When a family of toy poodles is abandoned in a box, a flood separates Pansy from her sisters and brothers. The pup washes up at the feet of James, a homeless singer and street magician, and his friend and shelter-mate, an intuitive rabbit named Winkie. The two show Pansy loving care and the skills she needs to survive, but Pansy’s great wish is to find her family.

Thus begins Pansy’s quest—filled with perils and ultimate joy, and new friends to help along the way. Each provides her with something unique, some special skill to help guide and protect as they encounter unforeseen conflicts and dangers. Together, the little group faces exciting twists that include rats and feral cats, murderous crows, an enchanted garden, fairyland creatures, and a villain whom Pansy recalls from a troubled past.