Surviving Henry: Adventures in Loving a Canine Catastrophe

by Erin Taylor Young

You don't always know what you're getting into when you bring home a puppy. Enter Henry, 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 that God would send this dog to derail her life.

Through his laugh-out-loud antics and escapades, Henry will steal readers' hearts. Anyone who has ever owned a dog, especially a canine catastrophe like Henry, will enjoy this lighthearted book about a dog who brings new meaning to the concept of unconditional love.

Genres: Nonfiction, Animals, Dogs, Humor, Memoir, Biography Memoir, Comedy

224 pages, Paperback

First published July 29, 2014

About the author

Erin Taylor Young is a humor writer living in a comedy with an all-star cast including one well-meaning husband, two polar opposite sons, and a noncompliant dog. When she isn’t writing or rescuing the dog from mortal danger, she works in a library where she gets to wander among books.

She has a bachelors degree in art and a masters degree in music, which is mostly inconsequential but makes her sound more reputable. She loves football (Da Bears), photography, and hiking in cool national parks.

Reviews

[Rondia · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I read this book, I could just see myself sitting down next to Erin with her scrap book of pictures as she was telling me all about her friend Henry. What an adventure Erin has had with her lovable but challenging friend. "Surviving Henry" by Erin Taylor Young is an excellent read for anyone. It's not just another dog book. It is an inspiration. "Surviving Henry" will take you on a funny yet insightful journey through raising a dog who wants to be good but finds himself in many precarious situations. In the end, perseverance and hard work turn into love and insight. "Surviving Henry" will inspire everyone to continue on in this journey of life.

[Doreen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Guard this book! Every time I set my copy down on the table, I’d come back to find someone had picked it up and started reading it. My husband said he was caught at the first line….”Our dog has special needs, the greatest being the need for a lobotomy.” I had to resort to hiding this book so I could finish it. Good thing it’s a fast read.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. How can you not like a book that talks about “random bursts of hazardous intelligence” or “lethal stupidity”? I laughed out loud many times and even wondered, “How could the owner/author ever think that was a good idea?” But desperate times call for desperate measures….and Henry (a boxer) is a handful and a half…. or two.

Part of what made this book so enjoyable was that Henry made our dog look pretty good. Our dog, Rudy, has plenty of mishaps and issues but she’s a step down or two from Henry. It was nice to know there are other dog owners with “special dogs” out there.

I think you’d really enjoy this book even if you don’t have a dog. You can laugh and be thankful for all the things you’re not dealing with. I know there are a few who just wouldn’t get it and would say, “Sell the dog!” The author does a great job at exploring and explaining the bond you build with your pet as well as the sliding range of emotions that come with pet ownership.

The end was very touching as she talked about what God has taught her through Henry. God uses everything in our lives, including our animals, to accomplish His purposes.

So get ready for a ride and go with Henry and his family through the seemingly ordinary events of walks, vet visits, swimming, and everyday life. With Henry involved, it’s going to be an adventure.

Thank you to Revell for providing me with a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. I loved it and would love to read more by this author.

[Betty · Rating 4 out of 5]

A delightful fast read about an alpha boxer with great personality but has troublesome attributes that needed special handling. Here I had a slight problem with some techniques used. These problems are hard-head, determination and acting before thing used. There were time I was laughing as I remembered some of the antics our dogs pulled. For a light read I highly recommend this book.

Full Disclosure: I received a free copy from Revell through Netgalley for an honest review. I would like to them for the opportunity to read and review this book. the opinions are my own.

[Hilary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry, a pure-bred boxer who varies from the ultimate in adorable to a canine embodiment of the Tasmanian devil, is completely different from Erin's loveable, reliable childhood dog. Instead of taking turns playing with him, the kids take turns watching him so his lack of impulse control and stubborn nature don't get him into too much trouble. Despite all the damage, the difficulties, the occasional temptation, and the constant battle with this overly energetic, obedient-when-he-wants-to-be dog, the family doesn't give up on him.

But Surviving Henry isn't just about the hard work of dog ownership - even though it was much harder than any of them expected. It's about the times when they did get to play, about learning to understand his nature, his mental wiring, and the reasons why his behavior changes from day to day. It's not about how they trained their dog into obedience, or how he trained them into better understanding, but about the *partnership*. I was surprised by the depth and the honesty in this book, and glad to see that this wasn't one with a quick fix-it solution.

It's very entertaining in that "I'm so glad it's not me" way, but the deeper message is about persistence, both good and bad, in understanding that Henry doesn't *want* to be neurotic, and about the nature of love and loyalty, a series of daily (or even hourly) decisions to keep working on the relationship.

Disclaimer: I received a free copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Katie Tischer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I laughed so many times while reading this. Oh Henry, how much trouble you get into, but your family loves you unconditionally. Reading about the nonsense this lady and family goes through with her puppy, like having Henry swipe food off the table or instantly befriending all the people using puppy eyes, reminds me of my dogs and experiences we’ve had with them, like Milo swiping Prestons full cheeseburger and putting himself in timeout looking at us like it was worth it or Magnolia shaking her toys until the stuffing comes out and sitting in the pile of fluff looking so accomplished. This book reminds you even through the craziness, the dogs become your family. Such a good book and must read for dog lovers. Deducting one star because she uses a shock collar with him and although she does use it correctly and with training herself, I’m not a fan of them (I also don’t have an insane dog so never had to use one myself).

[Victor Gentile · Rating 5 out of 5]

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.”

[Jennifer Clausen-greene · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hysterical book that is so encompass the life of dogs and their owners alike.We all have this lovely picturesque view of what it will be like to own a dog and how great and obedient they will be to their master. (laughing) Reality is the dogs own us. We obey them,placate to them and pray they will at least pretend we are the master when company comes over. As a boxer owner of two, I could relate to this book. Boxers are too smart for their own good. Curious, loveable and wonderful defenders of family you cannot help but adore them and accept them as they are into your family. Our dog Jack follows my youngest around the house and neighborhood no matter where he goes. He is the most loving and kind boy in the world-unless you mess with my son then you see his other side.

I loved reading about Henry's Supreme Dictator of the Universe Syndrome. I needed a really good laugh and this book gave me that while at the same time walking us through how dogs provide humans with companionship, love, friendship, and a shoulder for difficult days. Beautiful story that just happens to be hysterical at this family expense. Easy book to recommend to all those that own a dog or are thinking about letting one adopt them.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for free in exchange for an honest review from Baker Publishing via Revell Blog Tour.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

After reading this novel by Erin Taylor Young, I came away thinking, “Oh good, another Erma Bombeck.” Ms. Taylor wrote “Surviving Henry”. Henry is a boxer mix puppy, full of energy, mischief and mayhem. I definitely related to her “Henryisms” because we are in puppy mode with a new puppy also. However, I am forever grateful that ours is smaller…much smaller than Henry. I actually laughed out loud at some of the mannerisms and machinations that Henry exhibited. I’ve never heard of a dog with a death wish before, but in reading about Henry, I definitely found one. I am so glad that this family stuck with Henry throughout his puppyhood. I’m sure that he turned out to be a great family pet.

Anyone who loves pets, dogs in particular, will really get a kick out of reading about Henry. He is the most lovable, irritating, aggravating, sweet, puppy you’d never want to meet. Ms. Taylor has quite a gift for humor in relating the events as they unfold with training Henry.

Revell Reads Book Tour provided a free print copy of this book in return for my honest review.

You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-c9.

[Lisa B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

You do not have to be a dog lover to enjoy this book. The author has a great sense of humor and it comes across in her writing. Very entertaining.

I'd like to thank Revell Publishing, via Netgalley, for allowing me to read this fun books in exchange for an unbiased review.

[Misty Melsheimer · Rating 1 out of 5]

I should known that I would not find reading a book about a "canine catastrophe" funny. Much like Marley & Me, "Life and Love with the World's Worst Dog," the title indicates that the blame for poor behavior lies with the dog, when in fact, it's poor dog ownership. First off, the author went to an irresponsible breeder, which should have been my first clue. Then the book is filled with training tactics that made me cringe: the author pulling the choke chain with the full weight of her body, the shock collar, thinking that scaring their dog into submission is an effective training method. This dog was capable of being trained. Angel, Henry's favorite human, is proof of that as he could easily coax desirable behavior from Henry. The owners also set their dog up for failure. For instance, they didn't want him to counter surf, so rather than keeping the counter tops clean and correcting the behavior when they see it, they instead entice him to counter surf by putting peanut butter on the counter so they can try to scare the bageezus out of him to keep him from doing it again. I was appalled at their training methods. They also had no qualms about scaring their dog in general. Henry hated the water, so they put a life jacket on him and dragged him into a lake, even though he fought it for all he was worth. What's worse is they couldn't just let it go, they felt the need to continue dragging him in the water against his will. They are so lucky they had a dog with a great temperament as some dogs would've bitten just to get away (which I'm sure they would've considered his fault, and not theirs of course).

Aside from the terrible story, the writing in this book is amateurish. She employs ineffectual hyperbole to the extent I found myself rolling my eyes several times. Even minute details are drawn out painstakingly for unsuccessful comedic effect. Trying to push a button on an aerosol can, for instance, consumes about half a page (the aerosol can being an air horn she wants to use to scare her dog).

I have 3 dogs myself, including a hooligan who is equal parts rambunctious, clumsy, energetic, cuddly, and lovable. I also volunteer at a dog shelter to exercise the dogs and do some training with them. I see plenty of funny behaviors and I document them online. These dogs are funny because they have effervescent personalities. It has nothing to do with me - it is all them. The author thinks her dog is funny because he misbehaves and then she gets to punish him.

A dog book that I did find humorous is Dogtripping by David Rosenfelt. His humor is self-deprecating while he documents the funny antics of traveling cross-country with 25 rescue dogs. Unfortunately, Erin Taylor Young in Surviving Henry tries to make us laugh at the expense of her dog, and I simply don't find that funny. Poor Henry.

[Narita · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fond memories of her perfectly behaved childhood boxer, spurns Erin Young to purchase a boxer puppy for their family. He has charisma, is a fantastic example of the boxer breed, and turns everyone’s head with his stunning good looks. The Young’s are sure they have the perfect pet. It didn’t take long for them to realize Henry was anything but perfect!
His antics are off the charts! From endangering his life more than once with his exploits, to barely passing obedience school, along with many other crazy hijinks, he puts his owners through. There is never a dull moment with Henry. In fact someone has to watch him at all times to keep him out of trouble! There is no doubt he has an extreme case of doggie ADHD!
This is hands down the BEST book about a dog I have ever read! Ms. Young is an artist and comedian with words. I have never laughed so hard in such a long time! I was reading it while waiting in the doctor’s office and kept bursting out laughing.
The author’s sense of humor is impeccable. The book is so well written. I couldn’t put it down!
It is also the story of the deep, committed love of a family for their “fur baby”. Their devotion in caring for him, in spite of his challenging and eccentric behavior was very touching. Most people would have just given up and taken him to a shelter but they love Henry for who he is mishaps and all. Through her dealings with Henry, Ms. Young begins to realize the unconditional love God has for her.
I enjoyed this book so much I am going to read it again! If I could I would give it a 10 star rating! This book is a MUST read!
Be sure to go to http://survivinghenry.com/ to see videos of Henry in action and learn more about his amazing family.
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.

[Barb (Boxermommyreads) · Rating 5 out of 5]

My husband and I have owned 5 boxer dogs over the past 20 or so years, and currently have 2 in our home, so when I saw this cover, I immediately knew I had to read this book. I was provided a copy by Netgalley and Revell Publishing and I cannot thank them enough. Henry is definitely a trying dog. I have been lucky enough to never quite have a Henry, but I did have a Cooper, who suffered so badly from separation anxiety when he was young that I quickly learned the inside workings of several pieces of furniture.

I admire Young's dedication to this dog. And I love how along the way, she seems to learn that she dearly loves the dog she thought she despised. Young's anecdotes are mostly hilarious and sometimes sad and scary. However, I cannot believe she continued to try to find creative ways to wear this dog out. I mean, my 9 month old pup is pretty rambunctious and I would never dream of tying him to a scooter or a bike and pulling me as a means of exercise. Although this just goes to prove how desperate Young was at times to reign in Henry.

I cannot say enough that I loved this book. It was just what I needed as our family is just again starting to raise another young boxer through his life. In addition, I was approved for this title just after we lost our 16 year old boxer, so I took it as a comforting sign that I should read it and reminisce about all the good times, and sometimes crazy times, we shared with Barkley. Thank you Erin Taylor Young for sharing your escapades with Henry. You truly do have an amazing dog and an amazing heart.

[Maureen Timerman · Rating 5 out of 5]

First I should state that my first dog was a boxer, and I have an affinity for them, and all dogs for that matter. Yes, I am a dog lover! That being said, I have never had a dog like Henry, and am so glad of that!
Surviving Henry is one amazing and well written, and wonderfully delightful read. Erin Taylor Young has done a great job, and made me feel I was part of the family or her to be exact. I felt that Henry doesn’t have an off button, and he is just to darn smart, sometimes to smart for his own good.
By the end of the book I thought for sure poor Henry or Erin would be broken or deceased. Talk about cats having nine lives, this fellow has a lot more, and seems to be quickly using them up. He is such a handsome guy, as you can see by the cover with cute little bites out of it!
This family really has found the right dog, and he is well placed living with him, hate to think what would have happened to him if someone else had chosen him. The word pictures Erin paints will have you rolling on the floor, or heading to the emergency room. Ever have that feeling that you don’t know how you got out of danger, only by the Grace of God, well there is plenty of that in this story, God’s hand on Henry. You are in for a sweet, humorous read and a page-turner at that. Enjoy!

I received this book through Revell’s Book Blogger Tour, and was not required to give a positive review.

[Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

As an animal lover, especially dogs there was no way that I could look at this cover and not read the book! Henry is one of those dogs that just loves life, and well also one who seems to find his way into various situations that are often laugh out loud funny, and truly capture the essence of what it truly means to be owned by your dog. Such an easy to relate to story, this book had me reminiscing about my own canines and the puppy stage that caused more than a few mishaps in my own home. The author has a certain way with describing the antics of Henry that I could honestly visualize his various escapades! Anyone who has ever owned a dog will find this a must read, but honestly if you enjoy laughing out loud while reading you are certainly going to want to read Surviving Henry!

A complimentary copy of this book was provided for review.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although this book is more or less a remake of Marley and Me, I enjoyed reading it and seeing what happens in Henry's escapades. Henry is a Boxer...an out of control one. He is a non-stop torpedo.
The first time he is boarded, he escapes from his kennel at 3:00 am (setting off an alarm), escapes from the training room and makes it to the store area, where he proceeds to eat and/or play with everything in reach. One day he is outside, and decides to come back in, by jumping through the window at warp speed. Although the window shatters, he is bounced back into the yard, with only one leg to be stitched up. He nearly drowns falling into a lake, since he won't swim. He goes through more shock collars than any other dog. Through it all, his family loves and cares for him. By the end of the book, he is five, and sometimes acts halfway normal!

[Stephen · Rating 4 out of 5]

this book was given to me free by netgalley for a honest review
heart warming story about a boxer called henry who is accident prone written in the same genre as jon katz and marley and me. you cannot get to love henry the dog as we go through all his ways of barking at ducks and going with windows and the owners many attempts to get henry to obey them

[Scot · Rating 4 out of 5]

There are dogs and then there is Henry.

This was an entertaining and quick read about the death defying antics of a boxer named Henry. This dog has a never say die attitude and an adventurous streak a mile wide. Anyone who loves dogs, will like Surviving Henry and if you've ever owned a difficult dog you will totally relate.

[Laura Duffy White · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read for any animal lover. This book had me laughing and then crying in a matter of seconds!

[Khanh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin Taylor Young’s Surviving Henry is a lively and often chaotic account of one family’s attempt to live with a dog whose energy and temperament far exceed what they bargained for. Written as creative nonfiction, the book embraces exaggeration and comedic framing to make its story both entertaining and relatable. From the outset, Young acknowledges that certain events are intentionally heightened for humor. This admission is essential: without recognizing the use of literary devices, readers may misinterpret her narrative voice as literal, casting her as volatile or desperate. Read in its proper light, however, the book is a wry exploration of how human expectations collide with canine reality.

As literature, Surviving Henry is a success. Young demonstrates a strong command of comic timing and voice, transforming what could be a tale of pure frustration into something that resonates with anyone who has ever lived with a dog that feels like “too much.” The humor, at times bordering on slapstick, elevates the book beyond simple memoir into a piece of creative nonfiction that speaks to the universality of mismatched human–animal relationships.

The training methods depicted in the book are likely to polarize readers. Young describes traditional correction-based tools and interventions—"choke collars" (correctly called slip collars), prong collars, abrupt leash corrections, even dropping weights to interrupt behavior. For those deeply committed to reward-based approaches, these passages may feel jarring. Yet it is important to remember that this is not a training manual but a narrative snapshot of one family’s improvisations in the face of a difficult situation. It is less a treatise on training than a record of human improvisation, trial, and error.

From my perspective, what emerges most clearly is the mismatch at the heart of the story: a dog acquired on the basis of childhood nostalgia rather than careful alignment of temperament and energy with family life. The narrative captures, often in exaggerated form, a very real and common dynamic—households entering into dog ownership with love and enthusiasm but without the framework to accurately interpret canine behavior or meet the animal’s needs. Though told exclusively from the human point of view, I think the story implicitly raises important questions. When Henry is described as “disobedient,” was he instead confused? When he “calmed down” after the clatter of weights, was he learning—or was he frightened? These silences are part of the book’s power: they point to the complexity of interpreting another species.

For some readers, surviving Henry may function primarily as entertainment—a humorous account of living with an unruly dog whose antics verge on the absurd. Others may find themselves frustrated by its reliance on correction-based training methods, or by the lack of attention to Henry’s perspective as a sentient being rather than a comic foil. Still others may read it as a reflection, exaggerated but recognizable, of the gap that often exists between human expectations and canine reality.

Personally, I found Surviving Henry to be a finely crafted work of creative nonfiction—funny, self-aware, and deeply human. It does not attempt to serve as a training manual; instead, it gestures toward a broader truth about the messy, unpredictable, and often comical entanglements that arise when human expectations meet canine realities. My four-star rating reflects my appreciation of the book as literature, rather than as a commentary on training practices. To parse Henry’s behaviors or to dissect the author’s interpretations of them is beyond the scope of this review. What remains significant is the book’s contribution as a cultural narrative: an exaggerated but insightful account of the enduring complexities that shape human–dog relationships in everyday life.

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

A thoroughly entertaining book from cover to cover. I had to read it in one sitting, even through I’d unfortunately just lost my precious pet. Henry’s antics and the masterful way Erin Taylor Young related his misadventures was just too captivating to put down.
This is a story ever potential pet owner should read. Even through you’re truly hooked from the first gaze of those soft puppy eyes, you know there will be challenges to face. Although, I must say Ms. Young and her family took on a herculean contest of canine will.
I’d certainly recommend ‘Surviving Henry’ and give this book five stars and more. I can’t wait to read ‘Still Surviving Henry: The Untold Stories’.

[Joan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Although I did not necessarily love the writing style, I’m a Boxer lover, and I read this book in one sitting. Since childhood, I’ve had 6 Boxers in my life (so far). When I read about the destructiveness episodes, I could name at least one of my Boxers who did the same thing, mostly as puppies. If you can’t chalk that stuff up to being part of the cost of having a Boxer, then the breed is not for you. Thank goodness I haven’t had a dog as difficult as Henry, but I understand the desire not to give up on a dog. Entertaining read for those who love dogs, especially Boxers.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Laughter & Tears

This is a book that brought both laughter and tears. The escapades of Henry will bring anyone to laughter, lots and lots of it. They also reminded me of the wonderful dogs I've had that are no longer with me. This is a great book that will charm every dog lover and probably even those who aren't big dog fans. Everyone will come away a Henry fan.

[Cat · Rating 3 out of 5]

I come from a "boxer family" and consider myself a dog lover. For these reasons, I found this book an interesting read.

I didn't find the stories about Henry especially captivating - I expected the book to be laugh-out-loud funny. I think the situations Henry created could have warranted it, but I didn't find the writing to encourage it.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This "story" has the flavor of a Marley and Me, but the dog does not die, at the end. I picked this up based on a recommendation from a member of my book discussion group. It is an endearing story about a Boxer (dog breed) named Henry and the shenanigans he gets into.

You wouldn't think there would be much of a story, but it's amazing the trouble this dog gets into on a daily basis.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Funny book!

This very funny book is about a crazy dog and all the unbelievable things he does. Also, it’s about a family who doesn’t give up on him. They learn many things through owning Henry.

[Patti · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, inspirational, funny book

It’s easy to laugh out loud at parts of this book, and easy to love Henry for everything he is, everything he isn’t and everything he teaches us about love. Recommended!

[Sharon · Rating 4 out of 5]

A hilarious story of life with a boxer. Hopefully slightly exaggerated and occasionally more of an owner problem than the dog’s. Her questioning Gods intent and her coming to terms with that, detract from the story, making it more serious than it should be.

[Caryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH.MY! All dog lovers will enjoy Henry's story. Henry's story is wonderful example of what it means to truly love. I highly recommend this book.

[Cheryl Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well, it took me 2 1/2 years to read this book, so...

[Janet Popish · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fun and lovely story with a Christian moral that I didn't see coming until I read it.