Michael’s life has suddenly become very complicated. His mother has cancer. His father is out of town. This summer he has more responsibilities than he ever dreamed of, and his sister Jennifer isn’t picking up any of the slack.
 
Grateful for the opportunity to focus on something else and tired of the loneliness that plagues him, Michael turns to a new friendship with Sam, a girl who lives nearby. Then from out of nowhere, a dog appears—a beautiful, mysterious golden dog. Is he a friend? A hero? Or is he the villain! Michael can’t handle another complication; the dog just has to be the hero! But what about the dead cat? The clues don’t look good for one of his new friends… Michael, Sam and Jennifer will have to work together to solve this mystery!
 
Set in Nowata, Oklahoma, the story follows Michael through some turbulent times and strong emotions as he learns empathy and a new way of looking at things from other people’s perspectives.