Chapter 14 Summary and Analysis

Darrowby artist, Roland Partridge, notices that his beloved white-haired mongrel, Percy, is walking strangely, and calls Herriot to examine him. The veterinarian finds a slightly enlarged testicle, but suggests a wait-and-see approach because of Partridge's obvious fear of surgery. Because they are near neighbors, Herriot sees Percy almost every day as he comes and goes and assumes that his condition hadn't worsened. Several weeks later, Partridge again brings his dog into the clinic. The tumor has grown.

Again, the artist resists the idea of surgery although the tumor is quite large and conspicuous. One day Partridge brings his dog to Skeldale House in tears, but still rejects the notion of surgery.

Several weeks later, Herriot sees the small man and little dog walking; but now Percy must swing one of his rear legs out to clear the massive growth. He rushes...