Human/animal interdependence

Throughout this collection of stories — some humorous, some heart-warming, some tragicand some bizarre — runs the constant theme of human and animal interdependence. The farmers, who make up the bulk of the Darrowby veterinary practice, obviously have a significant financial investment in their large animals and depend on them for their livelihood. The farm animals depend on the farmers for their healthy existence; and both depend upon the veterinarians to maintain their health, just as the veterinarians earn their living caring the sheep, horses, goats, pigs and cows.

Yet the human relationship with dogs is even closer and less dependent overtly on economics. The dogs in all of Herriot's stories give their affection unconditionally to humans; and most of the humans reciprocate in a way that is different than caring for their farm animals. Herriot tells of the rich old woman who has invested her...