Part 1: The New Pup
* Chapter 1: "A New Pup": The story begins with Travis, a 10-year-old boy living on a Texas ranch in the 1860s. His family faces difficulties due to a drought and a lack of help, forcing Travis to take on more responsibility. He yearns for a dog and his wish is granted with a yellow, scraggly pup, which he names Old Yeller.
* Chapter 2: "Old Yeller Learns": Old Yeller, a mischievous and energetic pup, quickly learns his place on the ranch, helping with chores and providing companionship. He is fiercely loyal to Travis and becomes his best friend.
* Chapter 3: "The First Cow": Travis faces a challenging task – to protect a herd of cows from wild animals. Old Yeller, still young but eager, helps him guard the cattle, showcasing his developing courage and loyalty.
* Chapter 4: "The Herd of Hogs": While trying to herd some wild hogs, Old Yeller shows his fighting spirit and courage by confronting a large boar, protecting Travis in the process.
* Chapter 5: "Trouble with a Panther": Travis and Old Yeller encounter a dangerous panther, but their quick thinking and teamwork manage to scare the panther away, demonstrating their growing bond.
* Chapter 6: "A New Calf": Travis and Old Yeller learn to care for a new calf, further solidifying their bond and demonstrating the importance of compassion and responsibility.
Part 2: The Growing Boy
* Chapter 7: "A Fine Dog": Old Yeller is now a fully grown dog, proving his worth as a protector and companion. He saves Travis from a swarm of angry bees and becomes a vital part of the family.
* Chapter 8: "A Big Fight": Travis and Old Yeller encounter a wild wolf pack. In a heroic battle, Old Yeller saves Travis from the wolves, but is injured in the process. This marks a turning point in their relationship, showcasing Old Yeller's unwavering loyalty and selflessness.
* Chapter 9: "The Fever": After the wolf attack, Old Yeller gets sick, facing a life-threatening illness. Travis is deeply concerned and worried for his beloved dog.
* Chapter 10: "The Cure": Travis and his family try to heal Old Yeller with various remedies, showing their love and care for him.
* Chapter 11: "The Rabid Wolf": Old Yeller, now seemingly healthy, faces a final and deadly encounter with a rabid wolf. He protects Travis and his family from the infected wolf but succumbs to the wolf's bite himself. This tragic event marks the climax of the story and highlights the theme of sacrifice and loyalty.
Part 3: The End
* Chapter 12: "The End": Travis is devastated by Old Yeller's death and faces a difficult time coping with his grief. He learns a valuable lesson about life, death, and the importance of courage and love from his faithful companion.
Throughout the novel, the chapters weave a story of friendship, courage, loyalty, and the harsh realities of frontier life. Old Yeller's journey is not only a story of a dog's life but also a coming-of-age tale for Travis, who learns to embrace responsibility and understand the importance of love and loss.