It’s a life-altering New Year for 13-year-old Lydia when she moves to a Connecticut farm to live with her aunt following her mother’s death. Aunt Brat, her jovial wife, Eileen, and their ancient live-in landlord, Elloroy, are all welcoming—if not a little quirky. Lydia’s struggle for a sense of belonging in her new family is highlighted when the women adopt a big yellow dog just days after the girl’s arrival. Wasn’t one rescue enough?

Lydia is not a dog person—and this one is trouble! But she comes to realize that they both share a tragic past. Eventually, they bond, learn from one another…and find unexpected ways to heal from grief and experience the joy of living once again.