The episode is undoubtedly a mixture of both real-life and fiction.

On one hand, the story contains strong real-life elements. The setting of a veterinary surgery and the practical treatment given to Tricki—providing him with no food but plenty of water and letting him recover naturally by playing with the household dogs—reflect the genuine practices of a vet. Furthermore, the existence of over-indulgent pet owners like Mrs. Pumphrey, who spoil their pets out of loneliness and anxiety, is a very realistic social phenomenon.

On the other hand, several details seem like mere fiction or exaggeration. The extreme extent of Mrs. Pumphrey's indulgence, where she sends fresh eggs, wine, and brandy to build up a small dog's strength, is highly exaggerated. Moreover, the narrator and his partners enjoying these luxurious items—having two eggs each for breakfast and drinking the wine and brandy themselves—adds a comedic, almost unbelievable layer to the narrative.

Therefore, while the core situation and characters are drawn from real-life, the author has skillfully woven in fictional exaggeration and humor to make the episode highly entertaining.