All Things Bright and Beautiful: The Warm and Joyful Memoirs of the World's Most Beloved Animal Doctor

Jim reports to the Dalbys to help with their sick cattle. Jim likes the Dalbys and sympathizes with Mrs. Dalby, whose husband died years prior. She’s run the farm and raised her children on her own ever since. During this visit, Jim deduces that the Dalbys’ cows have husk or a bronchial infection. He gives them a medication and instructs Mrs. Dalby and her son in their subsequent care. The regime doesn’t entirely work. Upon leaving, Jim feels sorry he can’t do more to help. He studies the landscape and realizes how indifferent nature is to the Dalbys’ plight.

A few months later, Mrs. Dalby returns to the surgery. She says the remaining cows don’t have husk but are sick and losing weight. Jim examines them, unsure what to make of their condition and terrified he’ll fail the Dalbys again. Then he has a revelation: The cows have a copper deficiency. He administers copper injections and the cattle rapidly improve. Afterward, Mrs. Dalby invites him in for tea. Studying her late husband’s photo, she admits that it’s her wedding anniversary. Jim expresses his condolences, but she changes the subject.