Chapter 33 Summary

Dr. Farnon delivers a message from Mrs. Pumphrey to Herriot when he arrives back at Skedale House. Mrs. Pumphrey needs him to examine her pig. Herriot thinks he means peke, and asks Dr. Farnon to repeat the message. No, Dr. Farnon meant pig. Mystified, Herriot drives over to Mrs. Pumphrey's and learns that it is indeed a pig. Mrs. Pumphrey has visited relatives in the country and brought home a pig to keep Tricki Woo company. She is currently keeping the pig, Nugent, in the kitchen, which is obviously not sitting well with her cook. Pigs are particularly odiferous, and Nugent is no exception. After pronouncing Nugent sound, Herriot convinces Mrs. Pumphrey that pigs belong outside.

A palatial sty is built for Nugent, and he enjoys a life of luxury, punctuated by frequent treats, lots of attention, and playtime with Tricki. This joy...