Doc Barbara, the Professor and Darwin, the dog.

 In our last pivotal episode it was decided that Doc Barbara would adopt Professor Ramsbottom-Thrutch's dog, Darwin, while he went on a research tour of the world investigating reactions on patients in dentists' waiting rooms to various hilarious poses and antics. However, when he realised the air miles that this would involve, he asked if that investigation could be carried out in the UK. (After all, Lancashire people with agonising toothache might raise a smile whilst those in Islington would merely grimace. Much data could be extrapolated from that). Our Professor - as can be seen here - has impeccably green credentials.

The Professor emerges from his previous ecological travel machine, now unfortunately defunct. 

 

Such is his global renown as a sociologist that this was granted - but the arrangement about Darwin would hold firm. Doc Barbara would become his owner and the handover would take place as soon as she had chosen the new bed, bowl and lead that the animal would require. At first they thought it better to keep the old, familiar belongings but Doc Barbara wanted Darwin to be aware of reality and accept change. Nominative determinism at work there. There must be no hankering although hunkering down would be encouraged. The next cliff-hanging episode will tell of these accoutrements but, meanwhile, we will wave goodbye to the Professor as he embarks on his mission - all to be accomplished by bike this time..