Emma takes us through the negotiations and compromises necessary for her to live with her human companion while relating her human's struggles to achieve that delicate balance between safety and independence that ultimately allows Emma to live a life different from, but compatible with, the destiny dictated by her Treeing Walker Coonhound heritage . Emma tells us of her experiences: saving the life of her best canine friend, jogging with a bull, befriending a skunk, going to school.Finally, we learn of the amazing trust, respect, and love possible between a particular dog and a particular woman.