Hudson's Bay trader, Andre Dupas, accompanied on a canoe trip throught the Canadian Rockies by his Malamute pup, Nikki, encounters Neewa, an orphaned bear cub who joins them in their adventure down the river. They suddenly find themselves in near disaster when their canoe capsizes, hurtling them through the dangerous rapids. Dupas, separated from the two animals, assumes the worst and continues his journey alone. Nikki and Neewa reach land safely and become fast friends as they wander through the mountain forestlands in search of food and shelter. At the onset of winter, Neewa goes into hibernation, and Nikki is forced to start a new life alone. After an encounter with a villainous trader, Nikki is forced into the illegal dog fighting pits. The story reaches its climax when Nikki is pitted against none other than ...… (more)