Old Yeller

Old Yeller is a classic novel by Fred Gipson that tells the story of a young boy named Travis Coates living in the Texas Hill Country during the 1860s. While his father is away on a cattle drive, Travis is left to take care of his mother, younger brother, and the farm. One day, a stray yellow dog wanders onto their property, and despite Travis's initial reluctance, the dog, whom they name Old Yeller, proves to be a loyal and brave companion. He helps protect the family from various dangers, including wild animals and thieves. As Old Yeller becomes an indispensable part of the family, Travis grows to love him. However, the story takes a tragic turn when Old Yeller is exposed to rabies while defending the family from a rabid wolf. Faced with the heartbreaking decision to prevent the spread of the disease, Travis must put down his beloved dog. The novel deals with themes of love, loss, and coming of age, and is both a touching portrayal of the bond between a boy and his dog and a vivid depiction of frontier life.