Summer Larsen is a 12-year-old girl with a big heart and maturity beyond her years, and all it took was a sweet, stray dog to change her life and the lives of those around her for the better. Shadow, named for always following Summer around, was destined to be her dog. But when Summer learns Shadow is sick, she stops at nothing to take care of her. With the help of a boy she befriends and the kindness of a new neighbor, Summer learns that following your conscience is not always easy, but the reward can be invaluable.