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

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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