Surviving Henry: Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe

Surviving Henry was an excellent book on so many levels. It was entertaining to read but yet had lessons to teach. I do not have a boxer like Henry but have had a dog all my life of one size or another. All with different quirks and personalities. I also raised two ADHD children who I could relate many of the experiences to my children's. I enjoyed how it all came back to love and faith. I received this book from the Book Club Network in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lessons in True Love found where they're lest expected... Surviving Henry   By Erin Taylor Young            Adventures in Loving a                     Canine Catastrophe.... If you love books about dogs and their antics you need to read Surviving Henry.  And the good news Henry survives the book though he has a few close calls as does the family that he calls his own. Henry is boxer who just didn't quite fit the breed standard, thus ensuring his life as the family terror make that pet.  What follows are the joys of obedience training gone wrong.  A little incident with a motorized scooter.  And every owner's worst nightmare an encounter with a glass surface. Henry will make you laugh and bring you to tears.  This is a book that you'll want to share with friends and family (but not necessarily with those contemplating their first puppy). This book is the author's journey in true love - love that we only truly experience from our Heavenly Father as He sees are flaws and faults and yet chooses to stick with us as we learn to listen to His voice. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher through BookFun/TBCN in exchange for my honest review.

Great book. I love Boxers. Great family dog

I think I have read every entertaining book written about a dog, some even twice. This book was SO FUNNY, I was laughing out loud. I have told everybody to ready this and am going to buy it for Christmas presents for a couple friends I have that own boxers, although they aren't quite like HENRY! Please write more books like this, the world needs a laugh!

I loved Henry.  He was just so goofy and had so many issues I couldn't help but love him.  I think the one thing that amazed me was when he went through the kitchen window to get into the house.  Oh, my the mess. Oh, the things the author went through with Henry.  Completely side splitting, horrifying but so honest.   The honest part of the book was that despite everything, the author loved this dog which is what we as humans need to learn about loving each other.  We all have flaws and fumble in life.I received a free copy of this book from TBCN for my honest review.

Surviving Henry is a really cute read. I was constantly laughing out loud at Henry's antics. As a dog owner, I definitely could relate. I kept thinking this book had a Marley and Me fell to it. I good, family read. 5 stars.

Surviving Henry. Oh what to say about it. Surviving Henry by Erin Taylor Young was a very funny, hit too close to home book. ¿ Our family, with very submissive family members, have owned a few alpha dogs in our 15 years and yes, they were described perfectly through Surviving Henry. We had to return a dog from where we bought him because of his physical aggression with our other dog and also our children (not playfully biting our behind but actually growling and showing true aggression). I could relate and empathize with the author when she talked about the drastic measures that had to be taken to help Henry learn how to control his own behavior. I give Ms. Young and her family so much credit for tackling the problems that Henry came with and working patiently with him throughout the years until he could learn true submission. How many of us are still working on truly submitting in some area in our life? I thought this book was very well written and explained in a very comical way the trials and extreme cost that went into training their dog. They had to use methods that are sometimes the last resort, but never done cruelly. The line I loved the most was toward the end: “…he almost seems, well, relaxed. As if the burden of having to tear up the mail truck evaporated. I see normality come over him. A sense of freedom from the stress of challenging every noisy vehicle that comes down the road. It’s a glimpse of Henry as he should be.” Don’t we all face that sometimes in our lives - needing that little bit of encouragement, that boundary to help us relax and realize we don’t have to fight anymore - we can rest in the arms of our Heavenly Father and trust that He will take care of us and protect the world from our version of “mail trucks?” There were so many funny parts to this book it kept me laughing and reading more. However, I love how she ended the book - saying that getting an easier dog would have been “easier” but God wanted to show her His grace and mercy through Henry. How He loves us unconditionally even when we do nothing that “deserves” His love. God has been showing me His message of unconditional love through a variety of sources lately and I thank Ms. Young for allowing God to speak to me through her book. We all need a Henry in our lives to remind us of just how much God loves us - not because of anything we do (or don’t do) but because of who we are! I received this book for free from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

Surviving Henry, Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe by Erin Taylor Young Get ready to laugh from the very first page Erin Taylor Young writes of personal experience with a "PUPnado" that you cannot help but love. Henry is a ADHD dog that will have tears streaming down your face. This book is well written humor, I appreciate the honesty of the author about Henry antics as well as hers. Henry is a handful and teaches us all about unconditional love. Even when Henry seemed beyond training he was still loved and cherished by his family. Henry is an equal opportunity piddler, everywhere and on anyone, especially his favorite trainer Angel who cannot meet Henry without getting a "shower" of adoration. Henry loves life and makes sure he is involved in everything, to him the world is his toy, especially if it is filled with peanut butter or cheese. This book will be loved by all readers and will not soon be forgotten, I am sure I will think of Henry every time I see a dog straining at their leash. I have grandchildren 2 & 5 and Henry is just like a toddler who has a stubborn streak. I felt as though I was a part of the family as I read through this hysterical account of a dog chewing, peeing, chasing and creating extraordinary havoc. The writing was descriptive and easy to visualize myself right there with Henry in his countless escapades. Thank you to the author, publishers and the Book Club Network for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review and hours of laughs.

Henry the Boxer has more challenges than every cat I’ve ever been owned by put together! And he looks like such a sweet, adorable pup on his FB page! Yet, appearances can be deceiving – not only in pets, but in people. It is often the most well-groomed, attractively prepared person or pet who needs the most love and attention and yes – guidance from the Father or in Henry’s case, his owners. And Surviving Henry is just as the title suggests – surviving the antics of this handsome, headstrong dog. Henry is a boxer pup who was adopted by Erin Taylor Young and her family after a cross-country move when one of her sons wanted a dog. Reminiscing about Hank, the loving, well-behaved Boxer that she grew up with, they adopt Henry. And there is nothing that the Young family could have done to prepare for Henry. If it were up to Henry, he would happily have been an obedience school dropout. But to Erin and her family, obedience school was only the beginning of trying to rein in the reign of Henry. Erin believed it was the Lord challenging her to not give up on Henry. I hope that, as the Lord challenges us not to give up on each other, He finds humor in some of the things that we do in the same way that we laugh at Henry’s antics! Yet amidst the hilarity that seeing life with Henry from the outside, I am reminded of how the Lord works on us through the pets he puts into our care. Not only those pets who show how great God’s love is by providing His unconditional love through that pet, but the pet that this reader is nearly over the edge trying to forgive and love. Because Erin has shown this reader through Henry that his behavior may be the result of a brain that just doesn’t work normally. As my brain often doesn’t. Descriptions of the characters – primarily Henry and Erin – are three dimensional and ready to leap off the pages with their mountain bike. This outstanding author, who shows her family’s life with Henry with humor, frustration, and understanding, also has the very receptive heart and capable hands into which the Lord firmly plopped this pup as she would also understand what the Lord would want her to share with us. Erin writes of many return trips to obedience school, and she demonstrates patience and longsuffering willingness to try anything to help Henry be “normal”. Her writing style shines as she describes with word pictures in such a way that the reader feels like part of the action without enduring the mountain bike ride. I am impressed with her talent to write humorously of events that are so un-funny if you are the one outmatched by Henry yet again. I highly recommend Surviving Henry to young adults and adults of any age who love pets, who like to laugh – hard – at animal antics, or who see God’s work in our lives through the pets that He loans to us for such a relatively brief time. I would love to see more about Henry as he settles (hopefully) into doggy middle age and brings happiness and love to his people. Because this hurricane of a dog may be a joy when he appreciates those who lived life in the eye of his storm. I received a copy of this book through the “For Readers Only” group at The Book Club Network, in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.

Surviving Henry By Erin Taylor Young If this is how Erin Taylor Young writes all her books, we are in for a real treat ¿  I received this book as I was trying to write a review for another book I was finishing; I couldn’t put Surviving Henry down to complete my other book or review!! One of the funniest books I’ve ever read. Erin Taylor Young writes as if she is sitting next to you, conversing with you. She is funny, witty, and a great story teller. As she writes about her Boxer, Henry, and all his antics, you are guaranteed to laugh, till “tears run down your leg!!” I laughed, I cried, I cringed, I said, “what the heck….” Henry, the beloved family pet, was supposed to be a rewarding experience for her two polar-opposite boys. (She had a Boxer as a girl, and remembered the love and ease of her Boxer, Aaron). She sure got a surprise with Henry though – as did everyone who ever encountered Henry.  Surviving Henry is a story of love, surprises at every turn, humor at its finest, determination and just plain wonderment. As Erin tells her story, she learns the meaning of unconditional love.  I received this book through TCBN for my honest review, which I have given.

Fond memories of a childhood boxer prompted the author to get a boxer for her young boys. What happened next is worthy of a book. Henry wasn't a typical boxer. He wasn't even a typical dog. Through all of the experiences and catastrophes that happen with Henry she learns the true meaning of unconditional love. The author took what could have been just another dog story and injected humor and lessons on unconditional love. It was well written, funny, and endearing. I found myself laughing quite a few times and grimacing in sympathy as well. This is a fun little book that adults and children will both enjoy. I received this book free of charge from Book Club Network in exchange for my honest review.

When I first started to read this book, I wasn't completely impressed, I will be honest. But I decided to stick with it and I am so glad I did. It had a lot of laughs and great stories and was a nice, easy read. If you have ever owned a dog, this book will put a smile on your face and maybe even cause you to give thanks for the dog that you do have (unless your dog is worse then Henry). :-)

Surviving Henry Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe by Erin Taylor Young I LOVED this book. Henry is a boxer with endless energy. It was refreshing to hear the antics of others peoples pets. I found the author Erin Taylor Young, to be quite funny and found myself laughing so hard I cried. In all Henry’s antics he was still loveable, reminds me of a kid with ADHD. Always into something but never with a malice heart. Henry reminds me of some of the dogs and cats I have owned or fostered. I admire the way the author summed it up, “I love this dog… because, maybe this is the sum of countless choices. Every decisions I’ve made to keep going, keep working, keep trying had added up to loving Henry with my actions, even when my feelings were anything but. Funny how the warmth of emotion caught up to my choices somewhere along the way. Like finding a rare gift in s beat up box.” The author did a fantastic job of describing Henry with love and passion. I give Surviving Henry 5 stars and would loved to read more about him. I normally do not read much non-fiction but loved this one and would consider others by this author. I want to thank the author Erin Taylor Young and publisher Revell for bringing good clean funny Christian books like this one to readers like me. I would also like to thank The Book Club Network Inc. for providing me with this book in exchange for my honest review.

What a funny book – since it didn’t happen to me! Honestly I thought the stories were so funny and I felt so bad for the author as I kept reading all her trials with Henry! As a child Erin Young had a wonderful boxer, so when she acquiesced to her boys wanting a dog, she looked for a boxer. Henry was supposed to be a champion show dog – but he had a defect that disqualified him so he became a family pet. But, Henry couldn’t behave to save his life – and almost killed himself several times. But, whenever he was at his worse, he was also so sweet and cute and how could the author get rid of such a personality filled, sweet faced boy? Surely, he would get better? Reading Surviving Henry made me laugh – and cuddle my dog and rejoice that she is nothing like Henry! I would totally recommend this book for dog owners and lovers - you will laugh and groan your way through! Husbands and children – do not get this for Mom if you want her to let you have a dog. I received this book from TBCN in return for my honest opinion.

As a Great Dane owner, I'm well acquainted with the damage large breed dogs can do, but I'm still stunned by Henry. This dog is full-throttle trouble barreling down the freeway. Sometimes the results are hilarious, sometimes frustrating and sometimes troubling, but Erin Taylor Young shares all the truth with her keen sense of humor and masterful descriptions.  Generally in book reviews I'd discuss character development, and this is no exception. Henry is one of the most fleshed out characters I've encountered, and considering he's a dog, that's no small accomplishment. Although his antics were exhausting, Young manages to make Henry a sympathetic character. By the end, you do believe that he really wants to be a good dog. If only... I found myself re-reading portions aloud to my family and they always begged for more. It was fun for us to reminisce about  our own puppy days and comforting to acknowledge that we didn't have it that bad. Great story for families.

Sometimes a body just needs a good laugh! I was recovering from a bout of severe Vitamin D deficiency and feeling pretty much laid low  -  not much energy for most of my daily tasks. Even my daily pleasures. So what a treat it was to indulge in my favorite pastime: reading! And what a treat SURVIVING HENRY, by Erin Taylor Young was! What better medicine is there than a good laugh? Answer: a great story, filled with both humor and tender moments between the author and her boxer. What I loved about this book is you don't have to be a dog owner to enjoy the absolutely hysterical situations Henry draws the author into. The tales of swimming, doggy obedience training and his ability to turn on the charm at will were my favorites. Many passages were shared with my hubby when my giggles and laughter piqued his curiosity. He loved the stories, too! You don't have to be a dog lover to love this book. Ms. Young's easy style of humor weaves into the story with insight and poignancy, and will draw you into the book from the first page. But if you have ever raised a puppy, this story will resonate with you, will have you laughing through your tears, and will warm your heart. I highly recommend this book!! Rebecca DeMarino

 This book is 70% funny, and about half of that is genuine-chuckle-to-straight-up-laughter humor. Even when the story is yanking on your heart strings, comedy is always there. Henry was an adorable boxer puppy when he came home with Erin Taylor Young and her husband and sons. As a child Erin's best canine friend was a beautiful and brawny boxer, the easiest dog you could ever hope to own. It was time to replicate that experience for her boys. Henry had an impressive pedigree. His breeder had spared no expense to pair the finest animals, and the numerous offspring were destined to be standard-setting champions. Except there were only two pups, and neither were show quality. But they would be perfect pets, of course. I bet you can guess that this wasn't the case. Henry was something else entirely. Thus begins this dog's tail, and we get front row seats to the drama! We hear about.... K9 University, where Henry was enrolled after a fellow customer in Petco diagnosed him as "dominant." (I don't think Henry ever graduated from this obedience school.) Doggie life-vests, for visits to the lake, and rides in a bass boat, and discovering flocks of ducks. Erin's strategies for wearing out her high energy pup. These include riding a motor scooter while walking the dog. Riding a bicycle while walking the dog. Ending up in the hospital after the bicycle incident. I'm not doing the humor here justice at all. You really have to read it, and it's great for read aloud sharing! I love laughter, but a book has to *make* me laugh. Some of Mary Roach does. Some of James Thurber does. Now I know that Erin Taylor Young does too. Thank you Revell Reads for my review copy! 

I am not a dog lover, but just spent a marvelous day with a satisfying book. Each page I read brought one name to mind. Erma Bombeck. The account was well written and engaging. The author did an exceptional job in drawing me into her story. There were numerous "I was there moments" to enjoy. Many situations in life cause us to grow in perspective. It seems life with Henry taught Erin Taylor Young that disappointments are best viewed as growth opportunities. Never thought I’d see a lesson on spiritual maturity in a humorous account with a willful dog. I’ll wait expectantly for her next book. Surviving Henry was sent to me by the publisher for my honest review.

If you've ever been a pet owner, you'll relate to the tales Erin shares in "Surviving Henry". If you've never had a pet...you may have second thoughts about becoming a pet owner after reading about Henry's antics. Henry is a boxer who wasn't eligible to live his life as a show dog due to...wait for it...a missing testicle. So instead, he became a member of the Young family. It isn't long before Erin and Alan and their boys wonder just who owns whom? From peeing on the owner of the obedience school, to breaking and entering a pet store, there isn't anything Henry won't attempt. Except swimming. But he does. Go swimming. Accidentally. Seems Henry can't swim, so he ends up with a doggy life jacket and hilarity ensues. This charismatic boxer attracts fans and friends everywhere he goes, and creates mayhem wherever he enters. But he's obviously loved and well cared for, cheap squeaky toys and all. My thanks to my friends at Revell Publishing for my advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I honestly fell in love with Henry, and I think you will, too. You'll also be very glad you aren't his owner! "Surviving Henry" is available at bookstores and online book sellers everywhere, so get a copy and prepare to laugh...a lot!

Erin Taylor Young in her new book, “Surviving Henry” published by Revell brings us Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe. From the Back Cover:   Sometimes you seek out love. And sometimes it broadsides you. You don’t always know what you’re getting into when you bring home a puppy. You hope for laughs and cuddles, long walks and a wagging tail. And sometimes you get . . . Henry. Henry is a boxer who suffers from Supreme Dictator of the Universe Syndrome. He vandalizes his obedience school, leaps through windows, cheats death at every turn, and generally causes his long-suffering owner Erin Taylor Young to wonder what on earth she did wrong that God would send this dog to derail her life. But this rogue torpedo of a dog wasn’t sent to torment his owner–well, not just to torment her. Through all the hair-pulling and questioning of her own sanity, Erin learns something very powerful from Henry, a dog who brings new meaning to the concept of unconditional love. Through his laugh-out-loud antics and jaw-dropping escapades, Henry will careen into your life and steal your heart. If you enjoyed the “Dennis The Menace” cartoons then you will enjoy Henry. This boxer seems to enjoy life and wants to know everything about his world which means he pokes his nose into everything and gets into loads of trouble. I happen to believe that God picks the pets that we wind up with for us. If someone else other than Erin had brought Henry home who knows if the results would have worked out so well. Now the situations are very funny though I think that at the time they might not have been humorous. I think you will enjoy this book as you see God at work blending family and pet together as one cohesive whole. Somehow it works and is a lot of fun t share in. Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Revell Publishers.   I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I own a dog. She’s a sweet, 45-pound mutt with a heart to please, and she’s sort of growing on me. But really, I don’t like dogs. So when I tell you that Surviving Henry was one of the funniest, sweetest, most poignant books I’ve ever read, you should know I started with an attitude of, meh, just another dog book.   Indeed, this is not just another dog book.    You wouldn’t believe the scrapes this lunatic dogs gets himself (and his poor owner) into. The stories will make you laugh out loud and wince in sympathetic pain, all at the same time. But it’s the lessons Henry teaches his family that make this book stand out. I don’t like dogs, but I loved Surviving Henry.    Full disclosure: I was asked to review this book. (Why else would a cat lover pick up a book with a dog on the cover?) Another disclosure: I read it in three days—sometimes aloud to my amused family. I give this book my highest recommendation. 

I laughed at loud multpile times especially with the training ideas to tire out poor Henry. Wonder if those would work on the kids? Buy it you'll love it if you have ever had a rowdy dog

For anyone who has ever wanted to give up on a dog, a spouse, a kid, or any other difficult individual, Surviving Henry is a laugh-out-loud lesson on commitment to love--warts and all. My favorite part was THE BIKE WRECK where the author says for all of thirty paces, she was a dog training genius. She lets all us dog lovers laugh at a dog who is as bad as ours--or worse. The book is a quick read and well worth the time.

This was a fun book to read.  At times, I found myself laughing out loud and cringing with some of Henry's antics.   I found myself relating to some of the stories and decided my dogs' issues are minor to Henry's.  It was an easy,  quick read and I found myself still reading later than I had planned.  I never lost interest from beginning to end.  I think anyone who likes dogs will enjoy Surviving Henry.