A Triumph of Surgery, Class 10, English, Footprints without Feet – Summary, Explanation, Word Meanings

Introduction 

The story tells us how a rich lady pampers her dog and makes it very lazy. Her overfeeding the dog makes it fat and ill. The narrator, who is a doctor, understands the dog’s lethargy and treats it at his clinic. The dog becomes active and lady takes him back home. Parents often pamper their kids by giving them excessive and variety of meals. Because of this, they become overweight and spoilt. Parents just try to meet every demand of the kid and fail to give them exercise of their body and mind.

Summary

When Dr Herriot was driving his car he saw Mrs. Pumphrey with her little dog Tricki on the street. The dog had become fat like a sausage. He had blood-red and rheumy eyes. His tongue rolled from his jaws. Dr. Herriot was shocked to see his appearance. It looked like Tricki lacked energy and was ill.

Mrs. Pumphrey explained to Dr James that Tricki was looking listless. He had no energy. She felt that he was suffering from malnutrition. So, she gave him extras between meals. But his health could not be built up. Even the malt, cod liver oil and bowl of Horlicks failed to make him sleepy.

Mrs. Pumphrey cut down on the sweet things but relented when Tricki started getting weaker. She gave him his favourite cream cakes and chocolates. She gave him food at odd and irregular hours. Mrs Pumphrey told him that Tricki only walks with her and does not play games like ring-throwing which he played earlier. 

The doctor advised Mrs. Pumphrey to cut Tricki’s food right down and to give him more exercise otherwise he will fall ill. Mrs. Pumphrey got determined to adhere to the doctor’s stern advice. After few days ,Mrs Pumphrey called and informed Dr james about Tricki’s health. She told him that Tricki was not eating anything and had been vomiting. She further informed him that her dog spent all his time lying on a rug and did not do anything. 

Dr James knew that the only way to cure Tricki was to get him out of the house from some time. He suggested Mrs Pumphrey to hospitalise him for a fortnight for observation so that proper treatment can follow.

Mrs. Pumphrey broke when Dr. Herriot took Tricki to his hospital. Everybody in her household, including her maids, were in tears. Dr James carried Tricki wrapped in a blanket to his car. The maids started to put together things that Tricki would need during hospitalisation such as his bed, cushions, toys, bowl etc.

Tricki could not even wag his tail or kick with his legs. His eyes too had become dull and he lay down motionless on the carpet. The other dogs at the surgery ignored him as an uninteresting object. The doctor put him on water diet for two days. At the end of second day ,he became a bit energetic after show some interest in his surrounding. On the third day he whimpered , trotted out and enjoyed the company of other dogs. He also started eating properly. He also gulped down the extra food that was put out for him.

The doctor did not give Tricki any medicinal treatment. All day, he frolicked with other dogs cheerfully. He was out of danger and started recovering at a very fast pace. He found joy in being bowled over and squashed.

Mrs. Pumphrey enquired about Tricki on phone many times a day as she was keen to know about Tricky’s recovery. She was suffering from the pangs of his separation. As Tricki’s health started improving, Mrs Pumphrey started sending additional food items like eggs , wine  and brandy for Tricki. The Vet and his partner consumed these additional items themselves. Everbody was so happy with the unusual delicious food that they wanted to keep Tricki as permanent guest.

Ultimately, Dr james told her that Tricki had recovered and can go home. She reached the ‘surgery’ by car to collect him. The doctor brought Tricki in his arms. Tricki jumped into Mrs. Pumphrey’s lap and started licking her face. Tears were shining in her eyes. She thanked the doctor and called the treatment ” A triumph of surgery”.

Word Meanings