As I remember it, when Lassie arrived, they tried to feed her, but could not, due to her being so starved her digestion would not function. I don't remember them ever feeding her, or saying something like 'The vet will fix her' or 'Try some soup' or something.
As they left it, the dog could have just starved to death. Does anyone have a different view, or memory of what happened?
Either...
They said they would get milk.....somehow. Shortly after, the Duke gives dad a job. So they now have money, can get the milk, dog gets better.
OR
Regardless of what dad said, the dog's problem was it wanted to see its boy. Shortly after, it goes to the school and sees its boy. Now it will eat and be happy and healthy.
You could look at it either way.
My theory is that after Lassie finally sees Joe again her appetite comes back. As we see in the final scene she got well enough to have a cute litter of puppies.
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