In late 1969, Chuck rushes home from college when his father falls ill and passes away. Bitterness over his loss is compounded by the frustration of being unable to afford a return to school. Rashly enlisting in the Army, Chuck decides to train as a scout dog handler, and in Vietnam, Chuck's deep resentment is erased by time spent with his devoted dog, Zeke, and happy-go-lucky roommate, Jonesy.

As he faces life-and-death situations almost daily, Chuck finds healing in this unexpected friendship. When Chuck hears that upon the US withdrawal all US scout dogs will be euthanized or given to the South Vietnamese Army, he has only days to protect Zeke's future. And he knows he can't do it alone.