Lassie 48-09-18 "Lost Dog" (Harold’s Old Time Radio)

Overview of the Episode

This episode of Lassie, originally broadcast in 1948 and presented on Harold’s Old Time Radio, transports listeners to the Golden Age of radio storytelling. Centered around the theme of loyalty and perseverance, the story "Lost Dog" follows the adventures and tribulations of a Scotch Collie named Laddie, as he tries to return home after being accidentally left behind. The episode is noteworthy for its vivid emotional narration, animal perspective, and the honoring of Lassie as an iconic dog figure in American culture.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Introduction & Setup (00:00–01:10)

• The episode is opened by a sponsor message for Red Heart Dog Food, emphasizing the importance of canine care and companionship—a recurring motif throughout the show.
• Rudd Weatherwax, Lassie's trainer and owner, introduces the episode and briefly outlines the approach for the story:
  • Quote: “Today, Lassie plays a part of another Scotch collie named Laddie in a story entitled Lost Dog. Today, with the help of Marvin Miller we will try to bring you some of the emotions and sufferings of a lost dog.” (01:10)

2. Laddie’s Ordeal: A Lost Dog’s Journey (01:19–10:52)

• Vacation’s End & Separation (01:19–04:43)

  • The Doran family leaves their mountain cabin, inadvertently forgetting Laddie, who is distracted pursuing a jackrabbit.
  • When Laddie returns, he finds the cabin empty and retrieves his mistress’ old gardening glove, the only remaining link to his family.
  • Quote: “Suddenly, the old glove was to Laddie the only connecting link to everything he loved, to everything... made up his happy life.” (03:12)

• Surviving in the Wild (04:43–08:00)

  • Laddie faces dangers and difficulties in the wilderness:
    • First, he suffers a painful encounter with a porcupine.
    • Severely weakened and feverish, he’s found by a compassionate forest ranger who removes the quill.
    • Despite care, Laddie’s singular focus drives him back to his journey.
  • Memorable Moment: Laddie buries the cherished glove for safekeeping, a poignant gesture showing animal instinct and devotion.

• Encounters & Determination (08:00–10:30)

  • Laddie slowly recovers, facing hunger and threats from wildlife (notably an encounter with a bear).
  • Cleverly, he takes a fish from the bear’s catch after the bear withdraws.
  • His determination is graphically illustrated as he continues, occasionally hunting for food, gradually regaining strength.
  • As he reaches the outskirts of the city, he is captured by a compassionate dog catcher, Jim Malone, but Laddie escapes, demonstrating both desperation and resilience.
  • Quote: “Just like a brown blood bespattered battering ram, Laddie suddenly charged out of the truck, snarling like a wild animal, nearly bowling over Jim Malone.” (09:40)

• Emotional Reunion (10:30–10:52)

  • Laddie finally returns home, dropping the ragged glove in his mistress’ lap and lying exhausted at her feet—a moving closure that underlines dog-human bonds.
  • Quote: “Into her lap he dropped the old ragged gardening rug. Then he sank, exhausted to the hot rug. For the first time in his life, Laddie failed to notice the gentle hands on his head.” (10:46)

3. Honoring Lassie & National Dog Week (10:52–13:54)

• In a special segment, Lassie is recognized for her contributions not only in fiction but as a symbol of loyalty and the human-animal bond.

• Captain Knorr, President of the National Dog Record Bureau, is introduced to present Lassie with the honorary title "National Canine Chairman of National Dog Week."

  • Quote: “There is much to be done in teaching proper appreciation for, and the care of, man’s best friend. That is a job… National Dog Week has been dedicated [to] since it was founded in 1928.” (12:54)
  • The episode briefly discusses the eight objectives of National Dog Week, such as fair laws for dogs and their owners, respect for non-dog owners, and positive identification of all dogs.

• The host thanks Captain Knorr and teases next week's episode, reflecting the show's regular format of blending heartfelt storytelling with advocacy for responsible dog ownership.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Laddie’s motivation:
  “Suddenly, the old glove was to Laddie the only connecting link to everything he loved...” (03:12)

• Forest Ranger’s empathy:
  “Trying to find something to eat, huh? Well, reckon you can cut out that quill right enough and maybe we'll take you back to the Ranger station…” (06:13)

• Triumphant yet battered return:
  "Just like a brown blood bespattered battering ram, Laddie suddenly charged out of the truck, snarling like a wild animal, nearly bowling over Jim Malone." (09:40)

• Emotional climax:
  "Into her lap he dropped the old ragged gardening rug. Then he sank, exhausted to the hot rug..." (10:46)

• About National Dog Week:
  “There are eight specific objectives, including fair laws for dogs and dog owners, respect for the rights of non dog owners, and positive identification of all dogs...” (13:20)

Important Timestamps

• 00:00–01:10 – Introduction and sponsor; Rudd Weatherwax introduces the story
• 01:19–04:43 – Laddie’s separation and emotional search
• 04:43–08:00 – Laddie’s wilderness survival, porcupine incident, forest ranger rescue
• 08:00–10:30 – Ongoing challenges, bear encounter, capture and daring escape
• 10:30–10:52 – Laddie’s reunion with his family
• 10:52–13:54 – National Dog Week tribute, Lassie’s special recognition

Final Thoughts

"Lost Dog" is a heart-stirring, immersive tale that captures the classic appeal of Lassie stories: devotion, perseverance, and the deep bond between dogs and humans. The vivid narrative places listeners in the mind of a loyal companion, evoking empathy for, and reflection on, the responsibilities of pet ownership. The episode’s closing tribute to Lassie and the focus on National Dog Week reinforce its broader call to compassion and care for animals.