The Vet's Greatest Reward Chapter Notes | English Class 3 ICSE PDF Download

Introduction

This chapter is a heartwarming tale about Dr. Herriot, a vet. It takes place on a chilly evening when he is walking home. A young man asks for his help because his dog, Benny, is in trouble with a ball stuck in his throat. The story shows how Dr. Herriot saves Benny and finds his greatest reward in the family's happiness.

Key Points

This story is about Dr. Herriot, a kind vet who helps animals.

• It is a cold evening, and Dr. Herriot is walking home.
• A young man stops his car and asks for help with his dog, Benny.
• Benny has a ball stuck in his throat and cannot breathe.
• Three children in the car are crying because they think Benny is dead.
• Dr. Herriot feels the ball in Benny’s throat, but it’s hard to pull out.
• He pushes behind Benny’s jaw, and the ball pops out onto the road.
• Benny is still not moving, so Dr. Herriot presses his chest to help him breathe.
• After a few minutes, Benny opens his eyes and starts breathing again.
• Benny stands up slowly, and the family is very happy.
• The family’s joy makes Dr. Herriot feel very happy too.

Explanation

One cold December evening, Dr. Herriot, a veterinarian, is heading home when he hears a loud noise from a car stopping nearby. A young man rushes out, looking very scared, and asks if Dr. Herriot is a vet. Dr. Herriot confirms he is and the man pleads for help, explaining that their dog, Benny, has a ball stuck in his throat and might be dead. 

The vet quickly goes to the car and sees three small children crying loudly, while Benny looks lifeless, with his mouth open, tongue hanging out, and eyes staring blankly. The man mentions the ball is in Benny’s throat, so Dr. Herriot reaches inside the dog’s mouth and feels the ball stuck tightly, blocking his air pipe like a cork in a bottle. 

The ball is wet, making it hard to remove as his fingers slip. He pulls his hands back, places his thumbs behind Benny’s lower jaw, and pushes hard. The ball shoots out, bouncing on the icy road and rolling to the side, but Benny still doesn’t move, and his eyes remain closed. The vet checks and feels a faint heartbeat, so he presses Benny’s chest every three seconds, hoping to revive him. 

After about three minutes, he notices a slight eyelid movement and a small rise in Benny’s ribs as he takes in cold air. Soon, Benny’s breathing becomes steady, and after a minute or two, he weakly stands up. The children, the young man, and a woman joyfully call out Benny’s name, welcoming him back. This happiness and relief from the family become Dr. Herriot’s greatest reward for his efforts.

Message

The story shows that helping animals and people makes us happy. Just like Dr. Herriot saves Benny, the smiles and joy of the family become his greatest reward. Being kind and acting quickly can make others happy.

New Words with Meanings

• Vet: A doctor who treats sick animals.
• Approached: Went closer to something or someone.
• Squeal: A long, sharp noise.
• Panic-stricken: Extremely scared and nervous.
• Rushing: Moving very fast.
• Dimly: Not clearly.
• Wailing: Very loud crying.
• Gently: In a kind, soft manner.
• Jammed: Stuck and unable to move.
• Cork: A piece of wood used to close a bottle.
• Windpipe: The tube in the throat that carries air to the lungs.
• Withdrew: Took back.
• Forth: Outside or forward.
• Frosty: Very cold, covered with a thin layer of ice.
• Flutter: A quick, light movement.
• Staggered: Moved with weak, shaky steps.
• Pavement: A footpath.