Helen is blindsided when her husband Paul asks for a separation immediately after dropping their daughter Aly off at college. Hurt and confused, Helen struggles with being single when Elmer, a mischievous stray dog enters her life. An inexperienced dog owner, Helen turns to Ben, a veterinarian, and the divorced father of one of Aly’s classmates. Helen and Ben strike up a friendship as they take their dogs for walks. Through Ben’s encouragement, Helen gains confidence and begins to reevaluate her new life. She tries new adventures and takes on tasks that Paul was formerly responsible for, like changing the oil in her car. The unexpected pleasure of caring for Elmer helps distract Helen from the uncertainty of her future and begins to reawaken her desire to become a children’s book illustrator. Helen also makes a new friend in Cindy, an unconventional dog owner and rock musician. Cindy introduces Helen to alternative music and her enthusiasm for life inspires Helen to take her power back. Helen begins to heal, gaining confidence in herself and her choices. Even Helen’s opinionated mother begins to acknowledge her newfound independence. Just as Helen starts to regain a sense of peace in her life, Paul asks for a reconciliation. Realizing how much stronger she has grown since their separation, Helen rejects Paul, choosing instead to take control of her own future which may include exploring her budding feelings for Ben – and of course, Elmer.
