Chapter 36 Summary and Analysis

Siegfried and Herriot, making the rounds at the weekly farmers' market, notice a little stray dog taking food offerings from people but slipping quickly out of sight whenever anyone gets too close. Next Friday, Siegfried and Herriot are to attend the annual Hunt Ball where socializing with large animal owners is an important aspect of running a veterinary clinic. As they're about to leave, dressed in uncomfortable tuxedos, Herriot gets a call from the police officer who noticed the little dog at the market telling him that he has custody of the stray.

Herriot learns the little dog has been in an accident. He asks Siegfried if he can go look at the dog. His boss reluctantly agrees. Herriot's heart sinks when he sees that the dog's right eye is hanging out of its socket, there is blood all over his...