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"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
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.
Anonymous
Posted December 2, 2012
A very heart warming story. As a mother of a child on the Autism Spectrum and I work with special needs kids, I found this book to be very good. One of my favorites. I laughed and I cried. I so understand this mother and I want to thank her for sharing her story.
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Posted February 16, 2012
Great book so funny
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted October 1, 2009
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.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted March 5, 2009
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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Posted February 22, 2009
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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Posted February 9, 2009
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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Posted February 1, 2009
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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Posted May 26, 2011
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Posted May 28, 2011
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Posted December 24, 2011
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Posted May 12, 2009
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Posted October 9, 2010
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Posted December 29, 2009
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Posted December 10, 2010
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Posted January 3, 2011
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Posted March 20, 2009
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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 ...