Marty Preston is a typical boy who has a big heart. One day he comes across a stray beagle, whom Marty soon discovers is being abused and his heart goes out to him. As a result, Marty tries to hide the dog from its owner Judd Travers. In order for him to secretly care for the dog he must lie to his parents, steal food, and build a pen for the puppy he names Shiloh. Meanwhile, Shiloh gets attacked by the neighbor's big German Shepard and Marty now has to face reality, his parents and Judd Travers. This is a story of a determined boy whose love for an abused dog makes readers question the laws and regulations against animals.