Dog King and the Big Test

Summary

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Episode Summary: "Dog King and the Big Test"
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Host: Amanda Weldon
Author: Daniel Hines
Produced by: Starglow Media / Wondery

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Introduction

In the enchanting episode titled "Dog King and the Big Test," host Amanda Weldon brings to life an original tale penned by Daniel Hines. This story unfolds in a vibrant canine kingdom, blending humor, friendship, and the universal theme of overcoming anxieties. Aimed at children and families, the narrative emphasizes loyalty, courage, and the strength found in true friendship.

Main Characters

• Dog King: The benevolent ruler of the alley behind the laundromat, Dog King embodies leadership and compassion. Despite his humble throne—a lumpy, dirty mattress—he commands respect through his unwavering loyalty to his subjects.

• Pickles: An overly excitable Chihuahua, Pickles serves as Dog King's best friend and royal advisor. His energetic demeanor contrasts with Dog King's calm authority, providing both comic relief and heartfelt moments.

• Luke the Goldendoodle: A service dog who shares insights about his training and testing experiences, Luke adds depth to the story by highlighting the responsibilities and challenges faced by service animals.

• Broadwin the Saint Bernard & Rambo the Pit Bull: These characters enrich the narrative by offering perspectives on testing and failure, further illustrating the diverse personalities within Dog King's kingdom.

The Conflict: Pickles’ Upcoming Test

The story kicks off with Dog King enjoying a peaceful nap, embodying the relaxed rhythm dogs and cats are known for. However, tranquility is soon disrupted when Pickles arrives in a frantic state. At [05:06], Pickles exclaims:

"The emergency. Oh, you want the emergency? Okay, Dog King, I'll give you the emergency." (05:06)

Pickles reveals his anxiety about an impending test at the vet scheduled for the next day, expressing fears of failure and the consequences that might follow:

"I don't know, said Pickles. They won't even tell me. How unfair is that?" (07:05)
"Oh, imagine me, Pickles, stuck in a house for a week. It's like caging a beautiful butterfly." (07:11 - 07:19)

This revelation sets the stage for the central conflict—Pickles’ fear of the unknown test and the potential punishment of being grounded, mirroring common childhood fears of tests and disappointing loved ones.

The Quest for Information

Determined to help his friend, Dog King devises a plan to gather more information about Pickles' test. He enlists the help of a passing puppy and later interacts with other canine friends:

• Interaction with the Puppy: Dog King asks a passing puppy to spread the word and gather information from other dogs:

  "If you're heading around town for the pee tour, could you spread a message for me?" (08:25)

• Meeting Luke the Goldendoodle: Dog King learns from Luke about his own own experiences as a service dog:

  "I don't like to go around bragging about it, but I'm actually a service dog." (10:04)
  "Service dogs help humans do all sorts of different stuff." (10:43)

These interactions not only provide Dog King with potential leads but also introduce listeners to various roles dogs play, emphasizing diversity and cooperation within the community.

Gathering Insights from Friends

Dog King's conversation with Rambo the Pit Bull and Broadwin the Saint Bernard further develops the narrative:

• Rambo’s Tale: Rambo shares a cautionary story about a German Shepherd who failed his test as a seeing eye dog, highlighting the stakes involved:

  "He didn't have the attention span for it. In his test, they attached him to a stuffed doll on wheels... he dragged the dummy human into traffic and it got flattened by a dump truck." (16:12)
  "So they fired him. Now he just hangs out at the dump and catches rats." (16:39)

• Broadwin’s Reassurance: Broadwin comforts Pickles, assuring him that the test might not be as daunting as he fears based on his own past experience:

  "Have you ever taken a test?"
  "They tested me once at the vet. It was easy as pie." (13:43)

These dialogues underscore themes of resilience and the importance of support systems in overcoming personal fears.

The Vet Visit and Resolution

The following day, as promised, Dog King waits out back at the vet to support Pickles. The tension builds as Dog King anxiously awaits any sign of trouble. However, Pickles returns with joyful news:

"I aced it. Ah, they had me pee in a cup... I nailed it on the first try." (19:14)
"What is a kidney?" (19:28)

Pickles' success is a moment of triumph, relieving the earlier anxieties and reinforcing the message that facing fears can lead to positive outcomes.

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Dog King and Pickles celebrating and settling down for a well-deserved nap, symbolizing the restoration of peace and the strengthening of their friendship:

"You really are a genius."
"And don't you forget it." (20:23)

"Dog King and the Big Test" wraps up with a harmonious blend of humor, heartfelt moments, and a satisfying resolution. It teaches young listeners the value of friendship, the importance of facing challenges, and the reassurance that with support, obstacles can be overcome.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Pickles' Panic:

  "Oh, imagine me, Pickles, stuck in a house for a week. It's like caging a beautiful butterfly." (07:11)

• Dog King's Reassurance:

  "I'll tell you what, though. I'll come to the vet tomorrow and wait out back for you... It is what friends are for." (17:39 - 18:00)

• Pickles' Triumph:

  "I aced it... I nailed it on the first try." (19:14)

Closing Thoughts

Amanda Weldon’s narration, combined with engaging character voices and a thoughtfully crafted storyline, makes "Dog King and the Big Test" a captivating episode for children and families. It balances entertainment with meaningful lessons, ensuring that both kids and parents find value and enjoyment in the story.

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Transcript

[Narrator]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Dog King and the Big Test, an original story written for you by Daniel Hines.

[Daniel Hines]

We have Stories podcast merch, [e-mail] shop. We're also on Cameo for all of your personalized video message needs. And don't forget to follow us on Instagram oriespodcast. If you send us a drawing of your favorite scene or character, we'll share it on our feed. Now, here's a word from our sponsors.

[Advertiser]

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[Amanda Weldon]

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[Advertiser]

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[Daniel Hines]

Parents I think we've all had those.

[Amanda Weldon]

Times when everyone in the family is off on their own personal devices. Wouldn't it be great if you could find an activity that everyone will agree on, Something that's both active and fun at the same time? Imagine that our family has found an amazing new solution called nexplayground. It's an active game system for families where your body powers the play. It's 100% motion driven gaming. No controllers or wearables needed. Just play naturally and the games are so great and immersive. Go flying in the world of how to train your dragon. Dance with Barbie, pop bubbles in Gabby's Dollhouse, or master some moves with Kung Fu Panda right from your living room. Even better. Next playground is kids safe with no ads in app purchases or mature content. Next Playground is your feel good solution to those long summer days. Want to learn more? Visit nextplayground.com that's n e xplayground.com to explore active family gaming today. Thanks Enjoy the episode Dog King, he's.

[Pickles]

The king of the dogs Dog King, he's the king of the dogs Dog King, he's the king of the dogs Dog King, he's the king of the dogs. His mother was a dog, his father was a king so now he's Dog King and he's king of the dogs.

[Daniel Hines]

Dog King, his bite is worse than his bark Dog King because he bites like a shark Dog King, you know he's ruling the streets Dog King, he won't roll over for treats his mother.

[Pickles]

Was a dog, his father was a king so now he's Dog King and he's king of the dogs Dog King.

[Amanda Weldon]

Today we find Dog King, King of the dogs, sitting on his throne, gazing out at his kingdom. And sure, his throne was a lumpy, dirty mattress. And yeah, the kingdom was the alley behind the laundromat. But Dog King wasn't the king because of anything fancy. Dogs don't follow fancy. What these dogs followed was loyalty. And Dog King looked out for every mutt, from young pup to old pooch, which was going to come in pretty handy on this particular day. It was a morning in the alley. A few dogs had stopped by for advice or for a snack, or simply to pee on their favorite wall and give Dog King a sniff. Hello? Dog King thought that maybe he'd have a slow spring day where he could fit in a few naps. Now, anyone can take a nap during the day, but only dogs and cats have perfected the multi nap. They can sleep for an hour, wake up and spin around, then sleep for three more hours like it's nothing. It was early, but Dog King was already on hour two of nap number five, truly a day for the record books, when he was woken up by a shrill scream.

[Narrator]

Dog King. Ah.

[Amanda Weldon]

It was Pickles, the overly excitable Chihuahua who was Dog King's best friend and royal advisor.

[Narrator]

Dog King, are you here? Oh, Dog King, I need help.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King shook himself awake and blinked up out of his mop of messy fur. Pickles was running down the alley as fast as his stubby little legs could carry him, careening into bits of garbage and old pallets and a soundly sleeping Shetland sheepdog.

[Narrator]

Oh, Dog King. Ah. I need. Oh. Out of the way. Come on.

[Amanda Weldon]

Pickles finally collapsed at Dog King's feet, panting with his little tongue sticking out of his mouth like a forgotten piece of taffy.

[Dog King]

Easy, Buddy, dog King said.

[Amanda Weldon]

He leaned down and picked up Pickles by the scruff and then gently deposited the shaking little Chihuahua in his favorite padded pink bike basket bed.

[Dog King]

What's the big emergency?

[Daniel Hines]

Pickle started to talk but was still too worked up.

[Amanda Weldon]

All that came out was a long and panicked waa. Dog King got him a little dish of water and let him rest for a minute to get his voice back. When he finally stopped panting, he launched into his story.

[Narrator]

The emergency. Oh, you want the emergency? Okay, Dog King, I'll give you the emergency. Buckle in, Buddy, because you're not going to believe what's going on in the life of old Pickles. Oh, never a dull day. Never a quiet day. Never a peaceful. Pickles always has to be something Sweet Georgia brown. But can a dog just pee in peace these days?

[Dog King]

Oh, Pickles, Buddy, just tell me the problem.

[Narrator]

The problem? The problem is that I have to go to the vet tomorrow.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King nodded slowly.

[Dog King]

No one likes the vet. But you probably just need some worm medicine or something. What's the big deal?

[Narrator]

First of all, worm medicine? I earned those worms. I befriended those worms. I should get to keep all the worms I want. But no, that's not even the real injustice, Dog King. I heard my humans talking, and tomorrow at the vet, I have to take a test.

[Dog King]

A test?

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King asked.

[Dog King]

What kind of a test?

[Narrator]

I don't know, said Pickles. They won't even tell me. How unfair is that? My human girl, the little one, she has tests all the time at school. When she does a bad job, she gets grounded. Grounded? Dog King? Oh, I don't know what the test is. I'm going to fail, and then they're going to ground me. Oh, imagine me, Pickles, stuck in a house for a week. It's like caging a beautiful butterfly. Oh, it's like putting a curtain over the Mona Lisa. It's probably a crime. Oh, they're criminals, Dog King. They are criminals. And I don't even know what the test is about.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King thought it over in his careful way. He'd never had to take a test before, and he wasn't sure what it would be like. They needed more information. Luckily, a passing puppy popped in just then to say hello on his way around town for a Pee Stop tour.

[Dog King]

Hello, pretty pup, dog King said to.

[Amanda Weldon]

The mottled little mutt.

[Dog King]

If you're heading around town for the pee tour, could you spread a message for me oh, sure thing. Absolutely.

[Amanda Weldon]

A message from the King.

[Narrator]

I love it.

[Amanda Weldon]

The puppy turned and dashed off down the street.

[Dog King]

Wait, said Dog King. I didn't give you the message yet.

[Amanda Weldon]

The puppy didn't seem to hear him, but about five minutes later, he came flying back into the alley, skidding to a stop.

[Narrator]

Wait.

[Amanda Weldon]

You didn't give me the message yet. Very good of you to notice, said Dog King laughing. Puppies were impulsive. Just the way of the world.

[Dog King]

I need you to ask around if any dogs have had to take a test lately. If they have, send them over here, would you?

[Daniel Hines]

Oh, you got it.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dawking. Said the pup. And then he bolted around the corner.

[Daniel Hines]

So fast his feet slid out on.

[Amanda Weldon]

The cement and he did a triple barrel roll before popping back up and disappearing down the road. Oh, thank you, Dog King, said Pickles.

[Narrator]

I wouldn't survive a day being grounded. I need the sun on my fur and the wind in my fur. And also the garbage in my fur. I need it all.

[Dog King]

We'll get it sorted, said Dog King.

[Amanda Weldon]

Not too long after, Luke the Goldendoodle stopped by. He had found a pair of sunglasses somewhere and was wearing them like a human over his floppy ears.

[Dog King]

What's up, my dudes?

[Amanda Weldon]

He said.

[Dog King]

I heard someone has some test questions.

[Narrator]

Oh, I do, Pickles.

[Amanda Weldon]

Shouted Luke.

[Narrator]

My humans are testing me tomorrow. Have you had to take a test?

[Amanda Weldon]

Sure thing, Broski, said Luke, sitting down next to Pickles and Dog King.

[Dog King]

I don't like to go around bragging about it, but I'm actually a service dog.

[Narrator]

You work in a restaurant?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Pickles.

[Narrator]

I could never work in a restaurant. What are my humans thinking? All that fire and those knives are as big as I am. Maybe I could eat the scraps. Do they need scraps? Grounders? Mold munchers? Cheese pleasers?

[Dog King]

Oh, that's not what a service dog.

[Amanda Weldon]

Is, said Dog King with a little chuckle.

[Dog King]

Service dogs help humans do all sorts of different stuff.

[Narrator]

I already help, said Pickles. I allow them to view my beautiful self, and I also let them pet me, sometimes without even biting.

[Dog King]

What is the service dog test like, Luke?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Dog King.

[Dog King]

Aw, it was nothing too tricky, my dudes. My big final test was that I.

[Amanda Weldon]

Had to go see a movie with my human.

[Dog King]

Like in the theater. There was a huge screen I wasn't.

[Amanda Weldon]

Allowed to bark at and popcorn all.

[Dog King]

Over the floor that I wasn't allowed to eat. I just had to sit and watch the movie and make sure my human was chill. And that was it.

[Narrator]

What? Ow.

[Amanda Weldon]

Shouted Pickles.

[Narrator]

That's impossible. Oh, Dog King, I love popcorn. You know I love popcorn. How many times have I said that? So many times is the answer. I'll fail that test for sure and then I'll be grounded and I'll waste away in a dungeon.

[Dog King]

Ah, didn't you say your test was at the vet?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Dog King. Yes, Squeaked Pickles.

[Dog King]

Ah, couldn't be a service test then.

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Luke, nodding at Dog King.

[Dog King]

I never had to do vet stuff for my test, so I think yours is gonna be something different.

[Narrator]

Hopefully without the vile temptress of floor popcorn.

[Amanda Weldon]

Luke laughed and then turned to look down the alley.

[Dog King]

Alright my dude, sorry I wasn't more help, but I gotta get back to the vet. My human wants to go surfing later and you know I can't miss those waves.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks anyway, said Pickles.

[Narrator]

Good job not eating that popcorn.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks dude, Luke said, trotting down the alley. He passed the great big Saint Bernard named Broadwin as he went. They both paused to say hello and sniff each other's butt before Luke headed home and Brodwin came up to Pickles. Hey sweetie, she said, nuzzling the little Chihuahua. I heard you have a test coming up that's just twisted your biscuits.

[Narrator]

Oh, Broadway, you have no idea, said Pickles. I have a test at the vet and I don't even know what it's on. If I fail, I'm going to get grounded like my human. Sometimes she doesn't even get dessert. Oh, will I not get dessert? Oh, sweet Georgia Brown. My whipped cream. Dog King, will I get dessert?

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, I'm sure you'll get dessert, sweetie, Broadwin said. And if you don't, you know I always keep a stash of sweets to get me through when I need to butter my bread. You are an angel, Broadwin, said Pickles.

[Narrator]

Have you ever taken a test?

[Amanda Weldon]

They tested me once at the vet. She said it was easy as pie. Sugar. They gave me a little shot or something and then I got a sweet little treat and went on home. I guess I must have passed because I never got in trouble.

[Narrator]

A shot?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Pickles. Why are you afraid of shots? Asked Broadwin gently.

[Narrator]

Me? Oh, pshaw, pshaw, I say, said Pickles. No little needle ever scared me. My great Aunt Norman was a test dog and he got so many shots he looked like a Dalmatian for a week.

[Amanda Weldon]

So maybe it'll be as easy as that, said Broadwin.

[Narrator]

If only.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, said Pickles.

[Narrator]

I'm sure it's something truly devious. Nefarious. If it wasn't, they would give me some warning and let me stop. I'm an excellent student. I started top of my class at training school and I would have finished at the top except I bit one of the ladies. She had a big sweater. That confused me. I thought I was being attacked by a yeti. Not my fault.

[Advertiser]

Now for a quick ad break.

[Daniel Hines]

We'll be back with the rest of the story after this. If you'd like Stories Podcast and other favorite kid podcasts ad free.

[Advertiser]

Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts.

[Amanda Weldon]

From the far end of the alley, Rambo, the rusty brown pit bull, came trotting down. He had a huge hunk of bone in his mouth and his nub of a tail was wagging wildly.

[Dog King]

Rambo, said Dog King. How is it going today, Brady Bird?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Rambo. Then he huffed and dropped his bone with a long waterfall of drool.

[Rambo]

Pretty good. I heard Little Pickles has a test coming up.

[Narrator]

You heard right, bucko, said Pickles. Rambo, tell me you've had a test before. Oh, if you can pass, I know I can too, on account of you spend all day hunting for street trash and I'm a dog of intellect. Huh?

[Amanda Weldon]

Little rude Pickles, Said Broadwin. But Rambo didn't seem to notice or care.

[Rambo]

Nope, never had a test, said Rambo. One of my friends, though, German shepherd. He got a test to be a seeing eye dog. He was supposed to lead a blind person around and make sure they stayed safe.

[Dog King]

That is an important job, said Dog King. How did he do?

[Amanda Weldon]

Miserable, said Rambo, scratching at his butt.

[Rambo]

He didn't have the attention span for it. In his test, they attached him to a stuffed draw on wheels for him to guide. Well, he saw a squirrel and bolt it across the road so fast he dragged the dummy human into traffic and it got flattened by a dump truck. He caught the squirrel, though.

[Daniel Hines]

So.

[Rambo]

So it wasn't all that bad.

[Narrator]

What happened to him when he failed?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Pickles, eyes wide as large cheese pizzas. They fired him, said Rambo.

[Rambo]

Now he just hangs out at the dump and catches rats.

[Narrator]

Fired.

[Amanda Weldon]

Wailed Pickles.

[Narrator]

Dog King, I didn't even know firing was on the table. What if they fire me? What if they fire me?

[Amanda Weldon]

Pickles Dumplin, Said Broadwin gently. They can't fire you. You don't have a job. Oh, even worse, said Pickles, getting shaky now.

[Narrator]

Without a job to fire me from, they'll just fire me from something else. Like. Like a cannon. Oh, Dog King, I'm going to fail and get grounded and fired out of a cannon. Oh, this Isn't fair. I'm so young and beautiful. This can't be happening.

[Dog King]

You're not going to be fired out.

[Amanda Weldon]

Of a cannon, said Dog King.

[Dog King]

I'll tell you what, though. I'll come to the vet tomorrow and wait out back for you. If I see any sign of a cannon, I'll make sure I take it out for you. And when you're finished your test, if you're in trouble, I'll help you figure that out too.

[Narrator]

Really?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Pickles.

[Dog King]

Really?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Dog King.

[Dog King]

It is what friends are for.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks, Buddy, said Pickles.

[Narrator]

Say, Rambo, wanna share some of that bone?

[Rambo]

Sure, but you get the little end.

[Amanda Weldon]

Rambo said, lying down to gnaw on the bigger side. Oh, deal, said Pickles, and he jumped out of his basket and got to work. The next day, Dog King watched as Pickles was brought into the vet in a little crate. He was in there for about half an hour before he came out again. He looked okay, and Dog King couldn't see any sign of a cannon, so he went back to the alley to wait for his friend. An hour or so later, Pickles padded into the alley, little head held high and a new pink bow tied to his collar.

[Dog King]

How did it go?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Dog King, happy to see his friend. Oh, how did what go? Pickles asked, hopping into his bike basket bed.

[Dog King]

Uh, the vet, the test, the whole thing we spent yesterday worrying about.

[Narrator]

Oh, that?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Pickles, buffing his nails on his fuzzy chest.

[Narrator]

I aced it.

[Dog King]

You did?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Dog King.

[Dog King]

That's great news, Buddy. What did you have to do?

[Narrator]

Ah, they had me pee in a cup. And as you know, I'm an excellent pee producer. I nailed it on the first try. And then they came and told my humans that my kidneys are great and there's nothing to worry about.

[Dog King]

What is a kidney?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Dog King.

[Narrator]

Oh, well, you know how I look so young and beautiful. I think they thought I was a kid. And my knees are in excellent shape. As you can see.

[Amanda Weldon]

Pickle showed off his shaky, knobbly knees.

[Dog King]

Wow, Buddy, I guess you nailed it. I'm glad you're all good.

[Narrator]

Oh, it was easy. Actually, Dog King, I don't know what you were so worried about.

[Dog King]

Uh, yes, I guess I just let it go to my head.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King said with a hidden chuckle.

[Dog King]

Never should have doubted you, Buddy.

[Narrator]

Well, you won't make that mistake again.

[Amanda Weldon]

Pickles said, spinning around until his bike basket bed was just perfect.

[Narrator]

No. What do you say we catch up on the naps we lost yesterday, you.

[Amanda Weldon]

Know, Pickles said Dog King settling down on his dirty mattress throne.

[Dog King]

You really are a genius.

[Narrator]

And don't you forget it.

[Amanda Weldon]

And together they settled in for a long summer nap. Dog King, as always leading the way.

[Pickles]

Dog King, he's the king of the dogs. Dog King, he's the king of the dogs. Dog King, he's the king of the dogs. Dog King, he's the king of the dogs. His mother was a dog, his father was a king so now he's, he's dog king and he's king of the dogs. Dog King.

[Daniel Hines]

His bite is worse than his bark Dog King. Because he bites like a shark. Dog King, you know he's ruling the streets Dog King, he won't roll over for treats.

[Pickles]

His mother was a dog, his father was a king so now he's dog king and he's king of the dogs dogging.

[Amanda Weldon]

Today's story, Dog King and the Big Test was an original story written for you by Daniel Hines. It was edited and produced by Andrew Martin and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon.

[Daniel Hines]

If you would like to support Stories podcast, you can leave us a five star review on itunes. Check out all of our merch [e-mail] Shop Commission a special video on cameo. Follow us on Instagram Stories podcast or simply tell your friends about us.

[Amanda Weldon]

Thanks for listening.