Veterinarian J. T. "Rush" Rushford, who lost custody of a girl he thought was his daughter, is in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the season - until a Christmas miracle happens.

Veterinarian J.T. "Rush" Rushford isn't looking forward to Christmas. A year ago Rush's wife divorced him for another man, then broke his heart by revealing that four-year-old Claire was her lover's child. Now he's in Branding Iron, Texas, with his mobile vet practice, just hoping to get through the season. Then something like a Christmas miracle happens: Claire's parents are going on an extended cruise, leaving Rush to take her for the holidays. When Tracy Emerson, a lady judge with a pregnant cat and an aging mutt, takes a liking to the vet and his little girl, this Christmas might be the most joyous of all. -- adapted from jacket