The story is set in the town of Steamboat Springs, Colorado.

It is recounted from the dog's point of

view, with animals communicating with each other in English. The protagonist is a Malamute named
McKinley, who protects his "human pup," Jack.
While helping a runaway greyhound named Duchess, McKinley meets the wolf, Lupin, who is trying
to recruit dogs into her shrinking pack. McKinley must deal with Jack's desire to join the wolf pack,
protect Lupin from hunters (including Duchess' ruthless owner, Pycraft), and figure out how to handle
the local rival Redburn, an ambitious Irish Setter who wants to claim the role of head dog from
McKinley.
By the end of the book, after overcoming many obstacles, some with the help of his best friend
Aspen, a female Retriever (breed not specifically named in book) that lives next door, McKinley is
transformed from a happy-go-lucky pet into a true leader.