Heart of a Dog

Chapter 4 is a series of case notes taken by Doctor Bormenthal on Sharik’s prognosis following the surgery, complete with ink blots and deletions. The operation takes place on December 23. The goal of the operation is to study the viability of pituitary transplant and its role in “rejuvenation.” Three days after the operation, on December 26, Sharik’s condition begins to improve. By December 28, there is “significant improvement.” On December 29, Sharik’s fur begins to fall out, and he begins barking again, but it sounds more like a “groan” than a typical bark. His appetite improves. By January 2, Sharik has grown to nearly the size of the doctor, has learned to walk on his hind legs, and is capable of speech. 

Meanwhile, Philipovich’s health begins to decline. On January 6, Sharik’s tail falls off. His vocabulary continues to improve at a rapid pace. Sharik now resembles a human with hair only on his “head, chin, and chest” (70). Word begins to spread about Sharik, and crowds begin to gather outside the apartment to see him. On January 8, Philipovich decides that the operation has moved beyond “rejuvenation” and resulted in “TOTAL HUMANIZATION” (72). Sharik has taken to swearing profusely, which upsets the professor.