Cree, a young Nehiyaw girl, never fails to marvel at the neat stuff her vivacious aunt collects from garage sales. But this time, Auntie has brought a surprise from the reservation where she lives -- a surprise that growls and sniffs. Unable to guess what it is, Cree is delighted when Auntie reveals a "rez puppy." Nehiyaw people consider dogs their relatives, Auntie explains, and describes the integral role they have historically played in Nehiyaw communities -- providing protection, furnishing warmth, and transporting goods. Cree learns the importance of caring for bowwows with heart and hands, then chooses a Nehiyaw name for the new family pet. Arscott's sunny hand-drawn illustrations incorporate comic-book elements, such as speech bubbles and emanata. O'Watch's conversational text includes Nehiyaw words with English translations alongside.