Billy is sick with "dog fever," and his form of it cannot be cured by his parents. All he wants are two coon-hounds, but his parents cannot afford them. It's after two long years of hand work when he finally earns enough money to buy them himself. With his new, small hounds, which he had named Old Dan and Little Ann, they "tree" enough raccoon to enter a coon-hunting contest. Billy and his dogs make it through to the finals, risking their lives to win the trophy. But they experience another fatal event afterwards..... This book is very touching, describing memories of a boy and his dogs who knew each other so well, it creates an everlasting bond. How "Wilson Rawls" wrote this novel is amazing and very emotional. The end can really make you a baby.