Question

Do you think this is a real-life episode, or mere fiction? Or is it a mixture of both?

Answer 1

This story could be a mixture of both: real life episode and a mere fiction. The spoiling of the dog’s health by a rich mistress is believable and could also be a real life incident. The doctor’s advises also depict real life situation. However, the extremely speedy recovery of the dog could be fictitious. Also, the enjoyment of the luxuries (eggs, wine and brandy) by the narrator could be termed as a real life episode as there are people who would do so. The giving up of these luxuries because the owner of the dog would be getting worried is another episode that could be both real life and fiction. At the end, the happiness of Mrs. Pumphrey on seeing her dog healthy seems to be a real life happening. Therefore, the story is a mixture of both real life and fiction.