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Former child star Eddie Hodges is cast as Skeeter Dexter, who has the acute ability to communicate with animals. After releasing the furry victims of the traps set by his drunken lout of a stepfather, Skeeter is soundly beaten. Rescued from his stepdad's wrath by Hoss Cartwright, the boy is taken to the Ponderosa, where he forms a strong bond with veterinarian Dr. Woods (Karl Swenson). Jacqueline Scott and Douglas Kennedy also appear in this episode, which was written by William Blinn and Suzanne Clauser. "A Natural Wizard" originally aired on December 12, 1965.