Rick continues to attract attention to the cause of finding Cracker. He will be traveling back to the US shortly to continue his rehabilitation. Before Rick leaves, U-Haul visits him in the hospital and shows him a photo that a Vietnamese photographer captured of Cracker lying dejectedly in the abandoned base. Cracker looks close to death in the photo. U-Haul encourages Rick to move on with his life.

Rick continues to consider the photo once U-Haul leaves; he wonders how long Cracker can survive with the US withdrawing from the war.

In rehab outside of Denver, Rick considers that he seems to be the only one unhappy to leave Vietnam. Rick reflects angrily that the Army does not care about the well-being of the dogs. Willie wrote back twice to Rick, assuring him that he would tell everyone he could about finding and repatriating Cracker. Rick’s parents visit him in the hospital, but he is only interested in Cracker and his rehabilitation. Rick feels that the quicker he gets better, the quicker he can try to find Cracker. After a month, he is discharged.