Marty must figure out what to do based on his own sense of right and wrong, taking into consideration his family's values. Marty questions his parents by asking, "What kind of law is it . . . that lets a man mistreat his dog?" and "What's right?" Naylor points out that there are exceptions to every rule and that it is necessary throughout life to stand up for what you believe is fair and just and then be ready to compromise. Marty does compromise — using time to figure out how he can keep Shiloh. He agrees to take Shiloh back to Judd after Shiloh is well. Later, Marty also compromises with Judd. Marty agrees to work for Judd and keeps quiet about the fact that Judd shot a deer illegally in exchange for Shiloh. Throughout the process, Marty realizes that "nothing is as simple as you guess — not right or wrong. . . ."
Another major theme in Shiloh is the importance of family and friends. Family is a priority for the Prestons. Even though they don't have much money, they manage to send money to help Aunt Hettie care for Grandma Preston. When Marty goes on the postal route with his father, his father shows that he cares about Marty and has been paying attention to him by asking Judd questions about his dogs. Marty's father knows Marty is worried about Shiloh and he seems to know what to ask Judd to satisfy Marty's interest. When Marty's family discovers his secret (Shiloh) and realizes he has been lying to them, they are not happy about the lies, but they support him and assist him in righting a wrong. His parents stand beside him as he tells Doc Murphy and Judd the truth.
Marty's relationship with his friend, David, is also significant. Marty chose not to share his secret about Shiloh with David. When David did find out, he supported Marty and helped him clean out Shiloh's pen. Marty felt good having David's help because David's presence made the job easier and helped keep Marty from focusing on thoughts related to his guilt about the German shepherd attacking Shiloh. Marty thinks that he and David will be "friends for life." Being able to trust and depend on family and friends enables people to feel secure, thereby allowing each person in the relationship to flourish.
Naylor writes about the difficulties involved in deciding what is right and what is wrong and the value of family and friends to portray the notion that people are unique and naturally figure out solutions to life's dilemmas in their own way.
