Summary
Highlights
The Hansen family, including Greta and Jonas, moves from Hamburg to Waldau in the Black Forest. Greta is initially homesick, while her parents are enthusiastic about their new life: her mother dreams of owning a house, and her father, Philip, dreams of opening his own veterinary practice, specializing in large animals.
Upon arrival, the Hansen family finds their new home neglected and locked, with no one to greet them. Philip, the new veterinarian, tries to enter the house through an upstairs window, only to be questioned by a local, Vinzenz, who is skeptical of city people. The mayor also seems unwelcoming, sending Vinzenz with a cake as a 'welcome gift' but not appearing in person. Greta delivers the cake to the mayor, who is also wary of the new doctor.
The family settles into their old, dusty house. Philip envisions a thriving practice, but his children are less optimistic. Greta meets a boy on a tractor, Jonas, but he remains silent. Greta and her sister Lily struggle with cooking in their new home, as they can't find familiar ingredients in the local shop. Greta starts school and is met with skepticism from her classmates, especially Emma, who makes fun of Hamburg.
At school, a boy named Luka teases Greta, but Jonas defends her. Jonas's old dog, Oswald, is sick, and Greta offers her father's help. Jonas is initially hesitant, as his father plans to humanely put Oswald down if he doesn't recover. Greta reassures Jonas about her father's skills.
Philip is frustrated that his practice isn't attracting clients, suspecting that the mayor might be turning people against him. His wife suggests an advertisement in the newspaper. Jonas brings Oswald to Philip's practice, where Philip diagnoses the dog with an irregular heartbeat and prescribes medication to help. He assures Jonas that Oswald will not suffer.
Jonas's father is still wary of the Hansens, especially after hearing that Oswald was at the vet. Greta's plan to help her father's practice involves putting up signs. Jonas helps Greta and her sister put up signs for their father's practice, showcasing a growing friendship and community spirit. Philip finally meets the mayor, who expresses skepticism about the new vet. However, a shared misunderstanding about a cake and Philip's appreciative comments about it unexpectedly win over the mayor, leading to a warmer welcome to Waldau.
Greta secretly continues to give Oswald his medicine. One morning, Oswald disappears, causing panic. Jonas's father believes he's run off to die, but Oswald is eventually found, appearing much healthier. Jonas and his father go hunting with Oswald, who is now active and playful. Greta reflects on how Waldau might become a nice place to live after all, as Oswald's recovery brings hope and acceptance to the Hansen family within the community.