Mountain dawn loses Ox Vine, her daughter, to the predators from outside. She is devestated by this
Cherry Mist helps her through her grief, and they become close friends. She also becomes close with Muddy River, who she convinces herself she really does love. But she really sees him as a way to get new puppys and fill the void of lossing Ox Vine
The couple tries adopting, but never really connected with their pup. Eventually, Mountain dawn was pregnent with a new litter. To her dismay, only one survived. She watches this last remaining pup, Prarie scales, like a hawk to make sure she doesnt die.