 She helps him rescue a child trapped in a culvert rapidly filling with flood water, assists him in his 4-H projects, pitches a tent for their overnight accommodation at a Coon Dog Race, and flies into the Canadian wilderness when Timmy and Lassie are swept away in a hot air balloon.Marital affection between Ruth and her husband is only represented through brief kisses and hugs.The role ends when Ruth and Paul emigrate to Australia where Paul will teach agriculture, leaving Lassie with neighbor Cully Wilson.