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A TRIUMPH OF SURGERY CHAPTER SUMMARY |
Answer» A Triumph of Surgery. Summary: This story has been written by James Herriot. The subject of this story is a pet dog which is spoilt by its owner. The owner indulges her dog so much with food and other comforts that the dog has become overweight and cannot even walk properly. The doctor, James Herriot, is really worried. Tricki had become very fat. He looks like a bloated sausage. His eyes are red and rheumy. Mrs. Pumphrey is the mistress of the dog. She has given him malt and cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks every night. But nothing works.James Herriot realizes that Tricki’s only fault was greed for food. Dr. James Herriot advises Mrs. Pumphrey that she must cut Tricki’s food right down. She must give the dog some exercise. She must keep him on a very strict diet. Otherwise, he will fall ill.Within a few days, Dr. Herriot receives a call from Mrs. Pumphrey. She tells him that Tricki doesn’t eat and has bouts of vomiting. He only lies down on the rug panting. The doctor advises her that Tricki needs to be hospitalized for a fortnight. He is to be kept under observation.At the Surgery, the household dogs surge around Tricki. He sees them lying motionless. A bed for Tricki is made in a warm loose box. For two days, no food is given to him but plenty of water. On the second day, he starts taking some interest in his surroundings. On the third day, he begins to whimper when he hears the dog in the yard. Tricki starts taking a walk around the bowls licking casually inside one or two of them.Tricki’s progress is rapid. He has no medical treatment of any kind. He runs about the dogs joining their friend-ly barkings. He starts fighting for his share of food and hunts rats at night. Dr. Herriot tells Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki is not in danger and recovering rapidly. Mrs. Pumphrey starts bringing eggs, two dozen at a time to build up his strength. Wine and brandy are given to improve Tricki’s constitution. The doctor informs that Tricki has recovered and Mrs. Pumphrey can collect him.Within two weeks, Tricki has been transformed into a flexible, hard-muscled animal. He is stretching out in great bounds. When Tricki sees his mistress, he leaps and sails into her lap. As the car moves away, Mrs. Pumphrey leans out of the window. Her lips tremble and tears shine in her eyes. She says, “Oh, Mr. Herriot, how can I ever thank you? This is a triumph of surgery!” |
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