Summary of Chapters 6-11: Mark continues his concerns regarding his dog, Wolfie. He worries that he might be more concerned about Wolfie's well-being than his own brother's. His good friend, Rick, assures him that he is not being a bad brother by worrying about Wolfie.
Mark calls the base that is training Wolfie to see if he can get him back. Captain Lenz tells him that, when he allowed them to have Wolfie, Wolfie became property of the US Army. Much money and time has been invested into Wolfie, and he would not get him back. Callously, he suggests that Mark get another dog.
He hears from Tucker Smalley that Wolfie did great in helicopter training, and they will soon be deployed to Viet Nam. This increases Mark's anxiety about Wolfie's well-being. Mark's mom, however, has taken Tucker Smalley under her wing and sends him care packages, as she believes that Tucker might not get communication from home. Tucker is grateful for this.
On the homefront, Mark goes to an 8th grade dance with Claire, a girl in his classes whom he likes very much. In casual conversation, Claire reveals that her brother is a draft dodger living in Canada. Mark is furious about this, and Claire has some moments of embarrassment about it as well. The night ended well, despite this difference.
Many people who care about Mark have spoken with him about his changes in behavior. He has become increasingly quiet and solemn due to all that is on his mind. His brother and his dog are involved in the war and his mother is working increasing hours at her new job at the library. When he needs to talk, he misses having his mom there for him.
Mark reads an article about dogs in Viet Nam. The article spotlights a soldier who feels the dog who saved his life and nearly died himself should be allowed to an end to his tour of duty just like human soldiers. The article sheds light on the discussion of the acceptable use of animals in warfare.
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