The orphaned son of a Vietnam veteran who died in combat whilst his wife died during childbirth is " adopted " by pragmatic shepherd farmer's at the tender age of ten. They are about to shoot the runt of the litter. An almost pure white Shetland sheepdog that has a black patch over one eye. The boy pleads for its life and is grudginly given it as a pet sans pocket money. The boy names his dog Blackie. And Blackie watches over his master.