Anne grew up in an abusive home, leading to severe depression and a determination to do better as a mother. One of her sons wants a dog from the time he is a baby; Anne very much does not. For years she appeases him with creatures who live in cages and tanks, but on his tenth birthday she can no longer say no - and she proceeds to fall in love with their new four-legged family member, Mattie. Then Mattie dies a sudden and tragic death, and Anne feels herself begin to sink back into depression. Trying to cope, she immediately adopts Milo - a dog who, unbeknownst to her, has already been returned to the rescue by several families due to his aggressive behavior. But even after she realizes Milo is dangerous, she''s committed to trying to give him a chance at a good life. Anne''s journey takes the reader from dog school into the deep woods as she perseveres with Milo''s lifelong rehabilitation and her unwavering efforts to be a good mother to her sons. Working with Milo strengthens Anne an
