GROWING UP IN GLASGOW, Scotland, James Herriot dreamed of becoming a ‘dog doctor.’ After earning his qualifications as a veterinarian in 1939, he found work in the rural region of Yorkshire in northern England. Contrary to his childhood dreams, he mostly treated farm animals. Still, he never lost his love for dogs, both as pets and occasional patients.
In time, Herriot began to write about life as a country vet. His books, populated by delightful characters both animal and human, became international bestsellers. In 1986, he gathered together into one book stories about dogs—the animal that inspired him to become a veterinarian in the first place. Here are a few of his tales.
THE STRAY
IF THINGS WERE quiet in our surgery in the town of Darrowby, my boss, Siegfried Farnon, and I would walk across the cobbles on market day to have a word with the farmers gathered around the doorway of the Drovers Arms pub. One day, we noticed a little dog sitting up and begging in front of one of the stalls.
“Look at that engaging little chap,” Siegfried said. “What breed would you call him?”
“He’s like a sheep dog, but there’s a touch of something else—maybe terrier,” I replied.
As we drew near to him I squatted down and spoke gently. “Here boy. Let’s have a look at you.” Two friendly brown eyes gazed at me from his attractive face, but as I inched nearer he turned and ambled away.
I refrained from following him because Siegfried was strongly opposed to the whole idea of keeping dogs as pets. He said it was utterly foolish—despite the fact that five assorted dogs travelled everywhere with him in his car.
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