The story begins with a lively half-border collie named Ruby, who is being chased through the woods by Pat, an advocate at a dog shelter. Ruby ignores Pat’s calls, so Pat resorts to using her favorite treat—hot dogs—to lure her back. Once they return to the shelter, Ruby's odor from a recent skunk encounter fills the air. Pat's colleague, Rick, mentions they have skunk soap to clean Ruby up and reminds her that a new family is scheduled to adopt Ruby soon, emphasizing the need for her to be presentable.