Chapter 4 Summary and Analysis

Summoned to the home of Mr. Dean to check on his old crossbreed Labrador, Herriot finds a small, white-haired old man wearing tattered clothing and living in poverty, evident from his shabby home and paltry supper.

When he examines the old dog, Herriot discovers an enormous and inoperable tumor. He tries successfully to convince Mr. Dean that the best thing would be to put the dog to sleep, before the cancer causes even greater pain and eventual death. Once the dog is peacefully put to sleep, Mr. Dean asks what the charges are for his services; and Herriot answers nothing. Mr. Dean, who is obviously penniless, insists on paying something.

As the veterinarian gets into his car, he hears a scuffling sound approaching. Mr. Dean rushes up and hands him a battered object, "tattered but just recognizable as a precious relic...