mantel, kitchen shelf, or nightstand.

5. Give This Little Cow a Home

To me, this little cow represents my father’s love, my mother’s strength, and the work that helped me keep moving forward. By bringing one home, you are supporting my small workshop and helping me continue caring for the woman who never stopped believing in me. Place it beside a family photograph, give it to someone who loves Highland cows, or keep it as a reminder of love, courage, and home. Please choose your Highland cow today. Your support helps me keep carving, one piece of wood at a time. From my family to yours, thank you.

🐮 A GIFT THAT FEELS PERSONAL

Not something you pick up in a hurry.

Something you choose
because it reminds you of someone…
or a feeling you want to keep close.

🐮 AT A GLANCE

• Solid Wood — real wood you can feel, never plastic or hollow
• Hand-Carved — each one shaped by hand, with its own character
• Just the Right Size — about 3.5 inches, easy to place anywhere
• Warm, Rustic Style — fits naturally into farmhouse or cozy spaces
• Made for Everyday Spaces — shelves, desks, or a quiet corner at home

📦 SHIPPING & SUPPORT

I make every Highland Cow Figurine by hand in my little studio. Because of that, please allow 2–3 days for me to pack your order before shipping.

• 📍 Shipping: Worldwide. Tracking included.
• ⏱ Delivery: Usually 5–12 business days.
• 🔒 Secure checkout: Your information is safe.
• 🙏 If something goes wrong: Just email me. I'll make it right.

Thank you for supporting a veteran and his family. Every order helps me care for my mother and give back to wounded veterans. God bless you.