What is the theme (like a lesson) of the book called "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls?

I need it for my hw...

I need to know what the THEME, like a lesson on the story is..What the book is trying to teach us..

THANK YOUU

What is the theme (like a lesson) of the book called "Where the Red Fern Grows" by Wilson Rawls?
determination and man's relationship to dogs

check out:

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/redfern/se...