"A Triumph of Surgery" by James Herriot is a heartwarming story about a small dog named Tricki, who is pampered and overfed by his wealthy mistress, Mrs. Pumphrey. The dog falls seriously ill due to overeating and lack of exercise. The narrator, Mr. James Herriot, a tactful veterinary surgeon, cures Tricki not through complex medical surgeries, but through a simple, natural regime of strict diet and physical activity.
Mr. Herriot is shocked to see Tricki in the street. The dog has become hugely fat, resembling a "bloated sausage with a leg at each corner." His eyes are bloodshot and rheumy, and his tongue lolls from his jaws. Mrs. Pumphrey explains that she thought Tricki was suffering from malnutrition, so she has been giving him extra food between meals, including malt, cod-liver oil, Horlicks, cream cakes, and chocolates. Despite Herriot's warnings to cut down on sweets and increase exercise, Mrs. Pumphrey's indulgence continues.
As predicted, Tricki's health worsens. He refuses to eat his favorite dishes, suffers from bouts of vomiting, and lies panting on a rug. Mr. Herriot realizes that the only way to save Tricki is to remove him from Mrs. Pumphrey's house. He suggests hospitalizing Tricki for a fortnight under observation. Although Mrs. Pumphrey is distraught and nearly faints, Herriot takes a firm line and carries the wrapped dog to his car amidst the wailings of the household staff.
At the veterinary surgery, Tricki is initially listless and ignored by the other dogs. Herriot treats him using a natural approach:
When Mrs. Pumphrey hears that Tricki is convalescing, she starts sending fresh eggs (two dozen at a time), bottles of wine, and brandy to enrich his blood. Instead of giving these to Tricki, Mr. Herriot and his partners enjoy them as luxurious additions to their daily meals. This tempts Herriot to keep Tricki as a permanent guest, but knowing Mrs. Pumphrey's distress, he calls her after a fortnight to collect the dog.
Mrs. Pumphrey arrives in a chauffeur-driven car. Tricki, now a lithe, hard-muscled animal, leaps from Herriot's arms into his mistress's lap, licking her face and barking with joy. Overwhelmed with gratitude, Mrs. Pumphrey declares with tears in her eyes, "Oh, Mr Herriot, how can I ever thank you? This is a triumph of surgery!"
Yes, Mr. Herriot is extremely tactful and full of common sense. He immediately diagnoses Tricki's problem as overfeeding and prescribes a simple cure of diet and exercise rather than unnecessary medical procedures. He also tactfully handles Mrs. Pumphrey's emotional outbursts and enjoys the treats she sends without harming the dog.
Tricki was extremely happy to see his mistress, as shown by his tremendous leap into her lap. However, if Mrs. Pumphrey resumes her indulgent ways and overfeeds him again, Tricki might fall ill once more.
It is likely a mixture of both. James Herriot was a real-life veterinary surgeon, and many of his stories are based on his actual experiences, though some elements may be slightly exaggerated for comic and narrative effect.