Adrift on a boat of Cubans fleeing their country for America, 12-year-old Paco Gutierrez and his widowed mother, Sylvia, befriend an old man who gives his tiny grey-and-white puppy to Paco as his dying wish. When Paco and Sylvia safely reach Miami, Florida, they are welcomed by Paco?s wonderful Uncle Ricardo, his family, and the large Cuban-American community. Paco needs all the help he can get as he makes new friends, learns English, and adjusts to his new life in America.
Meanwhile, Paco?s dog, now named Perro, grows into a beautiful, purebred greyhound that can run like the wind. The fun begins when local greyhound trainer, the once- famous George McGrady, thinks that Paco?s dog may have what it takes to be a real racing dog!
But Miami crime boss, El Jefe, has other ideas for Perro?s racing future. When Paco loses Perro to the evil El Jefe, Paco?s whole world is once again turned upside down.
Perro won?t race for anyone but Paco, and El Jefe has ordered Perro destroyed because he won?t run. How can Paco save his precious Perro, his best friend, from certain death?
The entire community pulls together to help Paco rescue Perro in time for the very special Cuban-born dog to be entered in a championship race.
