Leaving Jack / Gareth Crocker 200 p.

In 1972, a despondent Fletcher Carlson joins the army after the tragic death of his wife and daughter. Even though suicidal depressed, he bonds with his unit “Fat Lady”. While on patrol, he is approached by a wounded yellow Labrador. He refuses a direct order to kill the dog; instead takes him to camp to nurse back to health. Jack becomes a critical part of the team, saving many men’s lives by sniffing out mines and booby traps. As the war ends, the army orders the scout dogs abandoned in Vietnam. Jack bonds with Fletcher to the point that Fletcher elects to walk with him to the safety of Thailand some 350 miles away. This may appeal to readers of dog fiction and readers of military fiction.