Chapter 50 Summary and Analysis

Brandy is a big, lovable golden Labrador with a peculiar habit of getting his tongue stuck in tin cans after inserting it to lap any remaining food flavors. Mrs. Westby, apologetic for calling the vet once again for this recurrent problem, tried to scold her dog; but she ended up smiling at Brandy's good-natured affection. While visiting, Herriot is amazed at Brandy's unique way of stealthily positioning himself near Mrs. Westby in an effort to jump up on her knees. This is because she's wearing the same blue jeans he once jumped onto when he was a puppy.

After an afternoon spent jumping into the river with a gang of local children, Brandy develops pneumonia, which Herriot treats with penicillin. When he doesn't respond, Herriot asks Mrs. Westby to make him a "pneumonia jacket" out of a wool blanket, with holes...