A Triumph of Surgery Class 10 English Chapter 1 CBSE Notes 2025-26

A Triumph of Surgery is the opening story in CBSE Class 10 English Footprints Without Feet. Written by James Herriot, this story revolves around Tricki, a little pampered dog owned by Mrs Pumphrey. 

The plot follows the journey of Tricki from illness to recovery, highlighting themes of love, care, and sensible treatment. The main setting is Mrs Pumphrey’s house and the veterinary surgery (clinic) where Tricki is taken for treatment. 

The story cleverly communicates the consequences of excessive love and overindulgence, especially with pets, and subtly examines the common mistakes made by loving owners.

Mrs Pumphrey, Tricki’s mistress, becomes worried because Tricki appears lethargic, has lost his energy, and looks unhealthy. Tricki has become extremely fat, resembling a “bloated sausage,” with bloodshot eyes and a hanging tongue. 

His lack of activity and growing weakness prompt Mrs Pumphrey to spoil and overfeed Tricki with rich foods, including cream cakes, chocolates, malt, cod-liver oil, and a special drink at night. She believes this extra feeding will strengthen him, but it actually harms his health further.

Mrs Pumphrey’s actions, although driven by love, are misguided. Instead of addressing Tricki’s laziness through more exercise and a strict diet, she continuously gives in to his cravings and avoids saying no to unhealthy treats. 

The veterinarian, Mr Herriot, advises her to cut down on Tricki’s food and increase his physical activity, emphasizing that strictness is necessary for Tricki’s well-being.

Despite warnings, Mrs Pumphrey finds it emotionally tough to control her pampering behaviour, putting Tricki’s health at further risk.

Tricki soon refuses food, becomes uninterested in his favourite dishes, starts vomiting, and loses all interest in activity, lying panting on a rug all day. Mrs Pumphrey, now distraught and afraid for her pet, finally calls Mr Herriot for help.

The veterinarian, understanding the seriousness of Tricki’s condition, decides to admit Tricki to his clinic for observation, suggesting a stay of about two weeks.

Mrs Pumphrey fears Tricki will pine and die without her, but realizes something drastic must be done.

When Tricki is carried away to the veterinary surgery, a dramatic scene unfolds at Mrs Pumphrey’s home—maids running about with beds, cushions, bowls, clothes, and toys for Tricki. 

Unable to bring everything, the doctor drives off, with Mrs Pumphrey and her staff in tears. Tricki is weak and lethargic upon arrival at the surgery, largely ignoring the other dogs and showing little interest in anything.

At the clinic, Mr Herriot keeps Tricki under careful watch. For the first two days, Tricki receives plenty of water but no food to allow his digestion to recover. 

Gradually, Tricki begins showing signs of improvement—he explores his surroundings, becomes interested in the other dogs, and starts joining in their activities. 

He soon socializes, playing and competing for food, which leads to his rapid weight loss and increased strength.

Even while Tricki is recovering, Mrs Pumphrey anxiously calls the clinic multiple times a day for updates on his health. She regularly brings eggs, wine, and brandy to “help build up Tricki’s strength.” 

Mr Herriot and his colleagues, amused by the luxury, enjoy these treats themselves, but ensure Tricki follows a strict routine. The dog quickly becomes stronger and healthier without any medication—just exercise, socializing, and proper diet.

Within two weeks, Tricki is completely transformed. From being a weak, lifeless animal, he turns into a lively, hard-muscled dog, running and playing with the pack. 

He enjoys his days, is active and happy, and fully recovers his health under the care of Mr Herriot at the clinic. Tricki displays no desire to return home as he enjoys the playful company of the other dogs.

When Mrs Pumphrey finally comes to collect Tricki, she is nervous and emotional, fearing her pet may not fully recover. However, she is overjoyed to see him in perfect health, full of energy, and excited to reunite with her. 

Tricki enthusiastically leaps into Mrs Pumphrey’s lap and shows his affection by licking her face. Mrs Pumphrey, overwhelmed by gratitude, famously calls Tricki’s recovery “a triumph of surgery.”

Mr Herriot, the narrator and veterinary surgeon, is portrayed as wise, practical, and tactful. He balances empathy and professional knowledge, knowing when to be strict for the greater good of his patient. 

Mrs Pumphrey, on the other hand, is extremely loving but lacks discipline and common sense in pet care, often getting carried away in her affection. Tricki is innocent and gentle, a victim of overindulgence rather than his own actions.

• Over-pampering and excessive feeding can harm pets’ health instead of helping them.
• A balanced diet and proper exercise are essential for both pets and people.
• Sometimes, tough love is necessary for the well-being of loved ones.
• True care combines affection with wise actions.
• Healthcare professionals must remain tactful and patient even when clients are overly emotional or demanding.

• Sausage: Minced meat in a cylindrical case.
• Rheumy: Watery discharge from eyes or nose.
• Listless: Lacking energy or interest.
• Lumbago: Lower back pain.
• Regime: Prescribed diet and exercise routine.
• Distraught: Extremely anxious or worried.
• Surgery: Clinic or place of medical treatment.
• Scrimmage: Rough, playful struggle.
• Convalescing: Recovering from illness.
• Lithe: Flexible, supple.

• Why was Mrs Pumphrey worried about Tricki’s health?
• Was Mrs Pumphrey’s way of caring for Tricki effective?
• How did Mr Herriot treat Tricki differently from his owner?
• What does “a triumph of surgery” mean in the context of the story?
• What lessons about pet care and responsibility can be drawn from this chapter?

• Tricki suffered due to overindulgence, not from neglect.
• The real “cure” was not surgery, but common sense, discipline, and practical care.
• Emotional attachments should be balanced with sensible decisions in matters of health.
• The chapter also humorously highlights the temptations and benefits faced by those who care for pampered pets.

• Is overindulgence a sign of love, or can it be harmful?
• Why is it important to listen to professional advice in health matters?
• Do you think Tricki would stay healthy after returning home? Why or why not?

• ‘Rikki Tikki Tawi’ by Rudyard Kipling
• Dog Stories by James Herriot
• ‘A Zoo in My Luggage’ by Gerald Durrell
• ‘A Tiger Comes to Town’ by R.K. Narayan

Class 10 English Chapter 1 Notes – A Triumph of Surgery: Full NCERT Book Extracted Revision

These Class 10 English Chapter 1 Notes follow the exact sequence and important details from the NCERT textbook, helping students strengthen their understanding ahead of exams. The summary covers every essential point, character action, and lesson from “A Triumph of Surgery,” making revision simple and efficient.

By revising these key notes and question lists, students can easily recall chapter highlights and improve answer accuracy in the CBSE exams. The glossary and discussion points further support vocabulary building and deeper understanding of the story’s core values.