Off Leash: How a dog saved my life (Nitty Gritty series, #1) / Nitty Gritty series (ePub)

The chips are down for Jay Walker. Life was throwing curve balls at him long before he hit his teen years but now things are piling up. His mother is out of control and the one person who he loves with all his heart, his sister, is sick. Desperate for money to keep his family together, Jay takes a dog walking job, never suspecting how quickly this one act will change his life.

Ollie's life lately has become the cage. At first when another dog walker enters his life, Ollie lets him know who's boss; after all, another teen walking him doesn't mean anything. The last thing Ollie expects is to develop a fierce protectiveness toward Jay. There's something about the young boy which resonates and touches Ollie. When Jay takes Ollie home, he meets the little sister, who is ill and sees another side to the silent teen. Ollie quickly understands his mission in life - his role is to protect Jay at all costs.

As two unlikely strangers, a dog and a young teen, develop their friendship more obstacles get thrown into their path. Ollie will step into the role of guard dog to rescue Jay while Jay struggles to keep the people he loves safe.

Funny how the person you end up counting on and willing to place your life on the line for isn't at all who you expect. This is a poignant story about a young boy entering turbulent teenage years who discovers when every other person lets you down, a dog's love can keep you going.