Cora Rayns was once a powerful and respected woman, well known for her determination and refusal to back down. When disaster struck, it was her determination that kept her alive while those around her faded away to a dim memory, and everything she had ever known faded with them. Unwilling to wait for death to find her, Cora finds purpose in her very survival, fighting to stay alive while the world dies around her. When Dog, a large black mutt, crashes uninvited into her life, Cora tries desperately to rid herself of the persistent canine, but he refuses to be parted from her. Far from being happy with her new burden, Cora tolerates Dog, but keeps him at arms length. Together the unlikely pair must face many dangers including vicious cannibals, wildfires, unending cold, thieves, and always the need for food. The end of civilization left a dark and unforgiving world, where hope is nearly extinct and death lingers ever-ready in the shadows. But Cora has a guardian angel to help her survive, an angel named 'Dog'.