Each spring, Old Doroteo drives one of Jess Cameron’s six flocks of sheep across the desert to the high summer pastures, where the grazing is lush and water is plentiful. The trip is not without danger. Jess’s son David, who is recuperating from pneumonia, receives his parents’ permission to accompany Old Doreteo to the high pastures for the season. With a little burro and a tagalong pet crow, David spends seven months on the sheep trail and experiences both adventures and challenges, including getting lost in the desert for two days and losing a dear friend. The story tells of how the sadness, laughter, and frustration of the sheep trail taught David to be responsible for his obligations and to always put his trust in the Good Shepard.