The live action film, shot in Bethel, Maine, tells the story of a 12-year-old girl during the depression of the 1930's, who is sent to live with her aunt in a small town where dogs are banned. She joins the people and pooches of the town in a war with the Mayor and town dog-catcher, and through plot twists and adventurous chases, succeeds in bringing everyone together through a spectacular finale that involves nearly 100 dogs and almost as many children.