This is the story of a stubby-legged, log-shaped, droopy-eared dog with a large snout who dreams of being fast and agile but, most importantly, he wants to be valuable to his new family on the farm. After a series of failed races with the barnyard residents, Carlton becomes discouraged and begins questioning his self-worth. However, he emerges as a hero when he alerts the farmer and his wife about an impending disaster. Only then does he realize that being an exceptional farm dog involves trusting in the gifts he already has.
Carlton's story has been part of the oral tradition in Casey Irish's household since the real-life dog first wandered onto her and her husband's farm in East Tennessee many years ago.