English Notes Chapter 4.1 – The Vet Class 8 Maharashtra Board

1. Introduction

• The poem “The Vet” is a humorous take on the challenges faced by veterinarians.
• A vet (veterinarian) is a doctor who treats animals and birds.
• The poet highlights the wide knowledge required to treat various animals.

2. Summary of the Poem

• The poem describes the difficulties a vet faces due to the different internal systems of animals.
• The vet must understand why pets and zoo animals suffer from different illnesses.
• The poem humorously lists the strange and funny ailments of various animals.
• The poet advises against becoming a vet, suggesting it’s easier to be a human doctor.

3. Rhyme Scheme Analysis

• Stanzas 1 to 3 and the last two stanzas follow the ABAB rhyme scheme.
• Stanzas 4 to 7 follow a different AABCCB rhyme scheme.

4. Amusing Illnesses of Animals in the Poem

1. The centipede having trouble with his feet.
2. The bear being too full of buns.
3. The cobra eating her sons.
4. The giraffes having stiff necks after a tiff.
5. The elephant eating paper bags and choking.

5. Similar Animal Names in English and Hindi/Marathi

6. Zoo Animals and Their Translations in Hindi/Marathi

7. Is the Poet Discouraging Youth from Becoming Vets?

• The poet humorously advises young people not to become vets because of the tough challenges they face.
• However, he does not seriously discourage them; instead, he exaggerates the difficulties in a light-hearted way.
• The poem highlights how a vet must deal with many different animals, making the job harder than a regular doctor’s.

8. Precautions a Vet Must Take While Treating Wild Animals

1. Use protective gear – Wear gloves, face shields, and protective clothing to avoid bites and infections.
2. Sedation or restraints – Some wild animals need to be sedated before treatment.
3. Keep a safe distance – Avoid sudden movements that could provoke the animal.
4. Have emergency backup – A trained team should be present in case of danger.
5. Understand animal behavior – Recognizing warning signs helps in handling them safely.
6. Sanitize equipment – Prevents the spread of infections between animals.
7. Follow legal and ethical guidelines – Treatment should comply with wildlife protection laws.

9. Moral / Message of the Poem

• The poem teaches us that being a vet is not easy.
• It emphasizes the importance of knowledge and patience in treating animals.
• Humor is used to show the challenges and responsibilities of a veterinarian.

Conclusion

• The poem is an amusing and exaggerated description of the difficulties faced by vets.
• It makes us appreciate the hard work and intelligence required to care for animals.
• While the poet jokes about avoiding the profession, the poem indirectly highlights the importance of veterinarians in society.