This book is about Maverick, a young boy who has been promised a dog once he turns twelve and the family is in their forever home. Living in the same house for a little over four years, and his birthday right around the corner, it's obviously time to ask for a dog. But before he can remind his parents about their promise, Dad interrupts with some family news: He has been transferred to a new naval base, which means they will be moving. Again. This time to Ventura, California. Wherever that is. Not that it matters where to this time for Maverick because as a military family, he's used to moving every few years but living here longer than usual led him to believe this would be their forever home. He asks his parents about his dog, yet he is reminded to just be patient. How can he be more patient than he has already been. Hearing that now isn't a good time to have a dog, Maverick makes up his mind: once they move to their new home, he is going to get a dog one way or the other. He just has to figure out how.