A new beginning in charming Oceanside, Washington is exactly what Hope Godwin needs after the death of her twin brother. There are plenty of distractions, like her cozy cottage with the slightly nosy landlords next door, and a brewing drama among her students at the local high school. Despite having settled quickly into the community, something is still missing for Hope. That is, until her landlord convinces her to volunteer at his animal shelter....

"Defense lawyer Andy Carpenter is reluctant to take on any more cases. He'd much rather spend his time working for his dog rescue organization, the Tara Foundation, than find himself back in a courtroom. However, when a truck carrying over seventy dogs from the South to the rescue-friendly northeast turns up with a murdered driver, Andy can't help but get involved. Of course Andy is eager to help the dogs, many of whom come to the Tara Foundation...

Vet school drop-out Tess Grasso dreams of having her own pet therapy business, but she meets one obstacle after another. There's no denying she has a way with animals, so in the meantime she puts her skills to use at a local no-kill shelter. Between helping her furry companions and a budding relationship with fellow dog lover Mason Redding, Tess begins to find fresh confidence. What Tess doesn't know is that Mason is recovering from an accident, hoping...

When Kate and her parents visit the animal shelter, an adorable puppy charms them, but it is very hard to leave an older dog behind.

When she wins the lead role in a school play, second-grader Ellie neglects her friends in the Critter Club and their new animal shelter.

Amy so looks forward to meeting her future stepsister, Chloe, that she is not prepared when Chloe first ignores her, then is downright mean.

"Lizzie is at the animals shelter when an emergency case is brought in. Bella, a newborn cocker spaniel, is not doing well. She's way too small and has a hard time eating. Lizzie's heart melts for the puppy but she's never taken care of a dog this young before. Will Lizzie be able to nurse this poor pup back to health?" (publisher)

Members of the Critter Club are all excited about their summer plans until Liz learns that, instead of taking an art class, she will have to be in summer school to improve her math skills, but a fun teacher, a classroom pet, support from her friends, and advice from her brother might get her through.

When a broken ankle forces Marion to withdraw from the horse show, she finds a way to stay active by helping her friends at the Critter Club animal shelter find homes for a litter of kittens.