The Sicilian town of Scicli is outraged when the introverted 10-year-old Meno befriends a golden-haired mongrel Italo, despite the town`s campaign against stray dogs. Following his mother`s death, Meno has been shutting people out, including his own workaholic father. But the unconditional love of Italo eventually forces the boy out of his shell and leads him into various life-changing adventures, which warms the hearts of the villagers.