Country Matt returns to help his brother, a new parolee, overcome his fear of dogs. Earl and Tia's daughter-in-law race to save a stray running loose in scorching temperatures. And, a couple of empty nesters visit VRC in search of a new friend.

A family from Chicago comes to VRC hoping to find their first dog; in Assumption Parish, Tia takes in a dog that has been attacked and is near death; Earl mentors a young employee, trying to keep him out of trouble.