A Triumph of Surgery

The Initial Encounter

• Tricki's Alarming State: Mr. Herriot, a veterinary surgeon, is shocked to see Tricki, a small dog, looking like a "bloated sausage" with bloodshot eyes and a lolling tongue.
• Mrs. Pumphrey's Overindulgence: His owner, the wealthy Mrs. Pumphrey, believes Tricki is suffering from malnutrition and feeds him extra snacks like malt, cod-liver oil, Horlicks, cream cakes, and chocolates.
• The Vet's Warning: Mr. Herriot advises a strict diet and more exercise, warning that Tricki will become seriously ill if his food intake isn't reduced immediately.

The Health Crisis

• Sudden Illness: Within a few days, Tricki stops eating, refuses his favorite dishes, and suffers from bouts of vomiting, spending all his time panting on a rug.
• Hospitalization: Mr. Herriot decides that the only way to save the dog is to remove him from the house. He suggests Tricki be hospitalized for a fortnight for observation.
• A Tearful Departure: Despite Mrs. Pumphrey’s distress and the staff's attempt to send a mountain of luxury items (beds, cushions, bowls, and coats), Herriot takes Tricki away in his car.

The Natural Treatment

• Strict Regimen: For the first two days at the surgery, Tricki is given no food, only plenty of water.
• Social Integration: By the third day, Tricki begins to show interest in his surroundings and starts following the other dogs in the garden.
• Rapid Progress: Without any medicinal treatment, Tricki recovers through physical activity, "scrimmages" with the pack, and competing for food during mealtimes.

The "Luxury" Supplies

• Mrs. Pumphrey’s Anxiety: She calls a dozen times a day for updates and starts sending two dozen eggs at a time to "build up" Tricki's strength.
• The Vet's Benefit: Mr. Herriot and his partners consume the eggs, wine, and brandy sent for Tricki, turning their lunch into a ceremonial occasion.
• Temptation: The vet is briefly tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest just to continue enjoying these luxuries.

The Transformation and Return

• Physical Recovery: After two weeks, Tricki is transformed into a "lithe, hard-muscled animal" who can keep up with the pack and stretch out in great bounds.
• The Reunion: When Mrs. Pumphrey arrives to collect him, Tricki leaps from Herriot’s arms into her lap, excitedly licking her face.
• Conclusion: Overwhelmed with gratitude and seeing the incredible change in her pet, Mrs. Pumphrey tearfully declares the recovery "a triumph of surgery."