A Triumph of Surgery Summary Class 10 English Footprints without Feet Chapter 1

Introduction

Key Points of the Story

• Mrs. Pumphrey, a wealthy woman, has a dog named Tricki.
• Tricki is overfed and not healthy, looking like a "puffed-up sausage with legs."
• Even though the vet advises her, Mrs. Pumphrey keeps giving Tricki unhealthy treats.
• When Tricki falls ill, Mrs. Pumphrey calls the vet, Mr. Herriot.
• Mr. Herriot takes Tricki to his clinic, despite Mrs. Pumphrey's worries.
• Mrs. Pumphrey shares her worries, saying, "He seems so tired. I thought he must be lacking nutrients, so I’ve been giving him extra snacks."
• For two days, Mr. Herriot monitors Tricki, giving him only water.
• On the third day, Tricki starts playing with other dogs and eats properly.
• Tricki quickly gets better, enjoying playtime and competing for food.
• Mrs. Pumphrey sends eggs, wine, and brandy for Tricki, thinking he needs "energy foods."
• Mr. Herriot and his team enjoy these treats themselves, using them for meals and relaxation.
• In two weeks, Tricki transforms into a lean, muscular dog.
• Mr. Herriot decides it’s time to return Tricki to Mrs. Pumphrey.
• Mrs. Pumphrey is thrilled to see Tricki healthy and eager, jumping into her car.
• She thanks Mr. Herriot profusely, calling the recovery a "successful surgery."

Detailed Summary

• The story begins with Mrs. Pumphrey, a wealthy lady, taking her dog for a walk.
• A local veterinary doctor, who is familiar with her, sees her dog and is shocked by its excessive weight, comparing it to a "bloated sausage."
• He advises her to stop giving the dog unhealthy food, but she struggles to say no.
• Soon, Tricki, the dog, falls ill, and the doctor is called.
• The narrator, Mr. Herriot, takes Tricki to the hospital, aware that Mrs. Pumphrey is not ready to part with her dog and nearly faints at the thought.

Mrs. Pumphrey's Influence

• Mrs. Pumphrey's actions were significant in Tricki's condition. She was hesitant to reduce his treats, stating, "Oh, I did for a bit, but he seemed to be so weak I had to relent. He does love cream cakes and chocolates so. I can't bear to refuse him." This reflects her conflict between love and the necessary discipline for Tricki's health.
• When the veterinarian examined Tricki, he remarked, "He had become hugely fat, like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner. His eyes, bloodshot and rheumy, stared straight ahead and his tongue lolled from his jaws." This observation is key to understanding the effects of Mrs. Pumphrey's overindulgence on Tricki's health.

Tricki's Hospital Stay

• At the surgery, Mr. Herriot is surrounded by the household dogs while Tricki lays still on the carpet, uninterested in the other dogs.
• Mr. Herriot creates a warm bed for Tricki in a loose box next to the other dogs.
• For two days, he monitors Tricki, providing water but no food.
• By the end of the second day, Tricki shows interest in his surroundings, and on the third day, he starts to whimper when he hears other dogs.
• When the door opens, Tricki eagerly trots out, greeted by Joe the greyhound and his companions.

Recovery and Mrs. Pumphrey's Concern

• Mr. Herriot provides Tricki with a healthy diet and encourages exercise, leading to improvements in his condition.
• Distraught, Mrs. Pumphrey sends eggs, thinking Tricki needs energy due to malnutrition.
• Mr. Herriot and his colleagues begin eating the eggs for breakfast.
• Later, Mrs. Pumphrey sends wine to improve Tricki's blood, which Mr. Herriot consumes, enjoying the extra glasses during meals.
• Despite the temptation to keep Tricki as a permanent guest, Mr. Herriot understands Mrs. Pumphrey's distress.

Conclusion of Tricki's Stay

• After two weeks, Mr. Herriot feels it's time to inform Mrs. Pumphrey that Tricki has recovered and is ready to go home.
• She is overwhelmed at the thought of Tricki being hospitalised, fearing he will suffer without her daily presence.
• Mr. Herriot firmly explains that Tricki was very ill and this was necessary for his recovery.
• Upon arriving, Mrs. Pumphrey expresses her immense gratitude, saying she cannot thank him enough as Tricki is now well.

Theme/ Message

Theme: The story illustrates the issues that arise from excessive pampering and overindulgence, even when motivated by love. It shows that these actions can be harmful rather than beneficial. It also stresses the need for practical care and accepting responsibility for the welfare of others.

Message: The narrative conveys that love must be coupled with discipline and care. Overindulgence, despite good intentions, can lead to adverse effects. It highlights the importance of understanding the genuine needs of both pets and people, ensuring their health, happiness, and growth.

Difficult Words

• Gleaming - shining brightly, usually because it is clean or polished.
• Reverently - with deep respect.
• Roused - awakened from sleep.
• Supper - the main evening meal.
• Tweed -. coarse wool fabric.
• Bouts - short periods of intense activity.
• Ceremonial - related to formal public or religious events.
• Clasped - held tightly in one's hand.
• Convalescing - recovering health after an illness.
• Engulfed - completely surrounded or overwhelmed.
• Entire - whole or complete.
• Fetch - to go and bring back.
• Flapping - moving in waves.
• Fortnight -. period of two weeks.
• Gang -. group of individuals.
• Gasping - breathing with difficulty.
• Harness -. set of straps used for control.
• Hastened - moved or acted quickly.
• Hovered - stayed in one place in uncertainty.
• Hugely - very much.
• Hurtling - moving quickly and uncontrollably.
• Lolled - relaxed in a lazy manner.
• Lumbago - pain in the lower back.
• Panting - breathing quickly and short.
• Sausage - minced meat in a long casing.
• Rheumy - watery discharge from the nose or eyes.
• Listless - lacking energy.
• Regime -. set plan for diet and exercise.
• Distraught - extremely upset.
• Scrimmage -. confused struggle.
• Lithe - flexible and graceful.