Widowed veterinarian Karen Cabot and her young son Timmy have moved back to Karen's old home town of Hudson Falls, Vermont, where Karen bought out the practice of elderly Dr. Donald Stewart, the town's vet. Timmy is uncertain of the move and still smarting from his father's recent death. In short order, we are introduced to Ethan Bennett, an old classmate of Karen's (who looks to be still interested in her) and owner of the local sporting goods store, and a neighbor girl, Wilhemina ("Billie").