Podcast Summary: Harold's Old Time Radio

Episode: Lassie 49-03-05 "Welcome Home"
Air Date: February 14, 2026

Overview

This episode of Harold's Old Time Radio replays a classic episode of the radio drama Lassie, originally aired in 1949. In "Welcome Home," Lassie takes on the role of Timmy, an Irish setter devoted to his late owner. The story unfolds in a small country town, following how Timmy's loyalty leads him to save the day for the new occupants of his old home, despite their initial hostility. The episode explores themes of loyalty, the meaning of home, and the bond between people and pets during the Golden Age of Radio.

Key Discussion Points and Story Breakdown

1. Introduction (00:34 – 01:39)

• Announcer introduces the show and Lassie, sponsored by Red Heart dog food, emphasizing the variety and quality of their products.
• Lassie’s trainer, Rudd Weatherwax, sets the stage for the story, noting Lassie will play an Irish setter named Timmy.

2. The Town Grocery (01:53 – 03:58)

• The scene opens in Perkins’ grocery store, with Mr. Perkins and Ms. Jeffries/Mrs. Murdock discussing Timmy, the remarkable dog of Old Bill Aten.
• Narration establishes Timmy’s routine: running errands for his owner, Bill, who is housebound due to health issues.
• Mr. Perkins reads a note from Bill:
  “Old Bill must be real sick, he says in the note. Would I please phone the doctor and ask him to rush right out?” (03:19)

3. Newcomers and Timmy’s Fate (03:58 – 06:37)

• Dawson Murdock and his wife Bertha have just moved into Bill Aten’s former home. Dawson learns about Timmy’s storied loyalty.
• Dawson remarks:
  “I'm not too sure I'm happy about buying the place...We can't get a telephone and we're a mile from the store. Sort of hate to leave my wife there alone.” (04:16–04:21)
• The couple debates what to do with Timmy. Bertha is frightened and adamant that the dog must go:
  Bertha: "I won't have a dog around. Particularly, I won't have this great big creature." (05:46)
  Dawson reluctantly agrees to "lose" Timmy far from home.

4. Timmy’s Return and Persistent Loyalty (06:37 – 08:03)

• Dawson drives Timmy far into the country and tries to distract him with a game of fetch before leaving him.
• Despite Dawson's efforts, Timmy finds his way back to the house, highlighting his unwavering attachment to the home.
• Bertha’s frustration peaks:
  Bertha: “Oh, get a gun and shoot him. I don’t care.” (07:36)
  Dawson refuses, moved by the dog's gentle nature.

5. Trouble at Home (08:03 – 11:10)

• Dawson prepares for a business trip, leaving Bertha alone at home. He assures her Timmy is gone and that she'll be fine in his absence.
• Bertha decides to wash the house windows despite Dawson's caution about the rickety ladder.
• Bertha finds Timmy’s old green basket and uses it for her cleaning supplies.
• Timmy returns, and Bertha tries to scare him off as she works precariously on the ladder.

6. Timmy to the Rescue (11:10 – 12:18)

• At Perkins’ store, Timmy appears carrying his old green basket — but it’s stained with blood.
• Mr. Perkins grows concerned:
  “No note in the basket. No wonder. Say, basket’s all wet. Red paint. Paint. Man, that—that’s blood. Is the dog hurt? … I’ll bet something’s happened up to the Murdochs. I better get up there and see.” (11:52)
• He and another man rush to the Murdocks’, understanding that something is seriously wrong.

7. Aftermath and Gratitude (12:32 – 13:35)

• Dawson tends to Bertha, who is recovering after a serious fall in which she suffered a cut wrist and significant blood loss.
• Bertha admits:
  “If it wasn’t for Timmy, I’d be dead. The doctor said if Mr. Perkinson, that other man, hadn’t arrived, I’d have been dead another 15 minutes.” (12:50)
• The family welcomes Timmy as a hero and a member of their home.
• Dawson says warmly:
  “Well, thank providence for Timmy. And to think we tried to kick him out.” (13:06)
• Bertha, now grateful, promises:
  “I'll make it up to Timmy… Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy.” (13:13, 13:23)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Mr. Perkins on Timmy’s Loyalty (03:04):
  “...He just loves that old green basket. Won't let nobody touch it but me.”
• Dawson's Reluctance (06:45):
  “You're a nice old pooch. I really wouldn't mind having you around, but I have no choice. You got to go.”
• Bertha’s Change of Heart (12:50, 13:23):
  “If it wasn't for Timmy, I'd be dead.”
  “Yes, Timmy. Welcome home, Timmy.”

Important Segment Timestamps

• [01:39] Rudd Weatherwax introduces the story as Lassie’s trainer.
• [03:19] Mr. Perkins receives Bill Aten’s urgent note.
• [05:46] Bertha’s insistence on evicting Timmy.
• [07:36] Bertha’s extreme frustration at Timmy’s return.
• [08:44] Dawson leaves for his trip, Bertha prepares to clean windows.
• [11:52] Mr. Perkins discovers blood on Timmy’s basket.
• [12:33] Dawson and Bertha reflect on Timmy’s heroics and change of heart.

Tone and Language

The episode maintains a warm, old-fashioned small-town tone, with language reflecting post-war Americana, community values, and gentle humor. Characters speak plainly and with heartfelt sincerity, particularly in the emotional turn as Bertha transforms from antagonist to grateful friend of Timmy.

Conclusion

“Welcome Home” is a heartwarming example of classic radio drama, blending suspense, emotion, and wholesome entertainment. Through Lassie’s performance as Timmy, the story celebrates animal loyalty and the importance of compassion—never forgetting that sometimes, a second chance is all it takes to find home.