Officer Tommy Carter has an anger problem and it's starting to seriously affect his job. He's ill-tempered with civilians, neighbors, and his fellow officers. He has been suspended many times by the police force and is running out of chances. For some unknown reason, Tommy has a massive chip on his shoulder. He refuses to discuss his problems with anyone and bottles his anger inside. His attitude is so poor that none of his fellow officers want anything to do with him anymore. Today he has been summoned to talk to the Chief of Police for what could be the very last time.

"You wanted to see me Chief?" "Tommy, you've been with the force for 10 years now. I don't question your dedication to law enforcement. Never have. What I do have concerns about is your temper. Why are you so angry all the time? You've caused more incidents than you've resolved during your career. Therefore, it is with a heavy heart that......." "Chief! Chief!" "What is it Officer Muckley?" "There's a big, angry dog running loose in the city and animal control say it's too dangerous for them to handle. It's putting the public at risk." "Alright Tommy, I'm willing to give you one more chance. If you can handle this situation, I'll keep you on."

"Carter? What are you doing here?" Officer Dixon questioned. "Sarge wanted me to help out." "Um, okay I guess. Here's the situation. We got a tip that Steve 'Sweet Cakes' Morra and his crew were hiding out in this abandoned warehouse. We heard a couple of explosions and all of a sudden the warehouse went up in flames. There's no sign of Morra or his men. But when we moved in for a closer look we were attacked by a huge, nasty dog. He knocked down two officers before he ran away." "I'll see what I can do." "Be careful Carter. This dog is ferocious and mean. He's almost as big as a bull and just as powerful."

As he drove into town. Tommy saw a group of panic-stricken people running down the street. He rolled down the window and yelled to one of the passersby, "What's going on?" "There's an enormous, crazed mutt on the loose! He's running over anyone and anything in his way. He even tried to bite a couple of kids." Tommy turned on his siren and sped down the street hoping to find the unhinged canine. Tommy was not very good with animals. He never had a pet as a kid and never understood people's attachment to them.

Tommy arrived to find a frightened little girl cornered by the big, bad brute. Saliva dripped from the dog's mouth as he breathed heavily on the girl. "Freeze!" Tommy shouted. But the dog ignored him as he continued to stalk the girl. Tommy had never shot an animal before but this was an emergency. While he wrestled with the uncomfortable decision that had to be made, the dog was hit with what looked to be a dart. Animal Control was on site and used a tranquilizer dart normally utilized to subdue larger animals like horses. They loaded the stunned pooch into the back of their truck as the terrified girl was reunited with her parents.

Tommy had problems falling asleep that night as he worried about the future of his job. While the dangerous dog had been captured without anyone being seriously injured, Tommy's role in the pursuit was limited. Was he going to get fired the next day for not completing the task that the Chief had given him? Tommy thrashed about in his bed as he sent his pillows and sheets flying across the bedroom floor. Eventually his agitation subsided and he was able to fall asleep where he fell into an all to common dream.

Tommy loved his father but he was a gruff, macho guy who had no time for emotions. He would constantly tell a young Tommy that 'real men don't cry.' Up until the age of about 10 years old, Tommy had been a happy-go-lucky kid, but the more time he spent with his Dad, the more he started to mimic his father. While his aggressive new attitude helped him in high school athletics and his police training, it made him insufferable to be around. "All I want is to be a normal kid" Tommy would repeat over and over until he woke up sweaty and anxious. After splashing some cold water on his face, Tommy went back to bed hoping to avoid another nightmare.

"Well, enjoy your last night on Earth big guy. I'm sure underneath all that anger is a sweet, wonderful dog that never got a chance at a normal life. You're too dangerous to be adopted  and the city has requested that you be put down tomorrow morning. I'm sorry you never got to live the life you deserved" the animal control officer said as she fought back tears. As she was locking up, she turned off all the lights, leaving the confused hound to howl in his cold dark kennel.

Carter continued to thrash around in bed as he just couldn't get comfortable. As he lay in bed, he felt something heavy on his chest. Was there something wrong with his heart? Carter began to take deep breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through his mouth. He then began to feel drops of liquid rapidly soak his shirt. Was he sweating? Was there a leak in the roof? No. It was doggy slobber and Carter was covered in it. He managed to reach over and turn on the lamp on his nightstand. Staring back at him was the same massive mutt he had tried to catch earlier that day.

"Officer Carter. Are you awake?" "Mmmph!" Oh sorry, I'll get off your chest. My name is.....well, I've never had a name. I spent my whole life working as a guard dog for the Morra Gang. I was in charge of protecting everything that they stole from money to luxury cars. They were always mean to me so it's no wonder I turned out to be a bad dog." "What do you want from me?" Tommy asked. "I don't want to go to Doggy Heaven tomorrow. I can help you find the Morra Gang if you promise to keep me safe." "Oh, alright. First thing tomorrow morning." "No! Now!" the dog demanded yanking Tommy out of his bed and onto the floor.