Content Warning: Both the source text and this guide contain descriptions of animal abuse, alcohol addiction, and gun violence.

Marty Preston, an 11-year-old boy, explains how he first came to care for Shiloh, a beagle who was previously owned by his cruel and abusive neighbor, Judd Travers, who is addicted to alcohol. A few months ago, Shiloh ran away from Judd’s house multiple times. The dog kept running to Marty, so Marty hid Shiloh in a pen and saved the dog from Judd’s abuse. Shiloh also got hurt by another dog, and the local doctor, Doc Murphy, saved Shiloh’s life.

Even though Judd has other hunting dogs, he only let Marty keep Shiloh because the boy saw him shoot a deer out of season. Marty bargained with Judd, promising not to tell the game warden about Judd’s hunting crime as long as Judd allowed him to keep Shiloh. Marty also had to work for Judd, doing chores for two weeks. To this day, Marty has kept the secret of how he came to be Shiloh’s caretaker.

Recently, Judd has been drinking more alcohol than usual. One day, while Marty is walking down the road with Shiloh, Judd loses control of his truck and almost runs Marty over.