Dave Harrington loves dogs as long as they remain within the four corners of the Victorian paintings he adores. Fired from his college teaching position and broke, he struggles to find employment until Java, a Wheaten Terrier/Poodle mix accidentally puts a leash into his hand and a job at New Yorks' prestigious Pedigree Dog Resort and Spa. Owner, Jessica Fowler couldn't care less about Manet or Picasso. Her energies are directed to the four-legged animals she adores and fending off her fiercest competitor-Kingdom of Dog. Her business takes a precarious turn when a rich art collector's dog is stolen from her new dog walker, Dave. Word that a thoroughbred has disappeared under the care of Pedigree, and Jessica's rich clients could jump the fence into the arms of Kingdom. Dave and Jessica's search for the stolen dog leads them into the universe of art auctions, forgeries, the FBI, international travel, and romance. All because of a nine pound, black and white dog.