Question 1.
Why is Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki?
Mrs Pumphrey is worried about Tricki because he is unwell. He has refused to eat food
and had bouts of vomiting. She feels that he is suffering from a serious health issue such
as malnutrition.
Question 2.
What does she do to help him? Is she wise in this?
Mrs Pumphrey starts giving him extra snacks like malt, cod-liver oil and Horlicks, apart
from his main meals, to improve his condition. She also continues to satisfy his sweet tooth
with cream cakes and chocolates. She does not give him any exercise, considering his
listlessness as well. She is not wise in doing so because overfeeding Tricki is worsening
his conditions instead of improving it. It has made him very fat and lazy.
Question 3.
Who does ‘I’ refer to in this story?
‘I’ refers to the narrator, Mr James Herriot, a veterinary doctor.
Question 4.
Is the narrator as rich as Tricki’s mistress?
No, the narrator is not as rich as Tricki’s mistress, Mrs Pumphery. We can say so because
the narrator seems fascinated by how lavishly Mrs Pumphrey spends on the well-being
and maintenance of her pet. He is unusually surprised by the enriching items she sends for
Tricki, as he cannot afford them for himself.
Question 5.
How does he treat the dog?
James Herriot treats Tricki just like he would treat an overweight and lazy dog, which Tricki
is. He cuts down his food intake and keeps him under strict observation for the initial days
at hospital. He gradually increases Tricki’s food and sets him free for physical activities to
improve his health.
Question 6.
Why is he tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest?
Mr Herriot is tempted to keep Tricki on as a permanent guest because of the good food
and wine he is enjoying in Tricki’s name. He does not want to lose the luxurious inflow of
fresh eggs, wine and brandy.
Question 7.
Why does Mrs Pumphrey think the dog’s recovery is ‘a triumph of surgery’?
Mrs Pumphrey thinks that Tricki’s recovery is a triumph of surgery because his illness was
very serious. She was of the opinion that there were very few chances of Tricki to improve
and he needed immediate medical attention. Thus, his revival without any medicinal
treatment was a great achievement, according to her.
1. What kind of a person do you think the narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is? Would you say
he is tactful as well as full of common sense?
The narrator, a veterinary surgeon, is a capable and wise doctor. He handles Tricki
properly which shows that he is sincere about his profession.
He does not operate upon the dog unnecessarily and cures him by altering his diet and
activities.
He is a tactful person as he knew exactly how to convince Mrs Pumphrey to hospitalise
Tricki for a surgery. His decision to inform Mrs Pumphrey to collect Tricki supports his
sensibilities even though he was tempted to keep Tricki as a permanent guest.
Question 2.
Do you think Tricki was happy to go home? What do you think will happen now?
Tricki was happy to go back home as he really loved his mistress and the comfort of his
lavish life. He didn’t have any friends at home like in the hospital, but he seemed equally
excited at the sight of Mrs Pumphrey. I think that Mrs Pumphrey will now be careful about
Tricki’s diet and health. She may also give him exercise daily as prescribed by the vet
Question 2.
Do you think there are also parents like Mrs Pumphrey?
Yes, there are some parents like Mrs Pumphrey who spoil their children by pampering
them. They overfeed their children/pets despite being aware of the harmful effects on their
health. Parents like Mrs Pumphrey should maintain a healthy lifestyle of their family and
pets.
