Rescuing Finley is a refreshing, comfortable story, one that leaves the reader with a good feeling about society and the inherent goodness in people. Chris Seger, a former Marine, lost a leg while serving his country in Afghanistan. But he suffered more than just physical pain—he developed PTSD—a condition that interferes with his ability to interact with people in a normal manner.
Amy Wallace has her own troubles. Drug addiction and a few brushes with the law resulted in a prison sentence. Her behavior caused her family to reject her. Now she finds herself alone and scared in an environment that is both dangerous and potentially violent.
A very special dog, Finley, has suffered his own trauma. Finley’s master, Chaz, was killed while serving in the Middle East. Chaz’s mother was watching Finley while her son was gone, and now she’s stuck with a dog she can’t control while she grieves her son’s death. It becomes too much for the woman, and she finally brings Finley to a shelter.
Finley is chosen for a special prison program that trains dogs and matches them with military members suffering from PTSD. Amy becomes one of the inmate dog trainers in the program, and draws Finley as one of the dogs picked to participate. Chris accidentally discovers the dog-training program through a friend, and learns that adopting one of the dogs is possibly the answer to his PTSD problem.
Rescuing Finley is a delightful story suitable for all ages. It’s a tale of despair, hope, love, and more importantly, redemption. What’s unique about this novel is that Dan Walsh gives Finley a voice, one that rounds out this character driven narrative. As we see the story unfold through the eyes of the dog, we come to better understand the compassion and love these animals have for their caretakers. It’s a beautiful account that will warm your heart.
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