Joshua Reed is used to moving around since his dad became an Air Force recruiter and the Vietnam War broke out. But their newest home, in the mountains of Pennsylvania, feels special somehow. Josh has started to make a new friend, his dad has finally allowed him to get a dog, and Jack-with his strange glowing ears and the way he seems to understand Josh's feelings-is like no other dog Josh has ever seen. But in Vietnam-era America, conflict is never far away-even on the homefront. When a local boy is killed overseas, the town turns on the new air force recruiter. And when a few late-night disturbances all point to Jack, it will be up to Joshua to fight for his dog, his family, and his new home.