“Defiantly I spread my legs, lowered my head, flattened my ears, bared my teeth, and for the first time in my life, I growled at a human!” Puppy Max doesn’t have the easiest start in life. After being taken from his mother, he faces hunger, living alone outside, a vicious dog next door, and even menacing raccoons. But just when this Australian Shepherd thinks it can’t get any worse, he is abandoned at an animal shelter. Max is rescued and fostered in a home complete with canine companions—Miles, a benevolent fellow Aussie, and cantankerous, bossy little Muffin. He also lives with three cats, two parakeets, and one incredible mistress. Can a dog like Max go from years without a bath to unconditional love and acceptance? Or will his new family abandon him again? Max is never sure—until the ultimate challenge shakes his world.