On a ranch in the American Southwest, Sandra longs for a pet but each time she tries to adopt a wild animal, she concludes that it will be better off where it belongs.
When Charlie the ranch dog is visited by a new dog, Rowdy, it doesn't take long for Rowdy to make a mess of things. As Charlie searches for a way to teach Rowdy how to behave, he also tries to find more bacon to replace what Rowdy took.
Charlie the ranch dog chases a rabbit who stole a carrot from Mama's garden. When his efforts to catch the rabbit fail, he decides it's easier to become friends instead.
Newfound half-brother Wayne threatens eighth-grader Diggy's chances at the Minnesota State Fair steer competition, horns in on his girl, and rattles his easy relationship with Pop.