Gem is a golden retriever puppy who loves to dig. She gets adopted out to a handful of would-be forever families, but no matter how much she wants to please her new people, she can't keep herself from digging up the roses...and the lawn...and the couch cushions...anything that's remotely diggable. Over and over she is returned to the shelter, unwanted and heartbroken.

The folks at the Sterling Center recognize Gem's flaw as an asset. A dog this driven could really shine in a disaster But soon after she arrives at the training facility, Gem gets sick...really sick. Will she recover and stay healthy enough to save lives?