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

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

The New York Times bestselling story of a boy, his dog, and the love that changed their lives forever.

When Jamie and Nuala Gardner chose a puppy for their son, Dale, they weren't an ordinary family choosing an ordinary pet. Dale was on the autism spectrum and his parents were desperate to support him—after being shuttled between ineffective, even callous healthcare professionals, they would try anything to support their son. As a nonverbal child Dale fought to be understood, and his parents would do anything to help their son process the world around him and break out of his own mind.

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 old adage is true: good things do come in small packages. One small puppy and the bond he formed with Dale would change the whole family's lives…

An inspirational feel-good book about family, mental health, and empathy, A Friend Like Henry is perfect for readers of Marley and Me, Until Tuesday, and The Reason I Jump.

Praise for A Friend Like Henry:

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

"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

New York Times bestselling author Nuala Gardner is a community nurse and qualified midwife and mother of Dale and Amy, both of whom have autism. Together with her husband Jamie, she fought the authorities to have her children’s condition recognized before there was sufficient understanding of autism.