Content Warning: This section of the guide contains descriptions of gun violence.

A newspaper article reports more cases of rabies in the area, so the family takes Shiloh to the vet for the first time. John Collins, the vet, is patient and caring and takes time to earn Shiloh’s affection. When he asks about Shiloh’s history, the family can’t tell him much because they don’t know how Judd took care of him.

John Collins says they’ve taken great care of Shiloh, which makes Marty proud. The vet gives Shiloh his shots and recommends feeding him more protein and dog food instead of only table scraps. Because Marty wants to be a vet, he asks John if chaining dogs up makes them mean. John explains that chained dogs feel scared, trapped, and threatened; because the dogs can’t escape from danger, they may attack any animals or people who approach. With patience, the dog can learn to trust people and become much nicer. Marty enjoys learning this information.

At home, he writes down all of John’s advice in his report for school. Ma is cooking dinner, and Dad is working. Outside, Becky is rolling around with Shiloh in the grass, Marty is picking apples, and Dara Lynn is playing with toy cars.