I needed to read Old Yeller for a story I'm writing. I saw the film when I was 6 or 8, and only knew it by reputation since. I've barely heard it talked about really. But I always remembered the ending is sad.

Having read it now, I do notice a few things. One, is the colonialist tone at the beginning. It.. revels a bit in Native Americans being put on reservations. I believe there is a anti-black slur. Not the hard N, but similar. Not to mention the father worship. Is that what I want to use? Well, the mother does quite a bit actually. And so does a girl brought on the help for a bit. And at the end, the much vaunted father starts telling his son no to care about the dog that died. But the next second, backtracks and tells him that's not possible. And to do what he can. It's actually a very mature, even handed way of looking at grief.

And so... (is it possible to spoil this book?) that ending. It actually.... wasnt that sad. There is barely any detail or lingering on it. We are told why it has to happen, and it happens. next chapter. There is more detail about how they hunt wild pigs. I believe the movie went into more detail of the actual act. But the book cant be finished with it quicker.

I was worried this would make me feel bad about my already somewhat old dog. But now I'm more "....that was the sad part?!"