Can the pure love of a dog change a boy's destiny?

Life is cruel to James Crockett. He has lost nearly everything he has ever known, and at seventeen, that isn't very much. He is lonely, broke, and mourning the death of his mother on what is left of their 1950's farm. His future looks dark and empty until he meets a gifted English setter puppy and an unlikely mentor who competes in field trials. James deals with the struggles of life, love, and growing up while helping his mentor attempt to fulfill the dream of competing for the highest honor on the western field trial circuit—The Western Championship Field Trial.