You've seen him. Perhaps you've even talked with him. He's a gentle soul who walks the streets and trails around Cascade, accompanied by his faithful companion of ten years, Sage. He and Sage have a special connection, a special bond; one that began with tragedy.

Ten years ago, on Oct. 11, 2013, he was in a boat with his father on the Clark Fork River near Milltown.

As the two were negotiating a diversion in the river, his father flipped over and was dislodged from his boat. After floating downstream for a few yards, he saw his father slip under the water. He recovered his father out...