1. Why was Dr. Herriot really worried about Tricki?
When Dr. Herriot saw Tricki with his mistress, he was really worried. He was shocked at his appearance. The dog had become hugely fat. His eyes were bloodshot and rheumy. His tongue lolled from his jaws. Naturally, the miserable condition of the dog made him really worried.
2. What special diet did Mrs Pumphrey give to build Tricki up?
Mrs. Pumphrey found that Tricki had become listless. He seemed to have no energy. She thought he must be suffering from malnutrition. She decided to give some little special diet between meals to build him up. She gave him some malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks at night. She couldn’t refuse cakes and chocolates to Tricki even after being advised to cut down on the sweet things.
3. What was the only fault of Tricki as diagnosed by Dr Herriot?
Dr Herriot knew that overindulgence and pampering of Tricki’s mistress. Mrs . Pumphrey, created problems for him. The only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. He had never known to refuse food. Overfeeding and not giving him proper exercise made him hugely fat and dull.
4. Why did Dr. Herriot try to sound severe when he gave strict instructions to Mrs. Pumphrey about Tricki?
Dr. Herriot knew the real cause of Tricki’s problems. He found that the only fault of Tricki was his greed for food. So he gave strict instructions to Tricki’s mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. He asked her to cut his food right down. He also recommended giving him more exercise and keeping him on a very strict diet.
5. What plans did Dr. Herriot make to get Tricki out of the house?
Dr. James Herriot realised that as long as Tricki was with Mrs. Pumphrey, he would be miserable. He suggested her that Tricki must be hospitalised for a fortnight. He would be under his observation. The lady almost fainted on hearing this, but Dr. Herriot took a firm line. He insisted that the dog was ill and it was the only way of saving him.
6. How did Mrs. Pumphrey react when she heard from the doctor that Tricki needed to be hospitalised for a fortnight?
When Dr. Herriot informed Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki was to be kept under his Supervision, Mrs. Pumphrey almost fainted on hearing this. It was extremely difficult for her to be away from her pampered pet for a fortnight. She agreed only after Dr. Herriot told her that was only way of saving Tricki.
7. How was Tricki treated at the surgery?
Dr. Herriot gave no medical treatment to Tricki. He realised that the only problem of Tricki was his greed for food. For two days, Dr. Herriot gave no food but plenty of water. He made up a bed for him in a warm loose box next to where other dogs slept.