In 1939 New Orleans, a charming but flawed German Shepherd named Charlie B. Barkin escapes from a New Orleans dog pound with the help of his loyal best friend, Itchy Itchiford. Charlie and Itchy run a casino for dogs, but their success breeds animosity with Carface Carruthers, Charlie's unscrupulous business partner. Carface orchestrates a deadly ambush, sending Charlie to the afterlife. However, Charlie obtains a magical, celestial watch that grants him a second chance at life, provided it never stops ticking. Defiantly, Charlie returns to Earth, seeking revenge against Carface while planning to reclaim his share of the casino.

During his quest, Charlie encounters Anne-Marie, a kind-hearted orphan girl who can communicate with animals. Realizing her unique ability, Charlie uses Anne-Marie to tip gambling outcomes in his favor, promising her a loving family in return. Despite his initial self-serving intentions, Charlie’s hardened heart begins to soften as he grows closer to Anne-Marie. They share numerous adventures filled with colorful and often-dangerous characters, ultimately leading Charlie to crucial revelations about loyalty, redemption, and the true meaning of love. As Charlie's time on Earth progresses, he faces the moral dilemma of keeping his celestial watch ticking or making a sacrifice for something greater.