A fisherman christened the abandoned dog the Spuddy. The grey-black mongrel is hardy, shrewd and loyal, but the only person to care for him in the village of Gaymal is a young boy, Andy. Andy is also an outsider, as much in need of companionship as the dog. The two of them enjoy each other's friendship, and when kindly skipper Jake arrives on the scene it seems as if their loneliness is over. But then events take an unexpected turn...