It's Christmas time and it looks to be a dismal season for motherless 12-year-old Emma O'Connor who has been sent to her unwelcoming Aunt Delores. On her arrival Emma is caught in the middle of a town war over the 'No Dogs allowed' law. With the help of her schoolmates, an unlikely band of grown-ups and a diverse canine corps of over 60 dogs, Emma attempts to win over the citizens of Doverville.