Greg and Kate have moved to Manhattan after twenty-two years of child-raising in Summit. Greg's career, as a derivative trader, has suddenly come to a halt, while Kate's career, as a public-school English teacher, is beginning to offer her more opportunities. Greg brings home a dog he found in Central Park--or that has found him--bearing only the name "Sylvia" on her nametag. Street-smart, sassy and sarcastic: Sylvia is your typical "Labradoodle". And she quickly becomes a major bone of contention between husband and wife. Sylvia offers Greg an escape from the frustrations of his job and the unknowns of middle age. To Kate, she becomes a rival for affection. Can the marriage be saved? Can a household pet actually be a person...?