Chapter 10 Summary and Analysis

Herriot becomes aware of a shadow presence, a quack veterinarian who goes about Darrowby dispensing free advice and free nostrums to the local citizens — all of which are useless, and some of which is dangerous. The veterinary witch doctor is one Mrs. Donovan, widow of a deceased Irish farm worker who left her a small inheritance. This gives her the freedom to meddle in the affairs of anyone with an animal, which is everyone in the community.

Wherever there was a sick dog in Darrowby, Mrs. Donovan was usually there with her homemade nostrums. Mrs. Donovan had her cadre of followers and believers, especially because her services were free.

Astoundingly, Mrs. Donovan rushes into the surgery clinic one day, begging for emergency care for her dog, which had been run over by a car. They raced to her house to...