Finley's Grandpa acquires a series of companions, including a finicky cat named Elvis, a new girlfriend, and a clever talking bird, but each one presents problems for Grandpa and Finley.
When her pet rabbit's newborn babies die, and her doctor tells her that she may have scoliosis, and her aunt is diagnosed with cancer, ten-year-old Laurel feels constantly reminded of the mortality of all living things.
As Olivia shares her excitement about getting a real live pet for her eighth birthday, one of the boys in her class keeps teasing her and she is afraid he will ruin the party she is having for the whole class.
When fourth graders Evie and Megan start the Pet Patrol to solve animal problems, they soon have their hands full taking care of an army of homeless puppies.