Dog King: Pickles and the Elf

Summary

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Stories Podcast: "Dog King: Pickles and the Elf"

Host: Amanda Weldon
Air Date: December 24, 2025
Writer: Daniel Hines
Podcast: Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages

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Episode Overview

In this heartwarming holiday tale, "Dog King: Pickles and the Elf," Dog King and his motley crew of alley dogs embark on a snowy adventure to help Pickles the Chihuahua unravel the mystery of a stranger in his dad's shoe shop. What starts off as a case of mistaken identity turns into a magical collaboration to save Christmas, blending humor, teamwork, and lessons in apology and forgiveness—all set to the backdrop of a cheerful snowy day.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

1. Introduction and Scene Setting

• [03:24–04:50]
  • Dog King relaxes on his lumpy mattress "throne" in an alley between two dry cleaners, basking in fresh snow. The world is quiet as most dogs are indoors with their families for the holidays.
  • Quote:
    • Amanda Weldon (narration): "Sure, it was just an alley...but today it was a glowing realm of pure beauty." [03:24]
  • Dog King expresses joy in the peaceful, snowy atmosphere.

2. The Dogs Gather

• [05:07–06:39]
  • Dog King is joined by:
    • Rambo, a wild, short-haired pitbull.
    • Broadwin, a large Saint Bernard suited for snowy weather.
  • The trio discusses the traditional "pee tour"—dogs marking the newly fallen snow, with Rambo goofily claiming the park slide.
  • Memorable exchange:
    • Rambo: "I call the slide. I want to see if I can pee all the way down." [06:34]
    • Broadwin: "Well, then whoever slides down it next will get soaked, Rambo." [06:39]

3. Pickles’ Wild Entrance

• [07:09–08:32]
  • Pickles, the excitable Chihuahua, appears under a mound of snow, grunting and dragging a mysterious, thrashing figure with him.
  • With the help of Broadwin and Dog King, Pickles reveals he’s captured what looks like a tiny thief—actually, an elf.

4. The Elf’s Introduction and Mistaken Identity

• [08:50–11:19]
  • The elf, surly and unimpressed, is mistaken for a criminal by Pickles.
  • Notable quote:
    • Elf: "And what are you looking at, you big fuzzy galoot?" [08:50]
  • Tension rises as Pickles accuses the elf of robbing his family’s shoe shop, vehemently defending his dad's honor.

5. Clearing up Confusion: The Elf’s Real Mission

• [11:19–14:34]
  • The elf clarifies he's a cobbler elf, not one of Santa’s toy-making elves.
    • Elves like him help craftsmen finish work by Christmas Eve so they can be with family.
  • Elf's explanation:
    • "What I really am is a cobbler...I make shoes. Every year around the holidays, all us cobbler elves go out and try to help shoemakers get their work done." [11:56]

6. The Apology and Forgiveness

• [14:46–15:12]
  • Pickles realizes his error, panics about his potential fate with Santa, and apologizes profusely.
  • Pickles, distressed:
    • "Oh, this is going to get me in so much trouble with Santa. I'm getting coal for years. I don't even like coal. It gets my fur all dirty. Oh, I've made a terrible mistake." [14:53]

7. The Plan to Save Christmas

• [17:09–19:44]
  • Dog King proposes all the dogs help the elf finish the shoe orders, so Pickles’ dad can enjoy Christmas Eve with his family.
  • Dog King, inspiring leadership:
    • "There is only one night and only one you. But what if you had help?" [18:28]
    • "You are looking at it." [18:52]
  • The elf, now named Cobb, accepts the dogs' help.

8. Magical Shoe Workshop Montage

• [22:47–24:27]
  • Cobb uses magic to enter the shop and helps sneak in the dogs.
  • Rambo drools with excitement over the leather scraps, Pickles boasts of his family’s shoe legacy, and everyone finds their role ("None of you have thumbs, so I'll do the tricky work..." [24:06]).
  • With laughter and effort, they finish all the shoe orders just in time.

9. A Christmas Miracle (and Quick Escape)

• [24:27–25:55]
  • The team completes the work as Pickles’ dad returns. Cobb and the dogs quickly make their exit, each with a scrap to chew.
  • Cobb promises Pickles he won’t tell Santa about the misunderstanding and wishes everyone well.

10. Closing and Chorus

• [25:55–26:39]
  • The pack returns to their alley, celebrating their teamwork as the "Dog King" theme song returns.

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Dog King (on leadership):

  • "There is only one night and only one you. But what if you had help?" [18:28]

• Rambo (comic relief):

  • "I call the slide. I want to see if I can pee all the way down." [06:34]
  • Regarding the cobbler: "You're a cobbler. Like a peach cobbler or an apple cobbler. Oh, I need a taste." [12:11]

• Pickles (on his legacy):

  • "My family has been making fine shoes since before most people were even wearing shoes. They were barefoot, looking at my great grandfather like he was some kind of shoe wizard." [24:35]

• Cobb the elf (on forgiveness):

  • "Nah, you're all right. My fault for getting sloppy and letting you see me." [17:53]
  • "It'll be our little secret, big guy." [20:58]

• Narration (closing warmth):

  • "Having saved Christmas for Pickles and his family, the motley crew ran back to their alley. Dog King, as always, leading the way." [25:50]

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Important Timestamps

• 03:24 — Dog King's snowy kingdom introduction
• 06:34 — Rambo's anticipation for the pee tour
• 08:30 — Pickles captures the elf
• 11:19 — The elf explains his true purpose
• 14:53 — Pickles’ apology and panic about Santa
• 18:28 — Dog King’s suggestion they can help
• 22:47 — Magical entry into the cobbler’s shop
• 24:27 — Shoes finished; dad returns
• 25:55 — The dogs' escape; the story’s resolution song

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Tone and Style

The episode maintains a warm, humorous, and genuinely kindhearted tone throughout, full of silly dog banter and gentle lessons in empathy and teamwork. Dialogue is playful yet wise, ensuring both children and adults find enjoyment and meaning.

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Takeaways

• Teamwork and Apologies Matter: By pooling efforts and owning up to mistakes, even the most unlikely group can save the day.
• Understanding Others: Quick judgments can lead to misunderstandings—instead, giving others a chance to explain often leads to surprising friendships.
• Holiday Magic: Sometimes, a bit of magic is just what’s needed to bring friends and family together at the most important time of the year.

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Perfect for a cozy winter listen, “Dog King: Pickles and the Elf” combines laughter, mischief, and the spirit of Christmas into a story young listeners will want to revisit every holiday season.

Transcript

[Pickles]

Hello.

[Amanda Weldon]

Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is called Dog King and Pickles and the Elf, an original story written for you by 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 Stories Podcast. 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. Experience the beloved Harry Potter series like you've never heard them before on Audible Harry Potter the full cast audio editions present the iconic series as a truly spellbinding listening event for the whole family. The adventure will surround you. You'll hear footsteps echoing off the walls of Hogwarts and the whoosh of a golden snitch as it darts past your ear. And the production also features a rousing new musical score that heightens every magical moment. Listen as a list Stars like Hugh Laurie as Albus Dumbledore and Keira Knightley as Professor Umbridge create a spellbinding experience for not only longtime Harry Potter fans, but also those brand new to the magical world of witchcraft and wizardry. The first story, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, is available now, with new audiobooks releasing every month. Moving forward, it's Harry Potter like you've never heard it before. Listen on audible go to audible.com HP1 and start listening today. It's the busiest travel season of the year and I think we can all agree that traveling long distances can be rough, especially for kids. Luckily, Netflix has everything you need to keep your family entertained and during even the longest cross country trek. Download your kids favorite Netflix games, shows and movies to watch anywhere for on the go entertainment. Netflix Kids games are fun and educational and will keep your kids entertained with their favorite characters in games like Paw Patrol, Academy, Barbie Color Creations and World of Peppa Pig. The games all work without WI fi, so they're travel ready and perfect for road trips, flights and travel downtime. All games are fully unlocked with your existing Netflix membership, no extra costs or in app purchases. Visit netflixfamily.com traveltips for all your kids holiday entertainment. Thanks. Enjoy the episode.

[Chorus / Dog King Song]

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 Dog King and He's king of the dogs.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King, his bite is worse than.

[Chorus / Dog King Song]

His bark Dog King, because he bites.

[Amanda Weldon]

Like a shark Dog King, you know he's ruling the streets Dog King, he won't roll over for treats.

[Chorus / Dog King Song]

His mother 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, lying on his throne, gazing out at his kingdom. And what a beautiful kingdom it was. Sure, it was just an alley nestled in between a couple of dry cleaners and the throne was a mattress almost as dirty and lumpy as Dog King himself, but today it was a glowing realm of pure beauty.

[Dog King]

Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King sang to himself as the white flurries danced through the air. It had been coming down lightly all morning and the alley and the dumpsters and even Dog King himself were frosted in a layer of clean white shining snow. Not even so much as a pee stain. Yet Dog King rolled over, sloughing off the snow and exposing his other side with a sigh of happiness like a lot of big shaggy dogs. The snow didn't bother him at all, and it actually felt nice when a little layer of it built up on his coat. It was getting close to the holidays so the alley wasn't as busy as normal. The dogs were mostly at home, playing in their yards with their kids, chasing snowballs and barking at snowmen. But eventually the kids would go in for hot chocolate or to play games or just to warm up, and when that happened the dogs would come trickling into the alley to say hello. But until then, Dog King rolled over to show his non snowy belly to the sky and let the snow fall over him like a soft white blanket while he snoozed.

[Rambo]

Hey buddy.

[Amanda Weldon]

Came a voice an hour or so later. It was hard to tell exactly what time it was when the sky was all snow and the sun was just a hazy splotch somewhere behind the clouds. Dog King sat up, shaking the snow from his fur and blinking the flakes out of his eyes. He saw Rambo, the rust brown pitbull and Broadwin, the big Saint Bernard.

[Dog King]

Hello you two, dog King said, smiling.

[Amanda Weldon]

And licking the melting snow from his chops.

[Dog King]

How is your snow day going?

[Amanda Weldon]

So far so good, sugar, said Broadwin. Being a Saint Bernard, she was perfectly at home in the snow. Dog King had seen her sleep outside in a blizzard and wake up complaining she was sweating in her fur.

[Rambo]

Yeah, I caught a million snowballs.

[Amanda Weldon]

And then a snowman looked at me wrong.

[Rambo]

So I knocked him over, said Rambo, all excitement.

[Amanda Weldon]

The pit bull had a short coat, but he was so wild and wiggly that he never seemed to get cold.

[Rambo]

We thought we'd go on a pee tour to hit all this new white snow. You want to come?

[Dog King]

Sounds great, dog King said. Where should we go first?

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, darlings, I saw the park on the way over here. It is still pristine. We should head on over that way before all the best spots are taken. Sounds good, said Rambo.

[Rambo]

I call the slide. I want to see if I can pee all the way down.

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, then whoever slides down it next will get soaked. Rambo, said Broadwin. I'm going down with it, Rambo said, still wiggling. Broadwin and Dog King laughed.

[Dog King]

Sounds good. Let's head out to the park then. Wait, did you hear that?

[Amanda Weldon]

Hear what? Brodwin said, cocking her fuzzy head side to side.

[Rambo]

Yeah, I don't.

[Amanda Weldon]

Rambo trailed off.

[Rambo]

Wait, is that Pickles?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Dog King.

[Dog King]

But where is the little guy?

[Amanda Weldon]

They looked around and finally saw a little mound of snow heading right for them. Under the white blanket, they could hear Pickle's little voice grunting and whining.

[Rambo]

There he is.

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Rambo. I gotcha, Dumplin, said Broadwin. She dipped her big fuzzy head into the snow and rooted around for a second like she was bobbing for apples. Then, with a snowy pop, she pulled her head out and lifted Pickles by the scruff. The little Chihuahua emerged from the snow, still grunting, and now it was clear why. Just as Broadwin was carrying Pickles by the scruff, Pickles was carrying something else by the scruff. At a quick glance, it looked like an old doll about the size of a Barbie, which were excellent to chew, but it was kicking and thrashing inside the little dog's mouth.

[Pickles]

Whoa.

[Amanda Weldon]

Called Rambo.

[Dog King]

What?

[Rambo]

She got.

[Dog King]

Drop it here, quick.

[Amanda Weldon]

Called Dog King, sliding over an old plastic shed. Pickles spat out the little creature, and then Dog King dropped a milk crate over it, trapping it.

[Pickles]

Ah, gotcha.

[Amanda Weldon]

Screamed Pickles triumphantly.

[Pickles]

You thought you could rob me and my family? You thought you could just waltz into the Pickles household and take what you want? Ba. I told you I had friends. And now guess what? You're caught. And I'm the best. Ha.

[Amanda Weldon]

Brodwin herded Pickles while Dog King peered into the crate to see what strange creature Pickles had brought them. And what are you looking at, you big fuzzy galoot? Dog King blinked as the creature insulted him. It stood up and brushed the snow and dirt off. And to the dog's amazement, it wasn't a little creature or critter at all. It was an elf. It stood maybe a foot tall, looking like a pixieish man in red and green work clothes. He had a neat little brown beard and bushy eyebrows and just about the nastiest expression you'd ever seen.

[Dog King]

You are an elf, dog King said.

[Amanda Weldon]

Wow, you have eyes, said the elf, glaring out through the milk crate bars.

[Dog King]

Pickles called Dog King, did you capture an elf?

[Pickles]

An elf?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Pickles, coming back over with Brodwyn?

[Pickles]

More like a thief. I came downstairs to get some leather from my dad's shoe shop to chew, and who do I see stealing all his tools? This little criminal?

[Amanda Weldon]

I wasn't stealing you yappy little mutt, said the elf. I was helping yappy little mutt, pickles said.

[Pickles]

I'll have you know my voice is deep for a Chihuahua. I'm all about that bass. No treble, thank you very much. And Mutt, there's nothing wrong with mutts. But I'm pure Chihuahua, and you are pure thief.

[Amanda Weldon]

Easy now, dumplin, said Broadwin.

[Rambo]

Can we eat it?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Rambo, peering through the crate. You can try, the elf said darkly.

[Dog King]

No one is eating anyone, dog King said. Let's hear this guy out. Pickles, just chill for a second.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, I'll chill, said Pickles.

[Pickles]

Chill at the gates of heck. No one steals from my dad.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King let Pickles rant until he was out of breath, and then he turned back to the little creature in the crate.

[Dog King]

So you are an elf, he said. Shouldn't you be at the North Pole?

[Amanda Weldon]

The elf rolled his little eyes. Okay, so there are a few different kinds of elves. You're thinking of the ones that work for Santa. They're good guys. Real happy and jolly and full of love. He spat through the bars. I'm not one of those.

[Pickles]

No, you're a thief.

[Amanda Weldon]

Snapped Pickles.

[Pickles]

A thief kind, and Santa wouldn't like you one bit.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King scooted Pickles back a bit and looked at the little elf.

[Dog King]

All right, so what kind of elf are you then?

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, said the elf, wiping pickles spit off his arms, lately I've been a chew toy, but what I really am is a cobbler. Rambo perked up at this, getting a little too close to the elf.

[Rambo]

You're a cobbler. Like a peach cobbler or an apple cobbler. Oh, I need a taste.

[Amanda Weldon]

The elf held up his hands and shrank back in his crate. Not that kind of cobbler, big guy. He said, I'm a cobbler who helps with shoes. I make shoes. Every year around the holidays, all us cobbler elves go out and try to help shoemakers get their work done so they have more time for their families at Christmas. Sure, said Pickles.

[Pickles]

You just come in and do work for free.

[Amanda Weldon]

Lies.

[Pickles]

You were there to steal, to rob. You just didn't count on old Pickles to be there to thwart your plans.

[Amanda Weldon]

No sugar, said Brodwin. I've heard this story before. Elves and the shoemaker. It's a real thing. Is your daddy a cobbler, Pickles?

[Rambo]

What kind of cobbler?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Rambo, still only half listening, while he drooled and fantasized about desserts.

[Pickles]

He is not a shoemaker or a cobbler. He is an artist. He works in leather and he makes the finest boots available. I keep trying to tell him he should be in Milan working Fashion Week, but he's happy here in town fixing shoes and making custom pairs. He works in shoes like Picasso worked with paint. He's a genius.

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, he had so many Christmas orders, he was going to be busy straight through Christmas Eve working. Impossible, said Pickles.

[Pickles]

We have a Christmas Eve tradition. We go to the Holiday park with the kids and I get to bark at everyone ice skating. Last year I made a couple fall over so bad it started an eighth skater pileup.

[Amanda Weldon]

That's where I come in, said the elf, still surly. We go out every year around the holidays and help craftsmen who are too busy. We sorta help Santa and those guys out. Sure, we don't make toys, but I can make an incredible pair of loafers. I was assigned to Pickles. Dad was supposed to help him last night so he would be free to spend Christmas Eve with his family.

[Pickles]

Oh, that's so nice of you, said Pickles. Why didn't you say so?

[Amanda Weldon]

Well, I was trying, but some little maniac picked me up, shook me senseless, and then dragged me screaming through the streets.

[Pickles]

Who would do such a thing to a friend of Santa?

[Amanda Weldon]

Pickle said, and then realized what he'd done me.

[Pickles]

Oh, Sweet Georgia Brown.

[Amanda Weldon]

I'm sorry, he wailed.

[Pickles]

I thought you were a thief. Oh, this is going to get me in so much trouble with Santa. I'm getting cold for years. I don't even like coal. It gets my fur all dirty. Oh, I've made a terrible mistake.

[Amanda Weldon]

Pickle started hyperventilating, so Brodwyn picked him up and put him on her broad back to relax. Dog King patted him with a sympathetic paw and then turned back to the elf.

[Dog King]

Well, seems like we made a big mistake, he said.

[Amanda Weldon]

Then he lifted off the milk crate so the elf was free. Now for a quick ad break. 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. Subscribe to Wondery Kids on Apple Podcasts. When it comes to holiday gifting, I want to give things people really love. Beautiful, timeless pieces they'll wear for years. That's why I'm going with Quince. Quince has something for everyone. Soft Mongolian cashmere sweaters for $50 that look and feel like designer pieces. Silk tops and skirts for dressing up, perfectly cut denim for everyday wear and outerwear that actually keeps you warm, like the featherless quilted long puffer coat from Quince that I've been wearing every day since it came in the mail. Best of all, every piece is made with premium materials from ethical, trusted factories and priced far below what other luxury brands charge. Plus, there are so many beautiful gift options available from Quince. I have a lot of hat people in my life, so I've got my eye on their Mongolian cashmere beanies and berets. Also, they have a children's section so I can shop for everyone on my list in one place. Perfect. Find gifts so good you'll want to keep them with Quince. Go to quints.com stories for free shipping on your order and 365 day returns. Now available in Canada too. That's Q-U-I-N-C-E.com stories to get free shipping and 365 day returns.

[Dog King]

Quince.com stories we're sorry for all that. We've never met an elf before. Usually little creatures are just for chasing.

[Amanda Weldon]

Yeah, well, it's my fault too, said the elf. I'm not supposed to be seen while I work in and out with a little magic. I don't know how that little nut saw me. I have sharp eyes, said Pickles, still shaken but unable to stop himself.

[Pickles]

My Great Aunt Norman was a Force Recon sniper spotter. They could spot a bone from a mile away. So it's in my blood is picking.

[Amanda Weldon]

Me up and shaking me senseless. In your blood? The elf asked.

[Pickles]

Chihuahuas come from a proud line of.

[Amanda Weldon]

Rodent hunters, said Pickles.

[Pickles]

So I guess it is. I am sorry though. You won't tell Santa, will you?

[Amanda Weldon]

The elf stretched and then smiled for the first time. Nah, you're all right. My fault for getting sloppy and letting you see me.

[Pickles]

You weren't sloppy said Pickles. I'm just that good.

[Amanda Weldon]

Oh, well, said the elf. Not much time left to help with work. I guess I'll try again tomorrow night, but I won't be able to finish it all at this point. Looks like your dad won't be making it to the Christmas Eve parties, Pickles. Sorry, buddy. Pickles started to wail, but Dog King stopped him with a gentle paw to the snout.

[Dog King]

There is only one knight and only one ewe. But what if you had help?

[Pickles]

Help?

[Amanda Weldon]

Snorted the elf. All the elves are busy on their own jobs, and Santa's doing triple time to finish toys for the kids. Where in your fuzzy brain do you think I'm going to find help? Dog King looked from himself to Rambo and Brodwyn and Pickles, and then smiled.

[Dog King]

You are looking at it.

[Rambo]

Where?

[Amanda Weldon]

Asked Rambo, spinning in a tight circle.

[Rambo]

I don't see it. Is it behind me?

[Amanda Weldon]

Rambo, honey, said Broadwin. We are the help. Oh, said Rambo. Help with what?

[Dog King]

I will explain it on the way, said Dog King.

[Amanda Weldon]

He then turned back to the elf.

[Dog King]

You have your helpers, and I'll make sure Rambo doesn't eat too much leather. You ready to finish the job?

[Amanda Weldon]

The elf looked at Dog King in his crooked cardboard crown and then smiled. Hey, I see why they put you in charge around here. Let's go get it done. Pickles stopped sniffling and perked up.

[Pickles]

You mean there's still time?

[Amanda Weldon]

If you all help, I think we can do it, said the elf.

[Pickles]

I knew we could do it. Oh, you're the best elf and I'm the best dog. And together we can build a shoe so beautiful it would make the queen cry a single tear. Oh, can you imagine? Oh, what if we did sneakers for dogs? Broadwin, can you just picture me in some high tops?

[Dog King]

Easy there, said Dog King. Let's just get the normal work done first.

[Amanda Weldon]

He turned back to the elf.

[Dog King]

What is your name anyway?

[Amanda Weldon]

He said. Oh, you can call me Cobb, he said.

[Dog King]

Okay, Cobb the cobbler, said Dog King. You want a ride back to the shop?

[Amanda Weldon]

Ah, for sure, Cobb said, then glared at Pickles. Aw, you don't mean in your mouth, do you?

[Pickles]

I'm sorry about that, said Pickles. But by the way, it was ancient history and it's sort of rude for you to keep going on about it. I mean, I did catch you in a compromising position. A very compromising position. You look like a thief and I'm the world's best guard dog. So, honestly, I think we both were just doing our jobs, and I just did mine a little better. But don't tell Santa, though, right?

[Amanda Weldon]

Cobb looked at Pickles and then burst into laughter. It'll be our little secret, big guy. Oh, good, said Pickles. And then he gestured at Broadwin's wide, furry back.

[Pickles]

Jump on up. We can ride together.

[Amanda Weldon]

Dog King had them wait until it started to get a little dark, and then he led their strange procession through the streets. A couple people caught a glimpse of the four dogs, but whether it was magic or luck, no one managed to see the elf. It was just after dark when they got to Pickle's dad's shop. The lights were off and the door was closed. Ah, Said Cobb. So how do you lot get in? I have magic, but it only works on myself. He snapped his fingers and he was gone, reappearing on the other side of the glass inside the shop. Then he snapped again and was standing on Broadwin's back. Whoa. Said Rambo.

[Rambo]

Can you do that to me at the butcher shop? There's a big ham there that's calling my name.

[Dog King]

Wait, said Dog King. If you can do that, you were never really stuck under a milk crate.

[Rambo]

Rambo, it's saying eat me.

[Amanda Weldon]

Nah, laughed the elf. But I wanted to see what you'd do.

[Rambo]

Eat me.

[Amanda Weldon]

I'm a ham.

[Dog King]

Well, I hope we did okay.

[Amanda Weldon]

Aced it, my guy, said Cobb with a wink. See you on the other side. He snapped his fingers and disappeared into the shop.

[Pickles]

What about us?

[Amanda Weldon]

Said Broadwin.

[Pickles]

I have a doggie door around back, said Pickles. Come on.

[Amanda Weldon]

The doggie door was actually more of a cat door, and only Pickles could fit. Luckily, with a little help from Cobb, they got the back door open, and all the dogs rumbled into the shoe shop. Oh. Oh, wow. Said Rambo.

[Rambo]

It's like. It's like a chew toy heaven.

[Amanda Weldon]

And he was right. Pickles dad made and repaired leather shoes in his shop. All kinds of leather, and there were bits and scraps all over the place. Some of it was treated and stank like chemicals to the dogs, but a lot of it was raw and good to chew. Rambo was drooling so much that Broadwin slipped in the puddle. Okay, sugar, she said to Rambo. Easy now. Rambo started to shake with excitement, so Dog King let him pick a big piece of leather and then sent him outside to chew it and guard the door. Okay, said Cobb. None of you have thumbs, so I'll do the tricky work. But here's what I need. You all start making the stacks, and I'll get cutting Right, said Pickles.

[Pickles]

We're the experts here, so you all make the stacks and we'll do the important stuff. Right, Cob?

[Amanda Weldon]

Right, Pickles, said the elf with a smile. And they got to work. After a long night full of rumbling, tumbling, chawing, pawing, stitching and complaining, the elf and the dogs finally finished all the work. Every last shoe. And only a few of them had rule marks.

[Rambo]

I can't believe we did it, said.

[Amanda Weldon]

Rambo, chewing on a loafer that had come out too crooked to use.

[Pickles]

I never doubted it, said Pickles. My family has been making fine shoes since before most people were even wearing shoes. They were barefoot, looking at my great grandfather like he was some kind of shoe wizard.

[Amanda Weldon]

Suddenly, a light flicked on in the front room. Hello? Is someone there?

[Pickles]

It's my dad, said Pickles.

[Dog King]

Everyone out the back.

[Amanda Weldon]

That's my cue to leave, said Cobb. Was a pleasure working with you all. You too, said Pickles.

[Pickles]

Sorry about the whole chewing you thing. You'll put in a good word with Santa for me.

[Amanda Weldon]

Anything for you, Pickles, said Cobb with a smile and a wink to Dog King. See you next year. And he vanished in a puff of smoke that smelled like gingerbread. Pickles, did you sneak down here again?

[Pickles]

Cheese.

[Amanda Weldon]

It screamed. Pickles. And all the dogs scrambled out the back door, pausing only to each grab a good scrap to chew on. And so, having saved Christmas for Pickles and his family, the motley crew ran back to their alley. Dog King, as always leading the way.

[Chorus / Dog King Song]

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 Dog King and he's king of the dogs Dog King his.

[Amanda Weldon]

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.

[Chorus / Dog King Song]

For treats his mother 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's story Dog King, Pickles and the Elf was an original story written for you by Daniel Hines, edited and produced for you by Ellie Hines and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon. 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. Thanks for listening.