Chapter 21 Summary and Analysis

As a demonstration of the gratitude Herriot feels to be able to mingle small animal (dog) care with his large (farm) animal veterinary medicine, he shares several stories about helping dogs that didn't necessarily want to be helped. The first is a six-pound miniature Dachshund named Magnus, who comes to the clinic for a nail trimming. His owner, Mr. Beckwith, warns Herriot that Magnus once bit another veterinarian's fingers down to the bone; so he clamps a muzzle on the snarling dog and proceeds to clip the nails. When he's finished, Herriot removes the muzzle. Magnus gives him a dirty look that signals he'll wait for the right opportunity to get revenge by biting him.

Mrs. Hammond's beautiful Irish Setter, Rock, has gotten one front paw caught in an animal trap and gone missing for 48 hours. When he comes into the...