Ricky Talese has recently been blinded in an accident. His best friend was killed in the same accident. Missing his friend, despondent and despairing, the suicidal Ricky is sent to spend a few days with friends, the Gallaghers, in their New Hampshire mountain cabin. With him travels a mistreated and potentially dangerous German shepherd which the Gallaghers are trying to rehabilitate. Boy and dog distrust and dislike each other, but when they are caught alone in a fast spreading forest fire, they are forced into an unlikely partnership. As they face dangers together, the new trust that kindles between them forms a bond and ultimately brings about a moment of heartbreak and possible redemption.