“FAITH”

Synopsis

By

Ken Farmer & Buck Stienke

            “FAITH” is a blending of two heartwarming, inspirational stories. The first story centers on the rescue of a two-legged puppy (Faith) and the love and dedication of her owner, Jude Stringfellow (Anne Lockhart), who believes she can teach the dog to walk upright. The second story showcases Faith’s unique ability to help an Iraq war veteran amputee, Monte Miller, (Denton Blane Everett), to overcome his personal loss and regain his will to live.

            Monte was a two time All-American at the University of Oklahoma and first round draft pick by the Dallas Cowboys.  Monte was also an Army ROTC cadet at OU and following his graduation and commission, is serving out his four year commitment as an infantry officer before reporting to the Cowboys. During a night battle in Tikrit, Iraq, Monte is injured in a mortar attack and loses both legs below the knees. He becomes severely depressed over the loss of his legs and his future football career in the NFL.

            As one of his doctors at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, remarked, “For Monte, it’s not a case of the glass half full or the glass  half empty... There is no glass”.

            While at Walter Reed he gets promoted to Captain, awarded the Purple Heart, and Silver Star. He is  then medically discharged because of his lack of cooperation, or even interest in his own rehabilitation. Monte refuses help from the Army, his friends and fiancé until he has repeated contacts with a miraculous bipedal dog. Faith and her owner, Jude Stringfellow, show him the way to open a door to the outside world and move back from the edge of self-destruction.

            Jude and Monte’s fiancé Carolyn Gray (Brandi Price) hatch a plan to “finesse” Monte into dog-sitting Faith for a weekend while Jude takes her daughter Caitlyn to cheer leading camp. While he is focusing on the needs of another being, Faith’s own indomitable will and inspiration transforms Monte. Faith is awarded the rank of E5 Sergeant, Therapy Dog in the United States Army.