Chapter 20 Summary and Analysis

James Herriot meets the Dimmocks, a large, penurious family of animal lovers, when called to visit Bonzo, who has been hit by a car. The veterinarian is ushered into their ramshackle residence by a horde of children, talking and gesticulating enthusiastically. Herriot counts 11 little Dimmocks, and another soon to arrive. The children were dressed in ragged clothing, but happy

After an examination, Herriot determines that Bonzo probably suffered, at worst, a bruised shoulder in the car accident, but is otherwise fine. He meets little Nellie Dimmock with a tiny puppy on her knee. The flaxen-haired, blue-eyed girl with slightly crossed eyes quickly becomes Herriot's favorite. Nellie has a limp from a bout of infantile paralysis and is heart-breakingly sweet and frail. She tells him that her dog, Toby, can't seem to keep his food down. Suspecting worms, he gives them tablets...