Ukridge Stories · Chapter
Ukridge's Dog College explained
Ukridge proposes that the narrator write his biography for a fortune, then reveals his latest scheme: a dog-training college for performing dogs.
What happens
Ukridge proposes that the narrator write his biography for a fortune, then reveals his latest scheme: a dog-training college for performing dogs. He has moved to a cottage in Sheep's Cray, Kent, after being thrown out by his aunt, and is training six Pekingese dogs he took from her. The narrator reveals that George Tupper is trying to raise capital by telling Ukridge's aunt about the venture, which horrifies Ukridge because the dogs are stolen. The chapter ends with Aunt Julia's voice calling from inside the cottage.
Themes in this chapter
Get-Rich-Quick Schemes
Ukridge's dog college plan is the latest in a series of grandiose money-making ideas, promising millions from training and selling performing dogs.
Friendship and Loyalty
The narrator and George Tupper both try to help Ukridge despite his schemes; Tupper attempts to raise capital, while the narrator tolerates Ukridge's impositions.
Deception and Manipulation
Ukridge has stolen his aunt's Pekingese dogs and is training them without her knowledge, leading to a confrontation when Tupper inadvertently reveals the scheme.
Characters to notice
- Stanley Featherstonehaugh Ukridge
Proposes biography scheme, then reveals his dog-training college plan; has stolen his aunt's Pekingese and is living in a Kent cottage.
- Corky
The narrator; Ukridge tries to recruit him for the biography and dog college schemes; he brings news of George Tupper's intervention.
- George Tupper
Brings news of Ukridge's move to Wimbledon; later tries to raise capital by telling Ukridge's aunt about the dog college.
- Julia Ukridge
Ukridge's rich aunt; has thrown him out of her Wimbledon house; her voice is heard calling for Stanley at the end of the chapter.
- Bowles
The narrator's butler; brings bones for the dogs and has a cousin on the music-halls.
Key passages
“If the leading incidents of S. F. Ukridge's disreputable career are to be given to the public—and not, as some might suggest, decently hushed up—I suppose I am the man to write them.”
The narrator acknowledges that if anyone should write about Ukridge's questionable past, it might as well be him.
Sets up the framing device for the chapter and the book as a whole.
“Upon my Sam, I'm not sure there isn't more money in the amateur branch than in the professional.”
Ukridge believes training household pets for tricks could be even more profitable than training dogs for the stage.
Highlights Ukridge's ever-expanding vision for his dog college scheme.
“Of all the dashed, infernal, officious, meddling, muddling, fatheaded, interfering asses, George Tupper is the worst.”
Ukridge is furious that George Tupper has told his aunt about the dog college, since the dogs are stolen.
Reveals the central conflict: Ukridge's scheme is built on stolen property.