Although it has been the subject of many spoofs and misquotes, the one situation that Timmy never needed saving from in the entire history of the show was falling down a well.
Pal, the first ever dog to play the legendary dog Lassie in Lassie Come Home (1943), appeared in the pilot of this TV series (broadcast as the first two episodes). It was his last appearance before his death in 1958.
This was one of the first long-running television shows to remain in its time slot and day of the week during its entire prime-time run on a US television network. It became a syndicated program for the last three years of its run.
Robert Bray left the show after four seasons due to his struggles with alcoholism. To protect Bray, a statement was released that he was tired of the role. Bray never acted again.
The collie that played Lassie the longest was named Baby. Baby was the grandson of Pal, the original Lassie. Baby played the role for six years until he suddenly died at the age of eight. He is the only Lassie not to live to the age of seventeen.