Old Yeller

For the 1957 film based on the book, see Old Yeller (1957 film).

Old Yeller is a 1956 children's novel by Fred Gipson, which received a Newbery Honor in 1969. It was illustrated by Carl Burger. The title is taken from the name of the big brown dog who is the center of the book's story. In 1957 Walt Disney released a film adaptation starring Fess Parker, Dorothy McGuire, Tommy Treagel, Kevin Corcoran, Jeff York, and Beverly Washburn.

Young Travis Coates is left to take care of the family ranch with his mother and younger brother while his father goes off on a cattle drive in the 1860's. When a yellow mongrel comes for an uninvited stay with the family, Travis reluctantly adopts the dog. Though Travis initially loathes the "rascal" and tries to get rid of it, Old Yeller eventually proves his worth, saving the family on several occasions. Travis grows to love the dog Old Yeller.

The rightful owner of Yeller shows up looking for his dog. The owner recognizes that the family needs Yeller and has become attached to Yeller, and trades Yeller to Arliss (the younger son) for a home-cooked meal.

The book ends when Yeller becomes exposed to rabies while defending the family from a rabie infested wolf and Travis is forced to shoot the dog. Old Yeller's puppy helps him get over Old Yeller's death. Yeller's puppy becomes the title character of the 1962 movie sequel, Savage Sam. There is also a third book, "Little Arliss", set after the first two and starring Travis's younger brother.