"Dr. Kate Blunt will do anything for her son, Jasper, who has cystic fibrosis... except get him a dog. The daily medical routine that keeps Jasper alive is complicated enough, though her decision runs contrary to her work as the veterinarian in charge of a Cape Cod animal shelter. Then a scarred, mistreated wreck of a dog turns up. Whistler is too old, too ugly for anyone to adopt. But the dog forms an instantaneous bond with Jasper. He never makes a sound, yet he speaks to Jasper in a myriad of mysterious ways. Jasper would do anything to find him a home, but Whistler has chosen them - for a reason. -- adapted from jacket