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.