Cracker, a dog, plays with a bird carcass and then chases a mouse. Her owner, 10-year-old Willie, finds her, and they return home.

Because Willie’s family has moved into an apartment that doesn’t allow dogs, they must rehome Cracker. Willie holds his dog close, feeling a sense of dread at the idea. He overhears his parents arguing about the Vietnam War: His father supports it, whereas his mother is against it. Willie gets into bed and thinks about Cracker’s future; she is being sent to a dog-training school, after which she will go to Vietnam.

The next morning, Cracker feels uneasy at her family’s strange behavior. Willie hugs her tightly and then runs from the house, not pausing to wave goodbye. Willie’s mother pats Cracker more than usual, telling her that she is a wonderful dog.

Cracker goes to sleep and then hears Willie’s parents and a strange man coming inside. Willie’s father puts a muzzle and leash on her and pulls her out, and then gives the leash to the strange man. Cracker starts to snarl and lunge at the man, but he pulls on the leash, and everything goes black as Cracker briefly hangs from her neck.