Travis Coates recalls the events that happened when he was 14, during the late 1860s following the American Civil War. That summer, a “dingy yellow” or “yeller” dog comes into his life (1). At first, Travis resents the dog, then comes to love it. When he must kill the dog, it is as hard as killing a family member.

Travis lives with his Mama, Papa, and five-year old brother Little Arliss in a log cabin along Birdsong Creek in the Texas Hill Country. The menfolk of the Salt Licks settlement plan to drive their cattle north to Abilene and sell them for cash money. Before Papa leaves, he tells Travis to be the man of the family and take care of everything while he is gone. He promises to bring Travis a horse if he holds up his end of the bargain. Travis knows the family needs a dog to help guard the property and protect the family, but after the death of his beloved older dog, Bell, from a rattlesnake bite the previous summer, Travis does not want another dog. Travis takes his adult responsibilities seriously, teaching both Little Arliss and the stubborn mule, Jumper, that he is now in charge.