In the aftermath of the Second World War, a promising young soldier named Mertsi is left with a lasting brain injury. By the late 1940s, he roams the Finnish countryside in search of basic jobs, depending on the kindness of others. During his travels, a fellow worker, Ville, shares stories of his intelligent Spitz dog back home, who has issues with her overly long dew claws. Accompanied by his supportive war comrade Eetvi, Mertsi joins a logging camp during a harsh winter. Despite his efforts, he finds the labor too taxing for both his body and mind. Haunted by wartime nightmares, Mertsi spends his days preoccupied with thoughts and concerns about the dog.