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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I like stories about dogs and this one is precious. To write about rescuing a homeless, previously abused animal just captures my heart. Hope it encourages more people to adopt homeless pets
The story of Parker was heart wrenching. I love stories of dogs meet his one was sad and happy. Shelter dogs are amazing and this poor little guy would have been miserable in one after this owner had treated him so awful. Highly reommendeed.
Very enjoyable read! Loved the characters and the message!
Loved the story. I liked that the thoughts of Parker were included. We don’t always think of how animals are feeling. Great book
I really liked the way the author intertwined Parker’s thoughts with his owners thoughts and talks. Animals are smart and sensitive and Dan Walsh showed it in this story without being unbelievable. it was not a fast-pace book, but did have details that many authors would have overlooked. Also, the officer in the story was very real. My best friend is a retired officer and I could relate to him and his feelings. I liked the way Mr. Walsh used Parker as a “comforter” for the officer and how he used friends to help Kim with her feelings, as well as her mother. This is what happens in real life!. Mr. Walsh is an incredible story teller. Thank you.
Very enjoyable story of a cop who rescues a dog from a life of severe abuse, a dog trainer who has to face her fear of losing her boyfriend in the line of duty, a young boy who learns his way out from under oppression by a pair of bullies, and the dog that brings them all together. Includes lots of teachable moments about life, so a great clean book for young adults also.
The characters are wonderful, and the integration of dog behavior and thinking is enlightening. Looking at the issue of bullying is also an interesting plot line.
I keep few books…this one, and the two others by this author are books I’ve kept and recommended to others. They’re rescue dogs, training, and how they can help individuals with various needs. What goes into the training of these dogs is wonderful…and time-consuming.
I enjoyed this book very much. Very easy to read, a little romance and with a child and a dog.
I enjoyed this book. Walsh is a good writer
Very relevant as so many children are victims of bullying. Such a wonderful portrayal of police in this time of controversy.
It was very heart warming. Parker loved children.
This was a delightful quick read. A very sweet read.
I am a dog person and I just loved this book and Parker and all the characters. Such a sweet story and believable, even the fact that Parker told his thoughts. I believe dogs think and react and have nearly human characteristics. Loved this story and will look for more of Dan Walsh’s books.
This was a delightful book. I couldn’t put it down! Thank you for this humane, inspirational adventure. I enjoyed every page of this satisfying novel. Can’t wait to read more animal stories by this author.
Simple book with a good message.
Very good book
The goodness of mankind and the cruelty of mankind are dealt with in Saving Parker, but the goodness wins in this case. Great story and happy ending. Loved it.
I really enjoyed this book and have decided to read the other books in the series.
Love this author’s books. I try and buy all his that come available on kindle. After finishing a few on worldwar 11 this was a more easy story for me to read. I love animals and have throughout the years rescued a lot. The book was a great read.