Her mother, obsessed with her own abusive childhood, is unable to show the kindness or provide the love Priscilla needs. Her father is still grieving over the death of Priscilla's brother. Priscilla hopes to be able to find some small measure of dignity in her new home. She hopes for a friend. But even Priscilla cannot imagine how her life will change, how all their lives will change, with the unbelievable gift of a loving dog.