It's almost David's fifth birthday, and he wants the same thing he's always wanted--a puppy. He received a toy puppy as a present, but David asks Mommy and Daddy if the can get a puppy, and his parents agree. The three of them go to the animal rescue center to find a pet, and one of the volunteers suggests a certain puppy for David. He takes the puppy in his arms and decides that she's the ideal pet for him. The family returns home, and David names his new puppy Penny. David tries to get Penny to do all kinds of things, like jump, speak, and fetch, but Penny doesn't understand. David feels frustrated and wants to return Penny to the rescue, but the volunteer reminds him that maybe Penny just does things a little differently. Will David learn that Penny is perfect just the way she is?