Old Yeller Second Post

       I have just finished reading Old Yeller by Fred Gipson. The further I read, the better the book got. Lots of things happen in the second half of the book. Travis and Old Yeller only grow closer to each other as companions, even when they are both injured in a wild hog accident. No matter what happens to the family, Old Yeller is always there to help them out or, in many cases, save them in a dangerous situation. This occurs when Mrs. Coates and Lisbeth (the Coates neighbor's granddaughter) went to get firewood from the forest by their house when a gray loafer wolf comes and tries to attack them because he has hydrophobia, which is like rabies. Old Yeller fought the wolf off and ended up saving their lives, but even once the wolf was dead, Travis knew that he couldn't take the chance of Old Yeller getting the sickness and going mad as well, because he might bite him or his family and transfer the sickness to them. As hard as it is for him, Travis knows he can't let Old Yeller live.
        Travis is still definitely my favorite character because of what a strong person he is. He cares only about taking care of the farm and his family while his father is away which is a big responsibility. He's dedicated, patient, and kind to his family and dog which shows a lot about his good character. I think a main theme the author wants people to think about is courage and the strength within sacrifice, because as hard as it was for Travis to do so, he was strong enough to let go of Old Yeller for his family's safety.