Chapter 11 Summary

This is the first of several heart-rending chapters of this book. Herriot is called to check on a sick dog. He arrives at the house of an elderly man, who is obviously very poor. The man's wife died the previous year and the dog is all he has left. Herriot examines the dog, which is in great pain, and makes a diagnosis of inoperable cancer. The old man is shocked and asks how much time the dog has left. Unfortunately, the best thing for the dog is to be put to sleep immediately. Herriot readies the syringe while the old man says goodbye to his last remaining friend.

After the dog is put to sleep, Herriot goes to leave. The old man insists on paying him, but Herriot will not accept any money. Just as Herriot is about to get into his car...