NCERT Class 10 English Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader: Chapter 1 — A Triumph of Surgery
This chapter, "A Triumph of Surgery," from NCERT's Class 10 English supplementary reader 'Foot Prints Without Feet,' introduces Tricki, a small dog excessively pampered and overfed by his wealthy owner, Mrs. Pumphrey. Tricki's unhealthy lifestyle leads to serious illness, characterized by listlessness, obesity, and lack of energy. Mrs. Pumphrey, worried, consults the veterinary surgeon, Mr. Herriot. Despite being advised to cut down on Tricki's food and increase exercise, Mrs. Pumphrey's indulgence continues, worsening Tricki's condition. Mr. Herriot decides the only solution is to hospitalize Tricki for a fortnight under observation. The chapter highlights the dangers of overfeeding and the importance of a balanced diet and exercise for pets, setting the stage for Tricki's recovery and the surgeon's successful intervention.
Quick info
| Board | CBSE / NCERT |
|---|---|
| Class | Class 10 |
| Subject | English |
| Book | Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader |
| Chapter | Chapter 1 — A Triumph of Surgery |
| Language | English |
| PDF type | NCERT Textbook |
| Session | CBSE 2026 |
| Reading time | 2 minutes |
| Word count | 320 |
Learning outcomes
- Understand the consequences of overfeeding and pampering pets.
- Identify the importance of a balanced diet and regular exercise for animal health.
- Analyze character motivations, particularly Mrs. Pumphrey's indulgence and Mr. Herriot's professional judgment.
- Appreciate the role of observation and timely intervention in medical cases.
- Develop comprehension skills for narrative texts in English.
Vocabulary
| Word | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Pampered | spoiled and treated with excessive indulgence. |
| Mistress | a woman who employs or owns a servant or pet. |
| Veterinary surgeon | a doctor who treats animals. |
| Listless | lacking energy or enthusiasm. |
| Malnutrition | lack of proper nutrition. |
| Greed | intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. |
| Lumbago | pain in the lower back. |
| Regime | a system or planned way of doing things. |
| Tottering | moving in a feeble or unsteady way. |
| Harness | a set of straps and fittings by which a dog is controlled or attached to a leash. |
| Distraught | deeply upset and agitated. |
| Hospitalised | admitted to a hospital for treatment. |
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Practice questions
- Why was Mrs. Pumphrey worried about Tricki? Answer: Mrs. Pumphrey was worried because Tricki had become hugely fat, seemed listless, had no energy, and was suffering from vomiting.
- What 'little extras' did Mrs. Pumphrey give Tricki between meals? Answer: She gave him some malt, cod-liver oil, and a bowl of Horlicks at night.
- What was Tricki's only fault? Answer: Tricki's only fault was greed; he had never been known to refuse food.
- Why couldn't the gardener throw the ring for Tricki? Answer: The gardener, Hodgkin, had been down with lumbago.
- What did Mr. Herriot suggest as the only way to save Tricki? Answer: Mr. Herriot suggested hospitalizing Tricki for about a fortnight to be kept under observation.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the author of 'A Triumph of Surgery'?
The author of 'A Triumph of Surgery' is James Herriot.
What is the main problem faced by Tricki in the story?
Tricki's main problem is his obesity and related health issues caused by overfeeding and lack of exercise.
Why did Mrs. Pumphrey consult Mr. Herriot?
Mrs. Pumphrey consulted Mr. Herriot because Tricki had become seriously ill, showing no energy and suffering from vomiting.
What was Mr. Herriot's initial advice to Mrs. Pumphrey?
Mr. Herriot advised Mrs. Pumphrey to cut down Tricki's food, especially sweets, and give him more exercise.
What decision did Mr. Herriot make regarding Tricki's treatment?
Mr. Herriot decided to hospitalize Tricki for about a fortnight to keep him under observation and on a strict diet.
What does 'I' refer to in the story?
In the story, 'I' refers to Mr. Herriot, the veterinary surgeon.
Related resources
Important topics
Topics covered
NCERT Class 10 English — Foot Prints Without feet Supp. Reader — Chapter 1 — A Triumph of Surgery. Verified by NCERT Help Editorial Team. Reviewed on 29 Jul 2026. Last updated 10 Aug 2026.