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

Synopsis

A Friend Like Henry is a mother's heartwarming account of how her little boy conquered his autism with the help of a devoted family dog.

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. Their family life was almost destroyed by his condition. His parents were consumed by attempts to break into their son's world and give him the help he desperately needed.

But after years of constant effort and slow progress, the Gardners' lives were transformed when they welcomed a new family member, Henry, a gorgeous golden retriever puppy. The bond between Dale and his dog finally helped Dale's parents produce the near miraculous breakthrough in their son they had long sought and set him on the road to leading a full and happy life.

'This touching story is an emotional roller coaster ... I was left with a sense of huge admiration for the writer and her family.'
- Book Review

'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

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