How Did Old Yeller Get Rabies in the Book Old Yeller?

In the novel Old Yeller by Fred Gipson, Old Yeller contracts rabies after a confrontation with a rabid wolf. The wolf attacks, and during this struggle, Old Yeller saves the family’s livestock but unfortunately sustains a bite. This bite is significant because it leads to Old Yeller becoming infected with the rabies virus, a disease that renders animals aggressive and ultimately deadly. The incident highlights the dangers that lurked in the frontier life and serves as a pivotal moment in the story, showcasing the themes of loyalty, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of life in the wild.