Chapter Title: A Tiger in the House

Summary:

Introduction:

• Grandfather discovers a tiny tiger cub in the forest during a stroll and brings him home.
• Grandmother names him Timothy and raises him as if he were a human child, along with other household pets.

Description of the Story:

1. Discovery and Early Days of Timothy:

   • Grandfather finds a tiger cub hiding in the forest and brings him home, becoming the only successful member of the hunting party.
   • The tiger cub, named Timothy by Grandmother, is initially fed on milk but later put on a diet of raw mutton and cod-liver oil.

2. Timothy’s Companions and Playful Nature:

   • Timothy is provided with companions: Toto the monkey and a small puppy found by Grandfather.
   • Despite initial fear, Timothy becomes friendly with the puppy and enjoys playing with household members, especially the narrator.

3. Timothy’s Growing Size and Behavior:

   • As Timothy grows, he becomes the size of a full-grown retriever and displays playful but mischievous behavior.
   • He loves to stalk and play with people, demonstrating a playful and sometimes unpredictable nature.

4. Grandfather’s Decision to Transfer Timothy to the Zoo:

   • Timothy’s behavior becomes less friendly and more dangerous, including attempts to attack other animals.
   • Grandfather decides to transfer Timothy to the zoo for the safety of the household and others.

5. The Reunion at the Zoo:

   • Six months later, Grandfather visits Timothy at the zoo and attempts to interact with him through the bars of the cage.
   • To Grandfather’s surprise, the tiger responds affectionately, licking his hands and allowing him to stroke him.

6. The Shocking Revelation:

   • After spending some time with Timothy, Grandfather realizes from a zookeeper that the tiger he is interacting with is not Timothy but another tiger that arrived at the zoo recently.
   • Shocked and alarmed, Grandfather quickly withdraws from the cage and leaves the zoo.

Explanation of the Text:

• The story narrates the experience of raising a tiger cub as a pet in a household setting and the challenges encountered as the tiger grows older and more unpredictable.
• It depicts the bond between Timothy and the family members and the eventual decision to transfer him to the zoo due to safety concerns.

Discussion Points:

1. Ethical Treatment of Animals:

   • Discuss the importance of treating animals ethically and the implications of keeping a wild animal as a pet.

2. Impact of Pets on Human Life:

   • Explore how keeping pets influences human behavior, attitudes, and emotions, emphasizing the need for responsible pet ownership.

3. SPCA and Animal Welfare:

   • Discuss the role of the Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) in ensuring the welfare and protection of animals.

The Competition:

• The teacher asks Belinda about Bill’s absence, and Belinda explains that he won a competition by leaning out of the window the farthest, causing him to fall ill.