When the Martin's buy a secondhand refrigerator to replace their old icebox, Lassie has a hard time adjusting to it, much to Ruth's displeasure. It's only after Timmy has an accident in the barn does Lassie see that the ice made in the refrigerator helps him get better that she accepts that the new appliance is helpful and starts acting normally again.

After his friend Willie mentions a special contest about the best pet, with the winner receiving tickets to a nearby circus, Timmy decides to write an essay about Lassie, hoping that he'll win. However, when he gives Lassie the letter to send to the post office, she gets sidetracked by someone who needs help and ultimately renders the letter undeliverable.