When the society-conscious but well-meaning McToffes decide to adopt a younger canine companion for their elderly, easy-going Ernest and return home with ‘the most unadoptable dog in the rescue centre’, all of them – not least Ernest – are in for a few surprises…

From the depths of the social embarrassments, some disastrous – and very expensive – mistakes, misunderstandings and at times, sheer desperation, arise the virtues of patience, tolerance and unconditional love and loyalty.