Chapter 3 Summary and Analysis

Herriot encounters Mrs. Pumphrey and Tricki Woo walking while he's driving. He pulls over and can't believe his eyes. The little Pekingese had become extremely obese, with bloodshot eyes and his tongue hanging out. Mrs. Pumphrey tells Herriot she's been giving Tricki extra treats, as well as sweets, because she thinks he might be malnourished. Herriot scolds Mrs. Pumphrey once again for over-feeding the dog; and the pair trundle off, Tricki Woo wearing one of his many tweed coats.

Within a few days, Mrs. Pumphrey calls Herriot to report that Tricki has stopped eating, vomits frequently, and just lies on a rug, panting. Herriot tells her that the only way he can treat the dog is to have him lodged in the animal clinic for at least two weeks. Tearfully, Mrs. Pumphrey arrives with Tricki Woo and piles of tweed jackets...