The Strength to Laugh

Theres more to gentle Zak Baker than is on the surface. The 64, burly
16-year-old attends high school with his best friend, Toby, where they
are pretty much ignored as misfi ts. After school and on weekends Zak
expresses his natural ability with dogs while working at a kennel. Zak is
embarrassed but pleased when the kennels owner, Pam, claims that he can
speak dog because he is so good with them.
Then Zak goes home.
He lives alone with his mother in a rundown apartment above a pub/
restaurant. His mother, Adel, works at a grocery store, and when she comes
home, she retreats to her recliner with the TV blaring and a drink in her
hand. Years ago she had been a rich lawyers wife with a gorgeous home,
stunning wardrobe and a maid. She blames Zak and especially Zaks big
sister, Tara, for the condition her life is in now. Because Adel randomly
expresses anger toward him, Zak rarely speaks and retreats to his room as
often as he can.
There are terrible secrets in Zaks life. But events are beginning to snowball
toward inevitable change. Everyone in Zaks life will be affected. Because
Zak has been raised to expect so little from anyone, he is overwhelmed by
the love and support he receives from Tara and his friends. But in order to
begin the healing process, Zak must ultimately find the strength to stand
alone and say, No more!