Chapter 28 Summary and Analysis

A psychopath starts poisoning the dogs of Darrowby, and Herriot is amazed to see seven cases of strychnine poisoning in one week. He asks the local newspaper to run an item, warning people to keep their dogs out of places where they might get poisoned. He also calls the police to ask them to investigate. Sometimes used by farmers to eliminate rodents and other pests, strychnine causes muscle spasms that lead to death. The only possible treatment is barbiturates, to relax the muscles and end the spasms. Still, Herriot notes, there is no guarantee that it can save a life.

In one case of poisoning, Herriot answers a call from a concerned couple about their dog; but actually hears of the animal's death over the phone before he can get dressed to make a call. Johnny Clifford brings his seeing- eye...