Year of the Dog

Peggy lives alone in sunny California with her beagle, Pencil. She works as a secretary in a dull office, where she faces the everyday monotony and lack of confidence from her boss, Robin.

During a visit to her brother Pier and his family, Peggy brings a stuffed animal for her baby nephew, Benjy. Tensions arise when his sister Lissie, feeling jealous, insists on keeping the gift for herself, showcasing the familial conflicts Peggy grapples with.

A misfortune befalls Peggy's beloved beagle, Pencil, leaving her devastated. This tragedy leads to her forming a bond with her neighbor Al, a construction worker, sparking an ambiguous relationship.

Despite their budding connection, Peggy begins to suspect that Al may be involved in Pencil’s unfortunate circumstances. Although there are no concrete indications of his guilt, her apprehension complicates their relationship.

In search of solace, Peggy meets Newt, a compassionate man dedicated to saving at-risk dogs from euthanasia. He introduces Peggy to Valentine, a German shepherd in need of temporary housing and training, reigniting her passion for animal rescue.

As Peggy and Newt bond over their shared love for animals, their relationship hints at potential romance. Peggy feels inspired by Newt's commitment to dog rescue, igniting a fire within her to also contribute meaningfully.

Peggy's dedication to animal welfare quickly spirals into an obsession. She adopts Valentine and transitions to a vegan lifestyle, imposing her newfound beliefs on her family and friends, which leads to growing tension in her relationships.

Peggy’s newfound lifestyle causes friction with her sister-in-law Bret, who owns multiple fur items. Their disagreements underscore Peggy’s radical change and the challenge of communicating her ideals to those who are close to her.

Peggy's heightened sense of morality compels her to confront Layla about her unfaithful fiancé, Don. This confrontation showcases Peggy's commitment to honesty and integrity, despite the potential fallout in her relationships.

Over time, Peggy finds herself overwhelmed with not just Valentine but also other rescue dogs in need. As her situation escalates, her friends and family step in to lend a helping hand to manage her growing number of pets.

With the support of those around her, Peggy gradually learns to manage her chaotic life filled with rescue dogs. Her journey from turmoil to balance reflects her growth and determination to make a difference.

Peggy embarks on a bus journey to an event for animal lovers, signifying a new chapter in her life. This event symbolizes not only her dedication to animal welfare but also her personal transformation through the challenges she has faced.