Bim, The Dog | Ranger Bill (03-09-55)

Summary

---

Old Time Radio Westerns: Bim, The Dog | Ranger Bill (03-09-55)

Host: Andrew Rhynes

Date: February 14, 2026

Overview

This heartwarming episode of Old Time Radio Westerns rebroadcasts the 1955 radio drama “Bim, The Dog,” from the Ranger Bill series. The episode centers on the touching story of Bim, a seemingly ordinary ranch dog whose loyalty, heroism, and bravery touch the lives of the Jorgensen family and their entire community in Knotty Pine. The drama unfolds during the dedication of the BIM Memorial Clinic for Animals, prompting Bim’s owner, Otto Jorgensen, and his sons to reminisce about Bim's remarkable acts—from saving children from rattlesnakes to heroics in World War II—and his lasting impact long after his passing.

---

Key Discussion Points & Episode Breakdown

1. Dedication of the BIM Memorial Clinic for Animals

• Setting: The story opens at the newly built BIM Memorial Clinic, where townspeople gather to honor Bim (02:11).
• Bill Jefferson (Ranger Bill) leads the ceremony, highlighting the purpose of the clinic: “This hospital is a memorial to a great dog that we all loved and whose memory we'll cherish for a long, long time... To the memory of Bim, a great dog and his heroic deeds, we dedicate this building...” (02:32–03:53)
• The community contributed to the building and funding of the clinic.

2. A Reporter in Search of Bim’s Story

• Ed Sloan, a reporter for Bancroft Newspapers and Dog Lovers Magazine, asks to write about Bim, underscoring the widespread admiration for the dog and the need to speak directly with his family (04:03–04:27).

3. Early Life and First Acts of Bravery

• Otto Jorgensen initially doubted Bim, describing him as “just a gangly puppy... a badly put together mass of fur, big paws and powerful body” (05:00).

• The boys, Paul and Eric, bond with Bim, but a rambunctious play session nearly costs the dog his place in the family (06:06–06:16).

• Bim’s First Heroic Act: Saves Eric and Paul from a rattlesnake by attacking and killing the snake—a feat initially doubted by Otto (07:57–11:06).

  “When Eric and Paul came home with a big yarn about Bim killing a big rattlesnake, I didn’t believe it... I examined the dead snake and could easily see where Bim's teeth had done their job right in back of the head.” – Otto Jorgensen (10:00–11:06)

4. Rescue on the Range

• Six months later, Bim proves his worth again after Paul is thrown from his horse and injured (12:15).

• Bim tracks down the boy’s horse, Skeeter, and brings it back, then stays to keep Paul warm through the night until help arrives (13:01–17:26).

• The search party, led by Bill Jefferson, finds Bim lying over Paul for warmth.

  “Look at that dog. He covered Paul with his own body to keep him warm.” – Ed Sloan (17:30–17:49)

• Otto admits to misjudging Bim and asks his sons for forgiveness; Bim becomes a cherished member of the family.

5. A Canine Patriot

• With the outbreak of World War II, Paul and Eric, both too young to serve, decide to donate Bim to the military effort (18:15).

• Otto reluctantly agrees, despite fears for Bim’s safety.

  “You will realize, of course, that Bim might be killed in action.” – Otto Jorgensen (18:46–18:51)

• Farewells are emotional: “I’m not ashamed to say that, just like the boys, tears was rolling down my cheeks.” – Otto Jorgensen (19:17–19:49)

6. Bim’s War Record

• Bill recounts Bim’s service with the Marines at Bougainville, where Bim heroically helps overtake a Japanese pillbox despite being wounded (19:49–22:35).

• Discussion underscores the value and respect for military service dogs.

  "Please don't get the idea that these dogs are out here for us to use... they’re not cannon fodder. Understand?” – Company Captain (21:02–21:14)

• Bim receives a Purple Heart and returns home to convalesce.

7. Final Acts and Heartbreaking Loss

• Bim saves Otto’s life by digging him out when a tractor overturns (23:18–24:47).

• The family notices Bim’s decline due to a malignant tumor. Eventually, he passes away peacefully in his sleep, sparing the family the pain of having to put him down (25:14–26:24).

  “We were glad we didn’t have to take him to Dr. Queen Crawford, though all of us were broken hearted that we’d lost him... I make no bones about saying that I cried like a baby.” – Otto Jorgensen (26:21–27:31)

• Bim is honored with a military funeral.

• The community's affection for Bim is galvanized in support for the new animal clinic.

8. A Lasting Memorial

• Otto reads the inscription on Bim’s memorial plaque:

  “He loved and asked no love in return. He knew no selfishness except to duty. He knew no fear except that he hadn't done enough. He gave all he had and asked no recompense. This tablet is inscribed for all to read, realizing that Bim lived as we should live.”—Read by Bill Jefferson (28:43–29:26)

• The story is revealed as fiction, but inspired by real-life canine heroism.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Bill Jefferson, Master of Ceremonies:

  “We dedicate this building... so that no other animal will have to suffer the same slow and painful death. We dedicate the scientific research that will go on inside these walls.” (03:32–03:53)

• Otto’s Regret:

  “I was very angry at the time... but as time went on, gradually he grew out of the awkward stage.” (06:16–06:32)

• Ed Sloan, Journalist:

  “I don’t know if I’ll be able to do justice to this story, Mr. Jorgensen, but I’m sure gonna try my best.” (28:21–28:27)

• Narrator (Epilogue):

  “The story you have heard is fictional... But all the incidents which have occurred in the story are true, for dogs actually perform the unusual and heroic deeds that were told to you today.” (29:26–30:14)

---

Important Timestamps

• 02:11 – Bill Jefferson leads clinic dedication
• 05:00 – Otto expresses skepticism about Bim
• 07:57 – Bim rescues the boys from a rattlesnake
• 13:01–17:26 – Bim’s rescue of Paul after a fall
• 18:15–19:49 – Bim is donated to the Marines; family’s farewell
• 19:49–22:35 – Bim’s wartime heroics recounted by Bill
• 23:18–24:47 – Bim saves Otto trapped under a tractor
• 25:14–26:24 – Family discovers Bim has peacefully passed away
• 28:43–29:26 – Reading of the memorial plaque inscription

---

Tone & Style

The episode’s tone is sincere, sentimental, and nostalgic. It honors the loyal, selfless spirit embodied by Bim and reflects on themes of bravery, sacrifice, community, and the special bond between humans and animals—conveyed in the warm and expressive dialogue of the characters.

---

For Listeners New and Old

This episode is a classic example of mid-century radio storytelling at its most poignant. Whether you’re nostalgic for these tales or hearing them for the first time, “Bim, The Dog” will tug at your heartstrings and serve as a tribute to all heroic pets—real or imagined—whose devotion changes lives.

---

Transcript

[Otto Jorgensen]

Foreign.

[Podcast Host]

Welcome to the Old Time Radio Westerns. I'm your host, Andrew Rines, and I'm excited to bring you another episode. This is one of over 80 episodes released monthly for your enjoyment, you can find more western shows at our website by going to otrwesterns.com now, let's get into this episode.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland.

[Narrator]

Ranger Bill, warrior of the woodland. Struggling against extreme odds. Traveling dangerous trails, Fighting the many enemies of nature. This is the job of the guardian of the forest, Ranger Bill. Pouring rain, freezing cold, blistering heat, snow, floods, bears, rattlesnakes, mountain lions. Yes. All this in exchange for the satisfaction and pride of a job. Well, Say, do you have a dog? If you do, you love him, don't you? Well, this is the story of a great dog who lived on a ranch near Knotty Pine. His name was Bim. Bim's masters were Otto Jorgensen and his two sons, Eric and Paul. Now, Bim was a very unusual dog, yet he wasn't any different from your dog in lots of ways. His love and devotion to his masters were boundless. Bim is gone now. That great dog heart is still. Those who love his memory are gathered in the lobby of the newly built Memorial Clinic for Animals. All of the rangers are there. Bill is the master of ceremonies for the dedication of this wonderful animal hospital. Let's join the crowd as they talk together.

[Bill Jefferson]

Quite a crowd of folks gathered here. Almost fill the lobby, they do.

[Ed Sloan]

Ah, Bim, great dog. Have many friends.

[Eric Jorgensen]

I didn't realize so many people knew him.

[Bill Jefferson]

Yes, Bill was quite a dog, all right. His animal hospital is a fitting memorial to him.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Bill, Otto's coming this way.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, guess he wants me to start.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Bill, will you begin the ceremony, please?

[Bill Jefferson]

Why, sure, Otto. Folks, we're gathered here today to dedicate the BIM Memorial Clinic for Animals, a building that is more than brick and steel and concrete. This hospital is a memorial to a great dog that we all loved and whose memory we'll cherish for a long, long time. The idea for this building originated with Otto Jorgensen and his two sons. They wanted this clinic to be a living token of their love and esteem for their dog. A good deal of the money came from folks like yourselves. This hospital and clinic was built for the study and treatment of animal diseases so that the animals may enjoy a fuller and longer life. To the memory of Bim, a great dog and his heroic deeds, we dedicate this building with all its equipment and staff. Also, so that no other animal will have to suffer the same slow and painful death. We dedicate the scientific research that will go on inside these walls.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Thank you, Mr. Jefferson.

[Ed Sloan]

Mr. Jefferson, may I talk to you a minute?

[Bill Jefferson]

Why, sure. What's on your mind?

[Ed Sloan]

I'm Ed Sloan. I'm a writer for Bancroft Newspapers and Dog Lovers Magazine.

[Bill Jefferson]

I see.

[Ed Sloan]

We have a combined circulation of half a million. I'd like to write the story of Bim's life, if I may. And I gather you're the one I ought to see.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, I'm sorry, Mr. Sloan, but that's not within my authority. You'll have to talk to Otto Jorgensen and his two sons. Perhaps they'll help you.

[Ed Sloan]

I understand, but I don't know. Mr. Jorgensen.

[Bill Jefferson]

I'd be glad to introduce you. They're over on the other side of the lobby talking to some friends.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Mr. Sloan, I don't know how well I can tell this story, but maybe Bill can help me out in a few places. First thing I ought to say, I wasn't too sold on Bim at first.

[Ed Sloan]

Why not, Mr. Jorgensen?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Well, I'd always set my heart on owning a pedigree dog. Bim was just a gangly poppy. Good blood, but a mixture. Bim actually was rather a badly put together mass of fur, big paws and powerful body. I never thought he'd amount to much. To tell you the truth, how wrong I was. I'll never forget, one day when bim was about 6 months old Paul Nerick was playing with Bim on the front lawn.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Come on, Slinky. Bim, get Eric. Pull his ears off.

[Podcast Host]

Right.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Oh, boy.

[Podcast Host]

Come on.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Come on, Daisy Brown. Come on. Full of dance off finale. Come on, let's go.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Paul, what in the name of common sense are you doing playing with that hound on the front lawn?

[Paul Jorgensen]

We weren't. We dead. That is we.

[Otto Jorgensen]

What's got into you boys? Look at that lawn. And look at my flower beds. You let that mud run around in my prize flowers.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Well, I'm sorry, dad. It's our fault.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Ever since you've had that pooch, things ain't been the same around here. Well, I'm gonna get rid of him.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Oh, no, dad. Please don't make us get rid of Bim.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Oh, all right. One more chance. But if this happens again, out he goes. I was very angry at the time, but I saw no reason to change my opinion about them. But as time went on, gradually he grew out of the awkward stage. At nine months, he began to show signs of becoming a powerful dog who could run like the wind. I was pleased, but I still didn't think he'd be much more than a pet for the boys. I really didn't intend to make good my threat of throwing him out. I knew it would break the boy's heart. He was their dog. Well, the first in a series of outstanding acts of bravery and heroism occurred when Bim was 10 months old. Eric and Pa got the habit of taking Bim out on the range with him every spare moment they could find.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Let's see if we can find any more of those swell colored rocks, Paul.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Okay, that's a good idea, Eric. What kind of rocks did dad call him?

[Eric Jorgensen]

I don't know.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Something like Cor chords. Yeah, that's it. Hey, let's head for that ridge over there, huh? Okay, I'll race you.

[Otto Jorgensen]

All right.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Come on, Skinner, dig in.

[Ed Sloan]

Let's go.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Come on.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Hey, what's Bim after, anyway?

[Paul Jorgensen]

I don't know. Probably seen a rabbit.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Hey, look at these rocks, Pa. Say.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Those are the nicest we found yet. You know, Eric, the Lord sure made rocks beautiful, didn't he?

[Eric Jorgensen]

He and how. Hey, let's move this big rock over so we can get the smaller one out.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Okay. Say when.

[Eric Jorgensen]

All right, now, that's good.

[Narrator]

Now.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Now let's get those.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Don't move, Pa. That rattler will strike just as quick as we move a muscle. Yeah, you said it.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Look at the sides of him. Where did he come from?

[Eric Jorgensen]

I don't know. Must have come out from behind the other big rock when we moved the smaller one.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Eric, looks like we're going to have to stand here all day.

[Eric Jorgensen]

That's better than getting bit. He hasn't coiled yet. Maybe he'll go away. Oh, yeah.

[Paul Jorgensen]

He's crawling right at us. What do we do? Hey, Paul, look. The rattler's not after us. He sees something. It's Bim. The rattler sees Bim. They're gonna fight. Let' get going. God, Bim, kill him. That snake is a bit of dog. Whoa. I never thought of that. He hasn't got Bim yet. Come on, Bim. Get him. Get him.

[Bill Jefferson]

Get him.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Look, he's got him.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Hey, Bim's killing the rattler.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Come here, boy.

[Narrator]

Oh, boy.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Good boy, Bim. Good boy. That a boy. Hey, we've got to get home and tell dad about this. I said it.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Now maybe dad will believe that Bim's.

[Paul Jorgensen]

A real good dog.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Well, when Eric and Paul came home with a big yarn about Bim killing a big rattlesnake, I didn't believe it. I just couldn't Believe that Bim had the courage and fired in him to tackle and kill a live rattler. I was at the corral when the boys came in and told me this, Whopper.

[Eric Jorgensen]

It's the truth, dad. Bim did kill the rattler.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Come on now, fellas. I wasn't born yesterday. How could Bim kill a big rattler, Especially one as big as you say it was?

[Paul Jorgensen]

We can prove it, dad.

[Otto Jorgensen]

All right. How?

[Paul Jorgensen]

We'll show him to you. We tied a rope to the rattler's tail and dragged him here.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Well, yes. I gotta see him.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Come on over to the horse barn, dad.

[Paul Jorgensen]

The rattler's outside on the ground.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Okay, let's go.

[Eric Jorgensen]

There, dad.

[Narrator]

Take a look.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Yeah. And Bim killed him all by himself.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Well, the boys had me where they wanted me. I examined the dead snake and could easily see where Bim's teeth had done their job right in back of the head. I was still pretty pigheaded about it all. I told the boys that Bim's killing the rattler was an isolated incident, and he'd probably never do one thing else it was worthwhile.

[Ed Sloan]

You say that was the first big incident in Bim's life, Mr. Jorgensen?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Yes, it was, Mr. Sloan. The second incident followed six months later. Winter was close by, and I'd sent Paul out to round up some wild cattle. By wild cattle, I mean the cattle that leave the herd and shift for themselves during the grazing season.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Let's go up this canyon, Pim. Come on, boy. Yeah. There's a couple of wild ones, Pim. Let's get behind them and drive them out of there. Hiya. Hiya. Come on, there. Come on, Skeeter. We can't let that maverick get away and freeze out here this winter. Ha, ha, ha. Come on.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Paul was out like a light. His horse, Skeeter, had stepped onto a chuck hole and thrown Paul against the canyon wall. The boy had a broken collarbone, a fractured shin bone, and he was very badly bruised and shaken up. Bim started licking his face and hands, and Paul slowly came too. He was crying from pain.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Oh, surely. Bim, I'm hurt bad. Go find Skeeter.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Bring him back.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Find Skeeter. Bring him back, boy. Go.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Bim left Paul and went after the horse. He picked up Skeeter's trail and soon caught up with him. Skeeter was over his initial scare now and was just browsing in the grass. Fortunately, the bridle straps was hanging down and Bim took them in his teeth and obediently led the horse back To Paul.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Oh, good boy, Bill. Lay down, Skeeter. Lay down, big fella. And a boy. Thanks, Peter. Now hold still, boy. I try to crawl across the saddle. Just a little bit farther. I made it up, Skeeter boy.

[Otto Jorgensen]

In case you don't know, Mr. Sloan, it's rather a difficult, difficult job for a horse to get up with a rider on his back. And Paul was in such pain that he didn't realize he wasn't balanced properly across the saddle. So when he told Skeeter to get up, Paul fell off. Back home, Eric and I began to get worried when Paul and Bim didn't show up for supper. Got to be about 9 o'. Clock. Then I decided to do something.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Dad, what could have happened to him?

[Otto Jorgensen]

I don't know, Eric, but I'm gonna find out.

[Eric Jorgensen]

I'm glad Bim's with him.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Anyway. What good will Bim do if Paul's in serious trouble?

[Eric Jorgensen]

Don't talk that way, dad. Bim's real special when you need him.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Sure, son. You sidle up the horses. I'm gonna call Bill. Jeff.

[Bill Jefferson]

You lead the way. Arnold, we'll pick up the trail when we get into the area.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Okay, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

If Gray Wolf and Stumpy can't find him, we can always get bloodhounds.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Yep.

[Bill Jefferson]

Come on, Storm.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Come on.

[Bill Jefferson]

Is there enough light to see the trail, fellas?

[Ed Sloan]

Ah, plenty light, Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

Oh, boy.

[Ed Sloan]

Trail very clear.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Oh. Oh, boy.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Come on, Julie.

[Bill Jefferson]

Come on, boy.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Come on, let's go.

[Podcast Host]

Come on.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Come on.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Say, let's hold it up here.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Whoa.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, sign's kind of messed up here, isn't it?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Can you make it out? Is this where they had the trouble?

[Bill Jefferson]

What's it say? Grey Wolf.

[Ed Sloan]

This sign say horse and dog go into small canyon ahead. This sign say cattle. Maybe half dozen head come out of canyon.

[Otto Jorgensen]

That fits. Paul and Ben was rounding up wild cattle.

[Bill Jefferson]

Now, over here it says that horse come out again. Let the dog come out.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Did they go back or were they chasing the cattle?

[Bill Jefferson]

Over here, Otto.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Bill.

[Bill Jefferson]

What'd you find?

[Narrator]

Grey Wolf.

[Otto Jorgensen]

See something different? Look here.

[Ed Sloan]

Dog walk in front of horse, they go back in canyon. I say dog lead horse back into canyon.

[Bill Jefferson]

Well, I'll buy that, sonny. That means Paul and Bim are in that canyon. Unless I miss my guess. You agree, Gray Wolf?

[Ed Sloan]

Ah, Stumpy.

[Bill Jefferson]

Right, then let's get into that can. Lay the light over the canyon floor. Gray Wolf. They should be close by now.

[Otto Jorgensen]

The skeeter. Fellas, throw your light to the left.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Hey, there they are. Come on, Mc.

[Bill Jefferson]

Whoa, boy.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Look look at that dog.

[Ed Sloan]

He covered Paul with his own body to keep him warm.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Afterward, Paul told us the whole story. Then I knew I had been wrong, and the boys were right. We had a great dog in him. So I asked the boys to forgive me. From that time on, them and the boys and I became an inseparable foursome. Then the day came when the catastrophe at Pearl harbor plunged us into World War II. And the boys came to me with a request.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Dad?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Mm?

[Eric Jorgensen]

Dad, we've been reading in the papers how the armed services need dogs.

[Otto Jorgensen]

That's right, dad.

[Ed Sloan]

And.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Well, we'd like to send Bim.

[Otto Jorgensen]

You. You want to send Bim to war?

[Eric Jorgensen]

Sure. We're too young to enlist ourselves, so.

[Paul Jorgensen]

And we want to do our part to help win the war.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Are you absolutely sure you want to do this, boys?

[Eric Jorgensen]

Yep. We thought about it a lot.

[Otto Jorgensen]

You will realize, of course, that Bim might be killed in action.

[Eric Jorgensen]

We thought about that too, dad. Yes, well, a lot of soldiers might.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Get killed, but then they might not, too.

[Eric Jorgensen]

That's right. Bim's really tough, dad.

[Narrator]

Boy.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Sure, he'll take care of himself.

[Otto Jorgensen]

So I thought, far be it for me to dampen the patriotism of my sons. I was proud of both of them the next morning when we walked into the recruitment station for the Marine Corps in Nazi Pine. In no time at all, Bim was in the service of our country. We said goodbye to Bim. And I'm not ashamed to say that, just like the boys, tears was rolling down my cheeks. Bill, you take over the story from here, will ya? I think you can tell about Bim's war record better than I can.

[Bill Jefferson]

All right, Otto.

[Ed Sloan]

I sure appreciate your helping me, Mr. Jefferson. I don't want to leave a thing out of Bem's life.

[Bill Jefferson]

It so happened, Mr. Sloan, that I was with the 3rd Marines in Bougainville, same as Bem. I got the story firsthand from the fellows that had Bem with them. It was pretty rough going. A company of the 1st Battalion was trying to flank the enemy, and they weren't having much success because they were pinned down by a Japanese machine gun nest set up in a pillbox, which the artillery just couldn't get.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Captain, we won't move another inch until we knock out that pillbox.

[Narrator]

I'm well aware of that, Sergeant. Gotta be patient for a while. We try to rush, we'll lose a lot of men.

[Eric Jorgensen]

But, sir, it's the only way we'll.

[Paul Jorgensen]

Ever get past them.

[Eric Jorgensen]

The artillery and the mortar shells bounce off that thing like water off a juxtaposition.

[Narrator]

I know. That's why I've sent for Bim.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Huh?

[Eric Jorgensen]

Hey, Bim will get him out of there, if anything. And believe me, they'll think a screaming Mimi hit him. If Bim ever gets into that billboards. Here comes the corporal now with Bim.

[Narrator]

Well, that's fine.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Call from the Dasky.

[Narrator]

Reporting. Good. Corporal Bim, how are you, boy?

[Eric Jorgensen]

I hope this isn't too risky, sir.

[Otto Jorgensen]

I wouldn't want Bim to get it.

[Narrator]

Corporal, please don't get the idea that these dogs are out here for us to use. Or we don't want to send in men. We use them only where they can be used to better advantage than men. See, they're not cannon fodder. Understand?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

Now, look, you see the fire lane from here?

[Paul Jorgensen]

Oh, yeah, yeah. Yes, sir, I do.

[Narrator]

Send Bim up the left side. We'll give him covering fire until he jumps for the window. Then we'll cease fire and rush the pillbox.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Prisoners are on the way back to the stockade, sir.

[Narrator]

Very good, Sergeant. How's Bim?

[Eric Jorgensen]

He's wounded, sir.

[Narrator]

What? Why didn't you tell me? Bim comes before the prisoners. Don't you know that?

[Eric Jorgensen]

Take it easy, sir. Doc's looking at him now. The wound is in bad, sir. Got knifed in the leg.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Not bad.

[Narrator]

Oh, okay. It's fine in the leg, huh?

[Eric Jorgensen]

Yes, sir.

[Narrator]

We'll see that he's carried to the rear on a stretcher. That's an order, Sergeant.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Yes, sir. It'll be done, sir, even if I have to carry him myself.

[Bill Jefferson]

That's the story of Bim's service with the Marines.

[Ed Sloan]

Thanks, Mr. Jefferson. Is there more, Mr. Jorgensen?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Yes, Mr. Sloan, there is. We received a telegram from the War Department saying that Bim had been wounded, though not seriously. Uncle Sam was sending him home. They also said that Bim would receive the Purple Heart. Bim recovered the full use of his leg, and in about six months. You never know he'd been wounded.

[Narrator]

How so you could, Mr. Sloan. He was as fast as he ever was.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Buddy sure grew up, though, while he was away. Seemed quieter. More serious. That's right. Well, one day a year after Bim came back from the war, I was dragging our road. We have a private road that leads from the highway to the house and barns. I had the tractor hitched to a weighted drag, and I was trying to even out the rough spots. I was alone. That is, except for Ben. He was playing around nearby somewhere. Well, I don't know exactly what happened? To this day, all I knew was that suddenly the tractor overturned and I was pinned under it. Help me dig. Dig me out of here, will you? Good boy, baby. That's right. Under my face first, so I can breathe in here. That's right. Under my body now. Now, see if I. Yeah, that's it.

[Bill Jefferson]

Good boy.

[Otto Jorgensen]

I'm almost. Yeah, that's all right. You can scratch me if you want it. That's it. I'm coming out.

[Ed Sloan]

And you mean to tell me that your dog dug you right out from under that tractor?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Yes, Mr. Sloan. Amazing as it sounds, he not only dug the ground out from under my face so I could breathe, but he dug the ground out from under my chest and body enough for me to crawl painfully out, broken back and all.

[Ed Sloan]

That sounds unbelievable.

[Otto Jorgensen]

All of it was in the local newspapers.

[Ed Sloan]

What a dog he must have been. Would you care to tell me how he died?

[Otto Jorgensen]

Yes. About a year ago, we noticed that Bem was beginning to fail. Not too quickly at first, but noticeably. We took him to Dr. Crawford, a veterinarian here in Knotty Pine. Dr. Crawford examined him and said that Bim had a malignant tumor. There wasn't anything we could do to save him, just a matter of time. It was heartbreaking to watch a dog so full of life and courage as Ben was slowly to waste away to skin and bones.

[Ed Sloan]

I'm sure it was a heartbreaking experience, Mr. Jorgensen.

[Otto Jorgensen]

We watched him this way for three months. Finally, the boys spoke to me about it. I'm glad they did, because I wouldn't have spoken to them if they hadn't brought up the subject first. So in the morning, three of us went to Bim's bed to take him to Dr. Crawford. It was like visiting a sick and dying friend. Eric kneeled down to awaken him. Bim. Bim.

[Eric Jorgensen]

Come on, fellow, wake up.

[Otto Jorgensen]

He hasn't moved a muscle. You don't suppose. Let me see. Eric. Yes, boys? Bim's dead. We were glad we didn't have to take him to Dr. Queen Crawford, though all of us were broken hearted that we'd lost him. The men at the Knotty Pine Legion post were only too happy to give Bim a military funeral and we buried him in our front yard. I make no bones about saying that I cried like a baby. Here was a dog that had given us all he had. And when he needed our help, there wasn't a thing we could do except watch him die. Several months passed by and I talked to Dr. Crawford. I offered to contribute a sum of money for an animal clinic and hospital if he would head it up. He agreed. Dr. Crawford and the local newspapers let the story out, and many, I should say, a host of Bim's friends and those who love dogs gave to the fund the result you see before you. That's the story, Mr. Sloane.

[Ed Sloan]

I don't know if I'll be able to do justice to this story, Mr. Jorgensen, but I'm sure gonna try my best.

[Otto Jorgensen]

That's all we ask. Mr. Sloane, before we leave, I. I'd like you to see the bronze tablet.

[Ed Sloan]

Yes, I'd.

[Otto Jorgensen]

Like to read it. Will you, Bill?

[Bill Jefferson]

In loving memory of our dog, Bim. He loved and asked no love in return. He knew no selfishness except to duty. He knew no fear except that he hadn't done enough. He gave all he had and asked no recompense. This tablet is inscribed for all to read. Realizing that Bim lived as we should live, the Jorgensens.

[Narrator]

Boys and girls, the story you have heard is fictional, of course, so far as there actually being a dog named Bim is concerned. But all the incidents which have occurred in the story are true, for dogs actually perform the unusual and heroic deeds that were told to you today. Well, we'll see you next week for more adventure with Ranger Bill.

[Podcast Host]

This has been a presentation of otrwesterns.com and we hope you enjoyed. Please take some time to like and rate this episode within your favorite podcast application. Follow us on Facebook by going to otrwesterns.com Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube channel by going to otrwesterns.Com YouTube become one of our ranch hands and unlock some exclusive content. We want to thank our most recent ranch hands, Steve, who joined us recently. You too can join by going to otrwesterns.com donate send us an email podcasttrwesterns.com and you can call and leave us a voicemail. 707-986-8739. This episode is copyrighted under the Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Copyright. For more information go to otrwesterns.com copyright have a great day and thanks for listening.

[Narrator]

It.