ADARSH BAL NIKETAN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL

Class X: Supplementary Text book: Chapter 1: A Triumph of Surgery

Introduction to the lesson

This story is about Tricki, a dog who is the pet of a rich lady named Mrs. Pumphrey. She loves
her dog very much and is unable to refuse him anything he wants. Tricki, is fond of eating
cream cakes and chocolates. So one day when Mrs. Pumphrey is out with Tricki for a walk the
narrator sees them and stops to talk. While talking to Mrs. Pumphrey he realises that she has
been overfeeding Tricki and also had been giving him things that he shouldn’t eat due to
which Tricki had started looking like a bloated sausage. Soon Tricki got unwell and Mrs.
Pumphrey has to call Mr. Herriot (narrator) for help. She does not want to send him away but
the only way suggested by Mr. Herriot is to get him hospitalised for 15 days. Then the story
unfolds into how he gets well. Read the description to know more.

Short summary

The story ‘A Triumph of Surgery’ revolves around an ill dog named Tricki and his mistress, Mrs
Pumphrey. The dog was hugely fat. His eyes were blood-red and rheumy. Mrs Pumphrey gave
her malt, cod-liver oil and bowl of Horlicks. Still, Tricki had no energy. The doctor advised her
to cut down on sweet things. Tricki left eating and kept vomiting. He was to be hospitalised.
The doctor gave Tricki nothing to eat for the first two days except water. On the third day,
there were signs of improvement. He started taking food properly. The doctor didn’t give him
any medical treatment. Tricki used to run around and play with the other dogs cheerfully. Soon,
he recovered completely. Mrs Pumphrey continued enquiring about Tricki on phone. When
she came to collect the dog, tears were shining in her eyes. She called this magical recovery:
‘A Triumph of Surgery’.

Short Answer Type Important Questions

Answer the following questions in 30-40 words:

1. What makes you know that Mrs Humphrey was a rich lady?

Ans. Mrs Humphrey was a wealthy lady as she had many servants and maids also had a pet.
She used to feed her pet with a lot of dishes, sweets and snacks. Moreover, she had a separate
room and wardrobe for her pet. All these things show that she was a rich lady.

2. Why did Mrs Humphrey call the doctor?

Or

Why did Mrs Humphrey take Tricky to the doctor?

Ans. Tricky was not eating anything for the past few days. He had refused even dishes and had
bouts of vomiting. Moreover, he was spending his time lying on a rug; panting-He was not
going for walks. All these symptoms forced Mrs Humphrey to visit the doctor.

3. How does Dr Herriot treat Tricky?

Ans. Dr Herriot cut down Trick’s food and made him exercise. For the first three days jibs not
give him food but only water. He did not give any medicinal treatment but made him all day
with the dogs. He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and sq He enjoyed a
lot along with his recovery.

4. Why were the household dogs not interested in Tricky initially?

Ans. Tricky was a newcomer in the house. Moreover, Tricky was very lethargic to play with
them He was not comfortable there. But after a few days, Tricky started enjoying with them.
He discovered the joys of being bowled over, tramped on and squashed every few minutes. He
became an accepted member of the gang,

5. Why was Dr Herriot confident that Tricky will be in hospital soon?

Ans. Tricky was tottering slowly in the house. He was not eating anything, not even his
favourite dishes and besides, he had bouts of vomiting. Dr Herriot was sure that if his food was
not cut down and more exercise was not given to him, he would be really ill soon.

6. Why was the entire staff of Mrs Humphrey at work while Tricky was going to the hospital?

Ans. Tricky was Mrs Humphrey’s beloved dog, and when he was going to the hospital, the
entire staff got to work. His day and night beds, favourite cushions, toys and rubber rings, and
food bowls were loaded into the narrator’s car by them.

7. What was the cause of Tricki’s ailment?

Or

What was the main cause of `Trick’s ill-health’?

Ans. Tricky was overfed by Mrs Humphrey. He became hugely fat and inactive. He was
pampered with a lot of cream cakes, chocolates and Hotlinks. This was the main cause of his
illness.

8. Why did Mr Herriot ask Mrs Humphrey to admit Tricky in a hospital?

Ans. Dr Herriot asked Mrs Humphrey to admit Tricky in a hospital because instead of cutting
down upon his food and making him exercise, she was pampering him.

9. Why did Mrs Humphrey treat Tricky in a special way?

 Ans. Mrs Humphrey was an extremely rich lady but was foolishly indulgent in pampering her
dog, Tricky. She served him with cream cakes, chocolates and cod-liver oil. She did so because
she treated Tricky like her son.

10. Why was Dr Herriot worried about Tricki?

Ans. Dr Herriot was worried about Tricky because he had become hugely fat and inactive. He
suggested to Mrs Humphrey to cut down his food and give him some exercise but she was
reluctant to do so.

11. Why was Tricki sent to the hospital?

Ans. Tricky had become sluggish as he had grown so fast that it became difficult for him to
walk. He started panting all the time, kept on vomiting and stopped eating. He seemed very ill
so he was hospitalized.

Q.12. What was Mrs Pumphrey’s reaction when Tricki showed little enthusiasm for exertion?

Ans. She was shocked and worried. She thought that Tricki was seriously ill. She thought that
he had been suffering from malnutrition.

13. What did she do to bring him back to normal health? Was she successful?

Ans. To bring Tricki to normal health she started giving him a beer and cod-liver oil. She also
gave him a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep. But she was not successful because all
these things put an adverse effect on the little dog.

14. What was Mr Herriot’s strict advice? Did Mrs Pumphrey heed his advice? What excuses did
she make?

Ans. Mr Herriot’s strict advice was to cut down on the sweet things and to give him plenty of
exercises. But Mrs Pumphrey did not heed this advice. She thought Tricki was weak. So she was
giving him cream cakes and chocolates. Tricki had very little exercise because the gardener was
unwell.

15. Why did Mrs Purnphrey make a frantic call to Mr Herriot?

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey made a frantic call to Mr Herriot because Tricki was seriously ill. He ate no
food. He refused even his favourite dishes. He had bouts of vomiting. He liked to do nothing.

16. Describe the `parting scene’ between Tricki and Mrs Pumphrey’s household.

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey was wailing. The entire staff was roused. The maids rushed in and out
bringing his beds and bowls to the doctor’s car. When the doctor drove the car away everybody
in the house was in tears.

17. “I think I know a cure for you.” What was the `cure’?
Ans. It was the cure to control Tricki’s diet. He did not give any food to Tricki for two days. He
gave him a lot of water to drink. He gave him no medicine. He gave him a lot of exercises and
this all made Tricki very active.

18. The household dogs at the surgery rejected Tricki as “uninteresting objects.” Why?

Ans. At the surgery the household dogs surrounded Tricki. He looked at them with dull eyes.
The other dogs sniffed him but he did not give any response. So they found him as an
uninteresting object and rejected him.

Q.19. How did he become an accepted member of the gang and start enjoying the company
of the other dogs?

Ans. After two or three days Tricki’s health began to improve rapidly. He started mixing-up with
other dogs. He enjoyed playing different games with the other dogs. In this way, he became an
accepted member of the gang. He enjoyed their company.

20. Describe the small dog Tricki.

Ans. Tricki was a small dog of a rich lady Mrs Pumphrey. She loved him too much. Because of
overfeeding, he looked like a bloated sausage. He had become hugely fat. He had bloodshot
and rheumy eyes.

21. What did Mrs Pumphrey think her dog suffer from? How did she try to help him?

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey’s dog Tricki was dull and listless. She thought that he suffered from
malnutrition. So she gave him malt and cod-liver oil between meals. She gave him a bowl of
Horlicks at night.

22. What was the real disease that Tricki was suffering from?

Ans. Actually, Tricki had not any physical disease. He had a vomiting problem because of over-
feeding. He was lazy because he did not have any physical exercise.

23. What was Mrs Pumphrey’s reaction when the doctor said that Tricki must be taken to the
hospital for a fortnight?

Ans. Hearing this from the doctor’s mouth she almost swooned. She was sure that Tricki would
pine and die if he did not see her every day.

24. How did the gang of the household dogs accept Tricki as their member?

Ans. After two or three days Tricki mixed-up with the household dogs. He had a lot of fun and
exercise there. He ran about with the dogs. He enjoyed being bowled over, tramped on and
squashed. Thus they accepted him as their member.

Q.25. How did Tricky treat his mistress when she went to collect him? (
Ans. When Tricki saw his mistress, he took off from Mr Herriot’s arms. He took a tremendous
leap. He sailed into Mrs Pumphrey’s lap. He swarmed over her. He licked her face and barked.

26. Why was Mr Herriot shocked at Tricki’s appearance? [H.B.S.E. March. 2017 (Set-01)]

Ans. Tricki had become hugely fat. He looked like a bloated sausage. His eyes were bloodshot
and rheumy. His tongue lolled from his jaws. So Mr Herriot was shocked at Tricki’s appearance.

Q27. Why was Dr Herriot really worried about Tricki?

Ans. When Dr Herriot saw Tricki with his mistress, he was really worried. He was shocked at his
appearance. The dog had become hugely fat. His eyes were bloodshot and rheumy. His tongue
lolled from his jaws. Naturally, the miserable condition of the dog made him really worried.

Q28. What special diet did Mrs Pumphrey give to build Tricki up?

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey found that Tricki had become listless. He seemed to have no energy. She
thought he must be suffering from malnutrition. She decided to give some little special diet
between meals to build him up. She gave him some malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at
night. She couldn’t refuse cakes and chocolates to Tricki even after being advised to cut down
on the sweet things.

Q29. What was the only fault of Tricki as diagnosed by Dr Herriot?

Ans. Dr Herriot knew that overindulgence and pampering of Tricki’s mistress, Mrs Pumphrey
created problems for him. The only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. He had never known
to refuse food. Overfeeding and not giving him proper exercise made him hugely fat and dull.

Q30. Why did Dr Herriot try to sound severe when he gave strict instructions to Mrs Pumphrey
about Tricki?

Ans. Dr Herriot knew the real cause of Tricki’s problems. He found that the only fault of Tricki
was his greed for food. So, he gave strict instructions to Tricki’s mistress, Mrs Pumphrey. He
asked her to cut his food right down. He also recommended giving him more exercise and
keeping him on a very strict diet.

Q31. What plans did Dr Herriot make to get Tricki out of the house?

Ans. Dr James Herriot realised that as long as Tricki was with Mrs Pumphrey, he would be
miserable. He suggested to her that Tricki must be hospitalised for a fortnight. He would be
under his observation. The lady almost fainted on hearing this, but Dr Herriot took a firm line.
He insisted that the dog was ill and it was the only way of saving him.

Q32. How did Mrs Pumphrey react when she heard from the doctor that Tricki needed to be
hospitalised for a fortnight?

Ans. When Dr Herriot informed Mrs Pumphrey that Tricki was to be kept under his Supervision,
Mrs Pumphrey almost fainted on hearing this. It was extremely difficult for her to be away from
her pampered pet for a fortnight. She agreed only after Dr Herriot told her that that was the
only way of saving Tricki.

Q33. How was Tricki treated at the surgery?

Ans. Dr Herriot gave no medical treatment to Tricki. He realised that the only problem of Tricki
was his greed for food. For two days, he kept an eye on him. He gave him no food but plenty
of water. He made up a bed for him in a warm loose box next to where other dogs slept.

Q34. Describe the gradual progress of Tricki at the surgery.

Ans. Tricki’s main problem was his greed for food. For two days, Dr Herriot gave no food but
plenty of water to the dog. On the first day, Tricki lay motionless on the carpet. On the second
day, he started showing some interest in his surroundings. On the third day, he began to
whimper when he heard the dogs in the yard. From then on, his progress was rapid. He started
for his share of food and hunting rats at night.

Q35. How did the word ‘convalescing’ affect Tricki’s mistress, Mrs Pumphrey?

Ans. The moment Mrs Pumphrey heard that Tricki was out of danger and convalescing, she
was excited. She started bringing fresh eggs, two dozen at a time, to build up his strength. Wine
and brandy were given to enrich Tricki’s blood. For a few nights, brandy was rolled around,
inhaled and reverently drunk.

Q36. Why was Dr Herriot tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?

Ans. Tricki was a pampered dog and his mistress, Mrs Pumphrey was an overindulgent lady.
For a happy period, Dr Herriot and his partner had two eggs each for breakfast. Then there was
a liberal inflow of wine and brandy. They were days of deep content for him. He was naturally
tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest.

Q37. What excuses did Mrs Pumphrey give for not following Dr Herriot’s advice? What was the
effect of ignorance?

Ans. Dr Herriot knew that the only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. Mrs Pumphrey was an
indulgent mistress and pampered Tricki with malt, cod-liver oil and bowls of Horlicks. Dr Herriot
had advised her to cut down on sweets and give him some exercise. Tricki was to be kept on a
very strict diet. Mrs Pumphrey told the doctor that it was very difficult. The result of ignoring
the doctor’s advice was disastrous. Tricki lost his appetite and lay motionless on the carpet. He
vomited again and again.

Q38. Why did Tricki become an uninteresting object for other dogs at the surgery?

Ans. Tricki was to be hospitalised for a fortnight. The pathetic little dog was gasping for breath.
At the surgery, the household dogs surged around Dr Herriot. Tricki looked down at the noisy
dogs with dull eyes helplessly. He lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs circled around
him sniffing for a few seconds. They decided that Tricki was an uninteresting object for them.
Therefore, they ignored him.

Q39. How did Mrs Pumphrey and her servants behave when Tricki was being taken away to
surgery?

Ans. Dr Herriot had advised that Tricki must be hospitalised under his observation for a
fortnight. When the dog was being sent away to the surgery, the whole staff was roused. The
maids rushed in and out. They were busy in bringing Tricki’s day-bed, night-bed, cushions, toys,
breakfast bowl, lunch bowl, etc. When he was departing, everybody was in tears. The
overindulgent mistress, Mrs Pumphrey gave a cry in desperation.

Q40. How was Tricki accepted as a member of the gang and the other dogs started enjoying
his company?

Ans. Tricki was out of danger. He started taking interest in his surroundings. On the third day,
Joe, the greyhound and other dogs surrounded him. They rolled him over and inspected him.
Tricki followed them to the garden. He was running and rolling down in their company. Now
he was accepted as a member of the gang.

Q41. Do you think that Dr Herriot was a sensible, practical and clever person? How?

Ans. Yes, Dr Herriot was a pragmatic person. He was sensible enough to recognise Tricki’s greed
for food. He was highly practical. He knew that it was difficult for Mrs Pumphrey to part with
the dog. So, he advised her that Tricki must be hospitalised under his supervision for a
fortnight. It was necessary to save him. He was a clever person and was tempted to keep Tricki
on as a permanent guest. Actually, he was enjoying the best of both the worlds.

Q42. Wasn’t Mrs Pumphrey an overindulgent but silly and impractical mistress?

Ans. Yes, Mrs Pumphrey was fabulously rich. She could afford to be overindulgent towards her
favourite pet dog, Tricki. The dog was pampered like a spoiled child. She was silly enough to
provide cushions, toys, day-bed, night-bed, unnecessary items like, malt, cod-liver oil, Horlicks,
wine and brandy which are not available even to human beings. Her impractical nature led to
overfeeding of Tricki. He grew hugely fat, listless and dull.

Important Long/ Detailed Answer Type Questions- to be answered in about 100 -150 words
each

Answer the following questions in 100-120 words:

1. Herriot enjoyed the lavish meal during Trick’s stay but still, he felt compelled to inform Mrs
Humphrey about the recovery of Tricky. Why did he not keep Tricky for a longer time? Did he
feel concerned for Mrs Humphrey? Was it not in his attitude to break the trust others. Discuss
the values he possessed in 100-120 words.
 Ans. Tricky was a fat dog, pet of Mrs Humphrey. He became listless and seemed to have no
energy. It fell ill. So, Mrs Humphrey called the veterinary surgeon, Dr Herriot for the help. Dr
Herriot took Tricky to his surgery. He kept an eye on him for two days and gave him no food
but plenty of water. At the end of the second day, he started showing some interest in his
surroundings and on the third day, began to whimper on the sound of dogs. While his stay at
the surgery, Mrs Humphrey started to bring round fresh eggs to a dozen at a time. She also
sent bottles of wine and brandy for Trick’s health. But that was consumed by Mr Herriot and
his eel leagues. Hence, Herriot enjoyed the stay of Tricky. He did not want to keep Tricky for a
longer time because he felt concerned for Mrs Humphrey. He did not want to separate the pet
from his owner. He could understand Mrs Pumphrey’s concern for the little dog. So he
returned! him back.

2. The chapter shows the silly and negligent behaviour of rich people like Mrs Pumphrey who
may harm their near and dear ones by their extra caring nature. Trick’s declined health was
the outcome of Mrs Pumphrey’s over-caring nature. Do you think such people’s actions can
prove to be fatal for the health of their kinds? What values would you suggest to such people
to emulate in themselves and why? Write your answer in 100-120 words.

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey was a wealthy lady with a fat pet dog named Tricky. Tricky was too dear
to Mrs Pumphrey. Hence, she took extra care of him. She had pampered the dog with all kinds
of comforts. The dog had many coats worn according to the weather, had different cushions
for his comfort and also had various dishes to eat. Some extras between meals were given to
him, some malt, cod- liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night to make him sleep. He was also
given cream cakes and chocolates. This made him fat and lethargic. He became hugely fat like
a bloated sausage. His eyes bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead and his tongue lolled
from his jaws. I think Mrs Pumphrey’s extra-caring nature resulted in Trick’s declined health.
Such an attitude can result to be fatal for the health of their kins. One should not over care for
them. Exercise and proper meal are important for one’s health. The same was taken care by
Dr Herriot, which resulted in the speedy recovery of Tricky.

3.”He had never been known to refuse food; he would tackle a meal at any hour of the day or
night.” Herriot believed that Trick’s problem was his greed. Did he lack tolerance? What values
would you like Tricky to imbibe? Elucidate.

Ans. Dr Herriot was not entirely wrong in believing that Trick’s problem was greed. Tricki was
indeed greedy, but Mrs Pumphrey only made matters worse by stuffing him with rich food.
Herriot did not lack intolerance; he was just stating the obvious. Trick’s ill-health made him
concerned, and he made the observation as a veterinary doctor. Tricky, on the other hand,
needed to exercise control on his eating habits. It would have been good if he did not greedily
gobble up everything that was placed in front of him. Mrs Pumphrey herself reveals that Tricky
loved cream cakes and chocolates very much. Thus, Tricky ought to have been less gluttonous
and luxury-loving, and behaved more like a dog!

4. Herriot seems to be a duty-bound doctor who values others ’emotions’ than his personal
interests. Elucidate the above statement. Mention those values of Herriot which you would
like to emulate in yourself also and give reasons for the same. Write your answer in 100-120
words.

Ans. Herriot was a duty-bound veterinary doctor. He used to visit Mrs Pumphrey’s house
regularly for the regular check-up of her dog Tricky. Mrs Pumphrey was a very rich lady who
had pampered her dog. Dr Herriot was quite worried about Trick’s health. He knew that the
dog was over-fed by his owner. He advised Mrs Pumphrey to keep him go rich diet and give
him a lot of exercises. But she didn’t bother. Hence, in order to improve Trick’s health, he
decided to take him away from Mrs Pumphrey. He told her that ‘raj needed surgery. He made
a Tricky cut down his diet and made him do certain exercises which improved his health.
Although he knew Mrs Pumphrey was very rich and much attached to the dog, he did not take
any advantage of it. He just performed his duties should also learn the same values in our life.

5. How did Mrs Pumphrey keep her dog? How did she add to his problems? [2017 (Set-A)]

Or

Tricki was more a member of Mrs Pumphrey’s family than a mere dog. Explain, giving example
from the text.

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey was a rich lady. She pampered her dog Tricki. She overfed him. She gave
him much nutritious diet. This made him hugely fat. He looked like a bloated sausage. He
became dull, flabby. lazy and listless. She thought that he had been suffering from malnutrition.
So she gave him malt and cod-liver oil between meals. She gave him Horlicks at night. In spite
of the doctor’s advice, she gave him cream cakes and chocolate. All these things made his
condition worse. He had bouts of vomiting. He kept lying all the time on the carpet. He did not
want to go out of the house even for a little time.

6. How did Herriot save Tricki’s lifAns. Tricki was seriously ill. He refused food. He had bouts of
vomiting. Mrs Pumphrey was very much worried about him. She called Mr Herriot who was a
vet. Herriot knew well about Tricki’s disease. He told Mrs Pumphrey that the dog must be
hospitalized for a fortnight immediately. He carried the dog in his car to his surgery. There he
put him in a separate room. He was given no food for two days but plenty of water. After two
days the dog felt better. He started enjoying games with other dogs. In this way, Herriot cured
Trickle of his illness without any medicine or surgery.

7. Write a character-sketch of Mrs Pumphrey.

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey was a very wealthy lady. She was very loving to her dog ‘Meld. She
pampered overfed him. She gave him much nutritious food. Tricki was very greedy. He never
refuses food. This made him hugely fat and lazy. Mrs Pumphrey was much worried about him.
She thought that he was suffering from malnutrition she gave him more energy food. She
almost swoone4when Herriot told her that Tricki must be hospitalized for a fortnight. She
thought that Tricki would pine and die if he did not see his mistress even for a single balance
was very grateful to Herriot for his services to Tricki.
8. Write a character-sketch of Tricki.

Ans. Tricki was a small dog. He was pampered and overfed by his mistress. He was given much
nutritious food. He was greedy enough to refuse food at any time. He liked eating cream cakes
and chocolates. This made him hugely fat. He looked like a bloated sausage. He had bloodshot
and rheumy eyes. He became dull, flabby, lazy and listless. He was seriously sick. He had bouts
of vomiting. He was taken to Herriot’s surgery. There he was given no food for two days. He
had a lot of exercises to do. This made him quite fit. He loved his mistress very much. His
mistress said about him that he would pine and die if he did not see her even for a single day.

9. Mrs Pumphrey says, “This is a triumph of surgery.” Why did she say so? Did she know what
‘, Vicki’s ailment was?

Ans. Tricki was seriously ill. He refused food. He had bouts of vomiting. Mrs Pumphrey was very
much worried about him. She called Mr Herriot who was a vet surgeon. Mr Herriot knew about
Tricki’s disease. He took the dog to his surgery. He gave Tricki no food for two days. He gave
him a lot of exercises. When Mrs Pumphrey went to Mr Herriot’s surgery to take Tricki back
she found him totally transformed. He had been very lazy and flabby. But now he had been
transformed into a lithe and hard-muscled animal. All this made him say, This is a triumph of
surgery.” No, Mrs Pumphrey did not know about Tricki’s ailment. She also did not know how
he was cured.

Q10. Mrs Pumphrey, the overindulgent and caring mistress of Tricki, pampers her pet dog like
a spoiled child. Comment.

Or

Give a brief character-sketch of Mrs Pumphrey.

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey was a fabulously rich and resourceful lady with a large number of servants
and maids. She was passionately attached to her little pet dog, Tricki. She was much worried
about Tricki’s miserable condition. Tricki had become hugely fat and listless. She thought he
was suffering from malnutrition. So, she started giving Tricki malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of
Horlicks at night.

Being overindulgent, Mrs Pumphrey even ignored Dr Herriot’s advice. The doctor knew that
Tricki’s only fault was his greed for food. He had advised Mrs Pumphrey to cut down food and
sweets for Tricki. He also advised her to give him plenty of exercises. The dog was to be kept
on a very strict diet. For Mrs Pumphrey, it was very difficult for her because she pampered
Tricki like a spoiled child. This only compounded Tricki’s misery. His condition worsened. He
lost appetite and started vomiting.

Mrs Pumphrey was impractical but very compassionate and caring. She and her staff arranged
all comforts, beds, cushions and toys for Tricki. She constantly enquired about his health from
Dr Herriot. She gratefully thanked Dr Herriot for saving Tricki’s life and called it “a triumph of
surgery”. Had she been a little more practical and disciplined, things might have not gone that
far.

Q11. Give a character sketch of Tricki.

Or

Tricki was more than a dog. He was more like a spoiled child of overindulgent mistress, Mrs
Pumphrey. Comment.

Ans. Tricki was definitely more than a dog. Actually, he was like a pampered child of Mrs
Pumphrey. Tricki was a small dog. The only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. Overfeeding
and overdose of sweets, cakes and chocolates made Tricki hugely fat. He became rheumy and
listless. His tongue lolled from his jaws. The doctor advised Mrs Pumphrey to keep Tricki on a
very strict diet and give him plenty of exercises.

Tricki became a victim of overindulgence and overfeeding. Dr Herriot’s instructions were

ignored. Tricki lost appetite and started vomiting. Dr Herriot suggested Mrs Pumphrey that
Trick’ be hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. Tricki was so much attached to her
that she almost fainted merely at the thought of his separation. Tricki was highly pampered.
The entire staff and maids were ever-ready to pamper time with beds, cushions, toys, etc.

Tricki’s recovery was amazingly rapid. He was not given food but plenty of water. After a few
days, Tricki started taking an interest in his surroundings. He was transformed into a flexible
and hard-muscled dog. Tricki showed his love for his mistress by jumping onto her lap when
she came to collect him.

Q12. Dr James Herriot was a competent veterinary surgeon. His practical approach and
common sense helped in the rapid recovery of Tricki. Comment.

Or

Give a character sketch of Dr James Herriot.

Ans. Dr James Herriot, no doubt, was a competent veterinary surgeon. He was really worried
about Tricki. He understood that the real fault of the dog was his greed for food. He never
refused food. The dog had become hugely fat and listless. Dr Herriot instructed Mrs Pumphrey
to keep Tricki on a very strict diet. He also asked her to give him a lot of exercises. Dr Herriot
also suggested to cut down sweets to him. He advised her that Tricki must be hospitalised for
a fortnight under his observation.

Dr James Herriot was practical and pragmatic. He didn’t give any medical treatment to the dog.
The dog was not given food any but lots of water. His method worked. Tricki’s recovery was
surprisingly rapid. Tricki was transformed into a flexible and hard-muscled dog. He was not only
out of danger but was soon handed over to his mistress. The grateful mistress thanked Dr
Herriot and called his feat “a triumph of surgery!”
Dr James was clever enough to enjoy the best of both the worlds. He was tempted to keep
Tricki on as a permanent guest. It was a happy period for Dr Herriot and his friends. He enjoyed
eggs for breakfast, and wine and brandy for lunch.

Q13. Why did Mrs Pumphrey, the mistress of Tricki, make a frantic call to the noted veterinary
surgeon, Dr James Herriot? How did Dr James Herriot succeed in curing Tricki?

Ans. Mrs Pumphrey, the mistress of Tricki was an overindulgent lady. She pampered and even
spoiled her pet dog. Dr Herriot instructed her to keep Tricki on a very strict diet and give him a
lot of exercises. She ignored him. It was very difficult for her to deny Tricki sweets, cakes and
chocolates. She gave a frantic call to Dr James Herriot only when Tricki’s condition worsened.
Tricki lost his appetite and started vomiting. Dr Herriot advised that the dog be hospitalised
under his observation for a fortnight. It was difficult for Mrs Pumphrey to accept it but she
accepted it only to save Tricki’s life.

Dr James Herriot knew that Tricki’s only fault was his greed for food. He didn’t give him medical
treatment. He didn’t give Tricki food but a lot of water for a few days. His method worked.
Within a few days, Tricki was out of danger. His recovery was rather rapid. He started taking
interest in his surroundings. His appetite came back, and he ran along with the other dogs in
the garden. Dr Herriot informed Mrs Pumphrey that Tricki was completely cured and she could
collect him. The grateful mistress thanked the doctor and called his feat ‘a triumph of surgery!’

Q14. Why did Dr James Herriot say that he was tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent
guest? Give a reasoned answer.

Ans. Dr James Herriot was not only a competent veterinary surgeon but also a clever man of
the world. No doubt, Tricki was in a highly miserable state when he was brought to Dr Herriot’s
surgery. The doctor gave no medical treatment to the dog. He didn’t give food but plenty of
water for a few days. Tricki’s recovery was rather rapid. Soon, he was transformed into a
flexible and hard-muscled dog. The grateful mistress obliged Dr Herriot and his friends. His
partners and he himself had two eggs each for breakfast. Lunch became a ceremonial occasion.
The grateful and fabulously rich mistress of Tricki treated him warmly with liberal servings of
wine and brandy.

Dr James Herriot was enjoying the best of both the worlds. He had no hesitation in accepting
Mrs Pumphrey’s tempting services. Naturally, it was a temptation for him to keep Tricki on as
a permanent guest. Those were days of deep content. Fresh eggs in the morning, wine at noon
and finishing luxuriously around the fire with brandy. Who wouldn’t like such a pleasant
situation? After all, Dr Herriot was a clever and worldly wise man.

Q15. Describe Tricki’s stay at Dr James Herriot’s surgery, highlighting his behaviour and his
rapid recovery.

Ans. Dr Herriot found out quite early what was the real problem with Tricki. He knew that
Tricki’s only weakness was his greed for food. He, therefore, wanted Mrs Pumphrey to keep
Tricki on a strict diet and give him plenty of exercises. Dr Herriot instructed her that the dog be
hospitalised under his observation for a fortnight. At the surgery, Tricki looked down at the
noisy dogs with dull eyes. He lay motionless on the carpet. The other dogs ignored him as an
uninteresting object. A bed was made in a warm loose box next to the other dogs. For two
days, Dr Herriot kept an eye on him. He gave him no food but plenty of water. He gave no
medical treatment to Tricki.

Dr Herriot’s practical treatment worked. First, Tricki started taking an interest in his
surroundings. His appetite returned. He started running along with the other dogs in the
garden joining in their friendly barkings. Then, Tricki’s stay at the surgery became quite
enjoyable. His indulgent mistress gave him fresh eggs, wine and brandy. Even Dr Herriot was
tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest. However, Tricki’s recovery was quite rapid and
he was handed over to his mistress. The grateful Mrs Pumphrey thanked Dr Herriot and called
his feat “a triumph of surgery!”

Q16. The foolish indulgence and pampering of the rich mistress, Mrs Pumphrey was the real
cause of Tricki’s miserable condition. Give a reasoned answer.

Ans. Overindulgence and pampering beyond a limit becomes unproductive. Be it a pet or a

child, discipline is very necessary. The fabulously rich and resourceful mistress was the main
cause of Tricki’s miserable condition. The entire staff and maids were there to look after the
needs of Tricki. His day-bed, night-bed, cushions, toys, rubber rings, breakfast bowl, lunch bowl
and supper bowl were always kept ready. Dr Herriot rightly found out that Tricki’s only fault
was his greed for food. Overfeeding of sweets, cakes and chocolates made Tricki hugely fat and
listless. Had Mrs Pumphrey followed Dr Herriot’s instructions sincerely, things would not have
worsened so far. The doctor advised her to put Tricki on a strict diet and give him plenty of
exercises. It was necessary to cut down his intake of sweets. But foolish indulgence of the
mistress ignored his saner advice. The result was disastrous. Tricki lost his appetite and started
vomiting. Only when Mrs Pumphrey was ready to send Tricki to Surgery to Dr Herriot’s for a
fortnight, things started improving. The doctor gave him no food but plenty of water for a few
days. It worked and Tricki’s recovery was rather fast.