When Mandy Hope and her dad meet Lauren, a young artist, walking her elderly cocker spaniel, Tarka, it's clear that the dog needs special attention. Lauren doesn't know how to care for Tarka so Mandy must teach her how to tend to her aging pet. But when a winter storm hits and the power in town goes out, Lauren will have to find a way to keep her little dog warm and comfortable. An emergency arises when a pet bird eats lead paint. It will be a hectic holiday at Animal Ark!