A Friend Like Henry: The Remarkable True Story of an Autistic Boy and the Dog That Unlocked His World

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A Friend Like Henry: The Remarkable True Story of an Autistic Boy and the Dog That Unlocked His World Pub. Date: 9/1/2008 Publisher: Sourcebooks, Incorporated

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Overview

"The incredible story of a family with an autistic son, Dale, who conquers his disability thanks to the special bond he forms with Henry, a golden retriever puppy ... This is a fascinating and inspiring real-life account."
- Woman & Home

a friend like henry
The remarkable true story of an autistic boy and the dog that unlocked his world
When Jamie and Nuala Gardner chose a puppy for their son, Dale, they weren't an ordinary family choosing an ordinary pet. Dale's autism was so severe that the smallest deviation from his routine could provoke a terrifying tantrum. Family life was almost destroyed by his condition, and his parents spent most of their waking hours trying to break into their son's autistic world and give him the help he so desperately needed. But after years of constant effort and slow progress, the Gardners' lives were transformed when they welcomed a new member into the family, Henry, a gorgeous golden retriever puppy. The bond between Dale and his dog would change their lives ...

"This touching story is an emotional rollercoaster."
- Book Review

"Emotionally charged, this is a story that raises powerful issues in a deeply personal and insightful manner."
- Irish Examiner

Product Details

ISBN-13: 9781402214066
Publisher: Sourcebooks, Incorporated
Publication date: 9/1/2008
Pages: 262
Sales rank: 319,991
Product dimensions: 5.20 (w) x 7.90 (h) x 0.90 (d)

Read an Excerpt

By the time we took Dale up to his room to settle him for the night, he was much calmer, although he insisted that Henry stay with him at all times. Even when Henry was lying beside him on top of the blanket, Dale still needed reassurance that his dog was not going away and was feeling all right. I had an idea and whispered to Jamie, who then said in Henry's deep voice, "Dale, I'm feeling much better now. Please take my Band-aid off."

Jamie gently removed the Band-aid, saying, "Dale, I'll put this in the trash-we won't need it any more."

Dale's face immediately flooded with relief and Jamie left me to say goodnight to him.

"Dale, give Henry his night-time kiss," I told him. "It's time to sleep."

He turned and did so, saying, "Night, night, Henry. Love you. See you in the morning."

I tucked Dale in and kissed him, saying, "Goodnight, Dale," as I cautiously turned to leave.
Then came his quiet, upset little voice, wanting more reassurance: "Mummy, Dale loves his dog."

I didn't want to make any more of a fuss and carried on, saying, "Yes, darling, and Henry loves Dale."

As I opened the bedroom door wider, Dale repeated softly, "Mummy, Dale loves his dog."

"Yes, that's good," I replied, still trying to leave. Then I stopped dead in my tracks as his next words hit me.

"And Dale loves his mummy."

Just five little words, yet I was numb, paralyzed with shock. Then somehow my brain started to function again, although my heart was pounding-I desperately didn't want to get this wrong. I turned around and knelt down beside Dale's bed, where I gave him a cautious and gentle hug, telling him, "Mummy loves you, too. And Daddy loves you. Goodnight, Dale."

His sweet, small voice replied, "And Dale loves Daddy."

I kissed him on the head, quietly left the room and wept-copious, silent tears. Through this mist I noticed Jamie, who had been waiting on the landing to see whether Dale had settled. We just gazed at each other, disbelieving. Then he took me in his arms as I continued to weep.

Prologue     IX
The Arrival     1
A Different Child     13
A Lonely Battle     26
Henry: A Really Useful Dog     45
The Voice     51
The Kick     72
Make or Break     90
A Fitting Tribute     107
The Miracle     125
Independence     149
Tough Decisions     165
Harry     184
A Whole New World     204
Granda George     222
Letting Go     236
In His Own Words     247
Afterword     257
Reading Group Guide     259

Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5

( 14 )

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(9)

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(3)

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(1)

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Anonymous

Posted February 16, 2012

Bb

Great book so funny
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Anonymous

Posted October 1, 2009

This book was an engaging story about the challenges faced by a family that includes two children with autism and their amazing dog Henry. The bonds that are initiated, developed and ultimately sustained between and among family members are priceles

A Friend Like Henry can be enjoyed by educators, families and the general public to enhance understanding of autism and the benefits of having a family pet.
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Anonymous

Posted March 5, 2009

a must read for parents of an autistic child

I thought the book was wonderful. The parents took time and patience in helping their child. Although they had some difficult times the child became more out spoken and able to handle every day situations.
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Robin_in_Natick

Posted February 22, 2009

Inspiring Heartfelt Story

This story captured my emotional heartstrings. One cannot help but empathize with this mother of two autistic children who has devoted her life to giving them a worthwhile and productive life. As the owner of a golden retriever, I can relate firsthand to the love a dog like Henry can contribute to a child's well-being. We get to know Henry and understand his value to Dale's development. I cried when Dale said "Tree", and when he first told Henry that he loved him. Then I was moved to tears a half dozen additional times before the story concluded. I wish I could contact Nuala Gardner directly to thank her for sharing her remarkable story.
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Anonymous

Posted February 9, 2009

A great story about a family and a dog

I work with children with autism, and I happen to own dogs, one in which is a black lab named Henry, and I can see the direct connection that children with special needs have with dogs. Yes, this story is about a Mum looking for answers, but it is also about a dog, that is forgiving, and non-judgemental who becomes not only part of the family, but also part of the solution, ulimately unlocking the difficult puzzle of autism. Autistic kids generlly can't understand other peoples feelings, but through his pet dog, a boy learns to feel, learns to care for, and learns to love.
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krysolomon

Posted February 1, 2009

Disappointed

I was very disappointed in this book. The title implies that the book is about how a special dog miraculously helps a child overcome autism; but the book hardly even mentions the dog. It is most a biography of the boy with autism and his mother trying to become pregnant. Would not recommend this book to those expecting a heartwarming story of a young man and his dog.
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A Friend Like Henry: The Remarkable True Story of an Autistic Boy and the Dog That Unlocked His World

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Overview

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Product Details

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Bb

This book was an engaging story about the challenges faced by a family that includes two children with autism and their amazing dog Henry. The bonds that are initiated, developed and ultimately sustained between and among family members are priceles

a must read for parents of an autistic child

Inspiring Heartfelt Story

A great story about a family and a dog

Disappointed