After years of abuse and neglect, Parker is found chained in a junk-filled backyard after a drug bust. The little guy’s terrified of people. Officer Ned Barringer brings him to a nearby shelter for medical care. When Ned learns how hard it is for dogs like Parker to get adopted, he must do more. He’s also instantly taken with Kim Harper, one of the shelter managers. She offers to train Parker for … for free. Ned instantly accepts. That same day, he meets his next-door neighbor, a ten-year-old boy named Russell. Russell is hiding a black-eye, compliments of two bullies at school. This angers Ned. He suffered the same fate as a child. It’s the main reason he became a cop. But what can he do? When a near-death tragedy occurs, what role might Parker play in bringing these three lives together?
Dan Walsh is known for page-turning, character driven novels. Fans of Dan’s other novels, as well as dog-lovers everywhere will especially enjoy Saving Parker (and if they do, 2 more books are available in the Forever Home series).
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This is a heartwarming story built around Parker, a dog who gets a second chance at a furever home. Abused by his former owner, a drug dealer, Parker is rescued by Ned, a police officer. If you’re worried about animal abuse, don’t be. The neglect Parker endures happens before the story starts, which makes this about his learning to trust people again, and his journey to recovery.
Ned is a great character, strong, and likeable. He decides to take a chance on fostering/adopting Parker, and through that decision connects with Kim, who works at an animal shelter. He also has new neighbors—a single mom and her sixth-grade son, Russell, who becomes a target for bullies at school.
The story shifts between Parker’s recuperation, Ned and Kim juggling emerging romantic feelings, and Ned helping Russell find a way to stand up to the bullies. There is nothing earth-shattering in the plot, just clean, wholesome feel-good entertainment. Think Hallmark with a light Christian theme. Although this is the third book in a series, it reads fine as a standalone. I got the impression some of the characters cross over from book to book, but I had zero difficulty following the story. If I hadn’t been aware beforehand, I wouldn’t even realize Saving Parker is book three in a series.
I enjoyed the humbleness and simplicity of the tale, to the extent that I plan to seek out other titles in this series. If you enjoy reading books about dogs, and a story that leaves you with a warm, fuzzy feeling, you’ll find Saving Parker enchanting. 4.5 Stars.
As a dog lover, I found the first chapter or two heartbreaking, but stuck with the book and thoroughly enjoyed it. It’s a quick read and I liked the characters. I would recommend this book.
Heartwarming. The characters were real!
Will read more from this author. Better than I thought when I downloaded this book. I absolutely enjoyed this book. Thought it ended different. Read it
I enjoyed this book. The writing style was a bit simple, but the story was great. LOVED the dog! I’m a sucker for animal stories & caught myself with a big grin in various places throughout the book. Nice & clean, too (altho’ a few typos).
I like any books about animals so it was a very good book for me
wonderful book. blessed me..
Dog lovers take note.
I wasn’t sure what to make of it, as I hadn’t read book 1 (which I didn’t know existed. I thought it was the story of an abused dog, which it was, but didn’t know there would also be romance. All in all, I enjoyed the book.
Wholesome and Christian
Strong characters and a lovable dog, what more can you ask?
Kept my interest through the whole book.
Delightful story from dogs perspective.Abused
Parker found a good home, friends. Someone to love him in a forever home.
This is a sweet story!
Fun book about a dog and a boy! A boy that gets picked on at school. A good story!
A great read.
What great story characters! Love the support they gave each other throughout this book. Some great exciting moments as well.
Anything Dan Walsh writes is always a good read. His books are always full of experiences that people can relate to. I read everything I can that this author writes.
I loved this book! Easy to read and of course, having a dog in any book adds a lot in my opinion!
If you love dogs. This is the book for you. Dan Walsh is a great writer. And this book is no exception. Parker after being abused etc. learns that he can trust humans again.