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

Key Points of the Story

• This story is about Tricki, a dog who is the pet of a rich lady named Mrs. Pumphrey. She loves her dog very much and is unable to refuse him anything he wants. 
• One day, Mr. Herriot meets her on the street and is shocked to see Tricki’s bloated, unhealthy condition, “like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner.” Mrs. Pumphrey explains that Tricki seems tired and lacking energy, so she has been giving him extra snacks like malt, cod-liver oil, Horlicks, and also cream cakes and chocolates.
• Mr. Herriot advises her to cut down Tricki’s food and give him more exercise, but she finds it difficult to refuse him treats.
• A few days later, Mrs. Pumphrey calls, distressed that Tricki is refusing food, vomiting, and unwilling to move. Mr. Herriot insists on taking Tricki to his surgery for treatment, despite Mrs. Pumphrey’s reluctance.
• At the surgery, Tricki shows no interest in other dogs and is given only water for two days. On the second day, he begins showing interest in his surroundings; on the third day, he joins the other dogs outside and starts eating.
• Tricki’s health improves rapidly—he plays, competes for food, and becomes active and energetic.
• Believing Tricki needs “energy foods,” Mrs. Pumphrey sends eggs, wine, and later brandy, which Mr. Herriot and his colleagues consume themselves.
• After two weeks, Tricki is lean, strong, and fit. Mr. Herriot decides to return him to Mrs. Pumphrey. Tricki joyfully leaps into her lap, and Mrs. Pumphrey, overjoyed, calls his recovery “a triumph of surgery.”

Detailed Summary

The story begins when Mrs. Pumphrey, a wealthy lady, is out walking her pet dog, Tricki. Mr. Herriot, a veterinary surgeon who knows her, sees Tricki and is shocked to find him hugely overweight, “like a bloated sausage with a leg at each corner.” Mrs. Pumphrey explains that Tricki seems listless and lacking energy, so she has been giving him extra snacks like malt, cod-liver oil, and Horlicks, along with cream cakes and chocolates. Mr. Herriot advises her to cut down on his food and give him more exercise, but she finds it difficult to refuse him treats.

A few days later, Mrs. Pumphrey calls in distress—Tricki is refusing food, vomiting, and unwilling to do anything. Mr. Herriot decides that the only solution is to take him to his surgery for a fortnight. Though reluctant and worried, Mrs. Pumphrey agrees, sending along numerous items for Tricki’s comfort.

At the surgery, Tricki shows no interest in the other dogs and lies still in his bed. For two days, he is given only water. By the second day, he starts showing interest in his surroundings; on the third day, he joins the other dogs in the yard and begins eating.

From then on, his recovery was rapid. He plays, joins in scrimmages, competes for food at mealtimes, and becomes active and lively. Hearing that Tricki is convalescing, Mrs. Pumphrey starts sending fresh eggs, then bottles of wine, and finally brandy, thinking these will aid his recovery. Mr. Herriot and his colleagues enjoy these luxuries themselves, with eggs for breakfast, wine at lunch, and brandy in the evenings.

After two weeks, Tricki is transformed into a fit, hard-muscled dog. Mr. Herriot decides it is time to return him. When Mrs. Pumphrey’s car arrives, Tricki joyfully leaps into her lap. Overjoyed, she thanks Mr. Herriot and calls the recovery “a triumph of surgery.”

Theme

• The major theme of the chapter is Care vs Over-indulgence.
• Mrs Pumphrey loved Tricki. Under the influence of her blind love for her pet, she overfed him.
• Mrs Pumphrey gave him malt, cod-liver oil and a bowl of Horlicks, which she believed would help Tricki regain his strength.
• This made Tricki overweight and lethargic. Mrs Pumphrey’s over-indulgence in Tricki’s care had, in fact, harmed him.
• After Tricki’s treatment, Mrs Pumphrey was elated to see her dog active and playful again.

Message

• The lesson emphasises the importance of responsible pet ownership, cautioning against excessive love that can prove harmful. Mrs. Pumphrey, a wealthy woman, showered her dog Tricky with lavish care and overfeeding. 
• Her indulgence led to Tricky's health deterioration, making him lazy and obese. Hospitalised due to his condition, Mrs. Pumphrey continued pampering him with gifts. 
• The story highlights the message that excessive love and overindulgence can have adverse effects on the well-being of those we care about.

Glossary

• 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.