Throwback: A Dog King Thanksgiving!

Summary

Podcast Summary: "Throwback: A Dog King Thanksgiving!"

Stories Podcast: A Bedtime Show for Kids of All Ages
Host: Amanda Weldon (Starglow Media / Wondery)
Original Air Date: November 25, 2025

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Episode Overview

This episode features a delightful throwback to one of the Stories Podcast’s classic tales: "A Dog King Thanksgiving!". Blending humor, heart, and a whimsical narrative, the story invites young listeners into an imaginative canine kingdom where generosity, community, and inclusion shine—perfect themes for Thanksgiving. Through the adventures of Dog King and his colorful cast of canine friends (and a surprise feline visitor), the episode tenderly explores what it means to be family and the joy of sharing with those in need.

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Key Discussion Points & Story Highlights

1. Introduction to the Dog Kingdom (03:36)

• The story opens on Dog King, ruler of an alley filled with spirited dogs, as preparations get underway for their annual Thanksgiving feast.
• Joyful chaos is everywhere: dogs of all shapes and sizes collaborate, scavenging and building for the big meal.

"Dogs of every shape and size were running, waddling, rolling, wiggling and scooting their butts all over the alley. The air was full of barks and pants and howls and yips. They weren’t playing, though. Not today." — Narration [03:36]

• Creative details tickle the imagination: a table of pallets and cinder blocks, a mishmash of scavenged foods (from rainbow curry to melting meatballs), and the royal guards (two shaggy German shepherds).

2. The Feast and the Special Surprise (07:29)

• Dog King calls everyone together for a surprise: he's managed to procure a whole, perfectly cooked turkey—a Thanksgiving miracle for the alley dogs.

"Underneath was a whole turkey, cooked and steaming and heavy with meaty stuffing. It had taken Dog King a week of careful searching, but he’d finally found it in an unattended slow smoker..." — Narration [07:29]

• The alley erupts into joyful celebration, with dogs wrestling, howling, and wagging in anticipation.

3. Cat Chaos! The Feast is Interrupted (08:54, 10:47, 14:16)

• Just as Dog King is about to give his Thanksgiving toast, a small, scrappy calico cat crashes onto the scene—stealing food and turning the feast on its head.
• Hilarity ensues: Pickles the Chihuahua is terrified, the pack of dogs chase the cat, and the scene descends into slapstick chaos.

“Ah, it’s a kitty cat!" — Pickles [09:23]
"That cat is an assassin. A cat Sassin." — Pickles [13:25]

• The cat repeatedly manages to outsmart the dogs, setting off several madcap chases and grumbling from the hungry pack.

4. The Chase and Uncovering the Cat’s Story (15:51–18:25)

• After several interruptions, Dog King and friends track the cat to her hiding place: an old grill in a forgotten alley corner.
• Compassion slowly replaces frustration as Dog King and the dogs discover that the little cat, thin and alone, has been living in the grill and struggling to survive.

"Is this where you live?" — Dog King [17:43]
"I... I don't have any. I grew up alone in an old house... A few weeks ago, some humans moved in and I had to leave... That’s why I stole your food." — Cat [18:00–18:25]

• The cat confesses she has no family and hasn’t eaten in days, prompting visible empathy from the entire dog gang.

5. Inclusion, Kindness, and Chosen Family (19:06–20:41)

• Dog King reminds the alley that many of the dogs themselves started out without families, reinforcing the idea that family can be chosen.

"Well, we all learned that you really get two families. The one you're born with, sure, but also the one you choose. Or in this case, the one that chooses you." — Dog King [19:31]

• Moved by her plight, they invite the cat to join their Thanksgiving feast and give her a name: Cranberry.

"How about Cranberry?" — Dog King [20:33]
"I love it," the cat replied. "Cranberry." — Cranberry [20:37]

• The story concludes with Cranberry welcomed into the fold, demonstrating that kindness and generosity make for the warmest celebrations.

6. The Moral and Celebration (21:28)

• The dogs, now joined by Cranberry, return to their table, more excited and unified than ever.
• The closing chorus of the Dog King song cements the story’s playful, triumphant tone.

"And so, with one cat, one friend, extra barking and howling and rolling and wiggling, the dogs headed back home towards their feast. Dog King, as always, leading the way." — Narration [21:28]

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Timestamp | Speaker | Quote/Description | |-----------|-------------|---------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:36 | Narrator | “Dogs of every shape and size were running, waddling, rolling...” | | 07:29 | Narrator | “Underneath was a whole turkey... He wasn’t king for nothing.” | | 09:23 | Pickles | “Ah, it’s a kitty cat!” | | 13:25 | Pickles | “That cat is an assassin. A cat Sassin.” | | 19:31 | Dog King | "Well, we all learned that you really get two families...the one you choose." | | 20:33 | Dog King | “How about Cranberry?” | | 20:37 | Cranberry | “I love it... Cranberry.” | | 21:28 | Narrator | “And so, with one cat, one friend, extra barking... Dog King, as always, leading the way.” |

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Timestamps for Key Segments

• 02:52: Opening “Dog King” theme song
• 03:36: Introduction to Dog King's alley and Thanksgiving plans
• 07:29: The “whole turkey” surprise is unveiled
• 08:54: First cat interruption at the feast
• 13:25: Pickles' dramatic retelling of the cat chaos
• 15:51–18:25: The dogs chase and confront the cat, uncovering her hardships
• 19:06–21:28: Inclusion, naming “Cranberry,” and invitation to the feast
• 21:28: The return to the Thanksgiving table, now with their new feline friend
• 21:50: Closing “Dog King” theme reprise

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Tone & Style

• Warm, humorous, and whimsical; brimming with playful descriptions and comic timing.
• Empathetic and uplifting, especially in dealing with Cranberry’s plight.
• Maintains an age-appropriate, G-rated sensibility throughout.

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Final Thoughts

"A Dog King Thanksgiving!" is a charming, family-friendly story about the power of community, acceptance, and the different ways we find and build family. The lively characters, strong message, and memorable humor make it a standout episode for Thanksgiving—or any time listeners need a heartwarming pick-me-up.

Transcript

[A]

Hello. Welcome to Stories Podcast. I'm your host, Amanda Weldon. Today's story is a throwback episode. Tune in to hear one of our classic stories from the archive that you might have missed the first time around. 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. 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. As parents, we know how quickly family time can turn into scrolling time. With everyone defaulting to their own devices after a long day, wouldn't it be great to have an active option the whole family can enjoy something fun for those cozy fall nights when no one wants to leave the house, We've found the answer. Nexplayground an active game system where your body powers the play. It's 100% motion driven gaming. No controllers or wearables needed. Just move naturally to play. The game library is packed with family favorites. Join Bluey in a game of keepy uppy. Go on adventures with how to Train youn Dragon to Dance with Barbie, Pop Bubbles in Gabby's Dollhouse, or master some moves with Kung Fu Panda. Even better, Playground is kid safe with no ads in app purchases or mature content. It's the perfect way to turn screen time into active family time this fall. Want to learn more? Visit nexplayground.com that's n e xplayground.com to explore active family gaming today. Thanks. Enjoy the episode A Dog King Thanksgiving.

[B]

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.

[A]

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.

[B]

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

[A]

Today we find Dog King, King of the dogs sitting on his throne, gazing out at his kingdom. And what a busy kingdom it was. Dogs of every shape and size were running, waddling, rolling, wiggling and scooting their butts all over the alley. The air was full of barks and pants and howls and yips. They weren't playing, though. Not today. No, they were, for this one very, very rare occasion, hard at work. And for all their waddling and wiggling and itchy butt scooting, they were doing a good tail wagging job of it. There were a dozen dogs, a wild, fuzzy mixture of breeds, working together to make a low table out of discarded pallets and cinder blocks. There were labs of all colors passing dented canned goods from mouth to mouth in a slobbery line. Mutli puppies wrestled under the patient legs of towering Great Danes working together to drape crinkly paper. Above the alley, the royal guards, a pair of shaggy German shepherds, kept watch, making sure nobody stole more than a nibble before it was time to eat. Everyone else, well, everyone else was bringing food. It was a feast dreamed up by Dog King himself, and there was no shortage of, well, anything really. Some daring dogs had stolen all manner of table scraps, everything from tins of pie to mashed potatoes dripping with brown gravy. And as good as that was, they'd done even better with the dumpsters. They'd found soggy cranberry rolls and brittle latkes, fuzzy spaghetti and melting meatballs. There was a rainbow curry, a hairy pizza, an Italian sub full of ants, and the list went on and on. They were even bringing some things that weren't food exactly, like an old shoe that stank with just the perfect amount of funk. They spent all morning collecting food, and by the end, the plywood table they set up was groaning under the weight of it all. And the dogs were groaning along with it, drooling at the sight. Eventually the commotion woke Pickles, who had been napping in an old dollhouse he'd found. The shaky Chihuahua stepped out into the alley, watery eyes blinking against the cool November sun.

[C]

Good morning, Pickles, said Dog King, a.

[A]

Small smile on his shaggy lips.

[C]

Tell me what's on the royal schedule today?

[A]

Good morning, good morning, pickles muttered, still half asleep. Today, let's see, where is that schedule today we have?

[D]

Is it a petor oh, Sweet Georgia Brown.

[A]

Everyone stopped and turned to look.

[D]

It is Thanksgiving.

[A]

He cried, and all the dogs began to cheer and bark.

[C]

That's right, that's right. Our annual Thanksgiving feast, said Dog King. And this year, I. I have a special surprise for all of you. If you'd please gather round.

[A]

The dogs stopped working and crowded in. The smaller dogs climbed the bigger ones to see the great St. Bernard. Broadwin had no less than three Boston terriers riding on her shoulders. What's the surprise, Sugar? Asked Broadwin.

[D]

Yeah, jealous.

[A]

I can't take it, said Rambo.

[C]

All right, I won't keep you waiting.

[A]

Dog King replied, and using his shaggy snout, he tipped over a cardboard box sitting next to the throne. Underneath was a whole turkey, cooked and steaming and heavy with meaty stuffing. It had taken Dog King a week of careful searching, but he'd finally found it in an unattended slow smoker on someone's back porch. It had been tricky to get away with it, but he wasn't the king for nothing. At the sight of the turkey, the dogs all cheered wildly, jumps of celebration quickly devolving into wrestling matches and trains of butt sniffing and general happy howling. They had their Thanksgiving feast every year, and they'd never managed to find a whole turkey. They usually had to settle for pulling carcasses out of the Dumpster the next day. Not that they didn't love those, too. But for the dogs, a whole turkey was basically a Thanksgiving miracle. Dog King, cardboard Crown perched precariously on his shaggy head, carefully slid the turkey onto the table. And just like that, it was nearly time to eat. The dogs all gathered close, pressed in around the table, cheek to fuzzy cheek. They looked to Dog King, waiting for him to give the traditional toast to start the meal.

[C]

This is a special day, dog King began.

[A]

And then, from above, a cat dropped onto their Thanksgiving table. Everyone went nuts. Barks and yips and hisses and yelps filled the alley. Food flew into the air. Dogs flew into the air. The cat, a wiry little calico with half an ear chewed off snatched an old cranberry roll and then leapt from the table.

[D]

Ah, it's a kitty cat.

[A]

Yelled Pickles, throwing himself under nearby Annie for safety.

[D]

Everybody watch out.

[A]

The dogs tried to get the cat, but she was too small, too fast. She wound beneath their feet and then leapt up a fire escape. The dogs howled after her, but were unable to follow and had to settle for jumping and barking wildly. It didn't do much good, but they seemed to enjoy it. Finally, after the cat disappeared over a nearby roof, the dogs came back to the table to try and start their meal again. There was still plenty of grumbling about the cat, though, most of it from Pickles.

[D]

Oh, a cat. A kitty cat. In our kingdom, we don't need these tiny fluffballs stealing our food and meowing in our alley, putting their backs up and strutting around in their teeny, tiny cat bodies.

[C]

Ma, Pickles, annie said that cat was bigger than you.

[D]

She must be stupid. Stopped.

[C]

Relax, Pickles, said Dog King. Now, as I was saying, this is a special day.

[D]

That bandit. That scoundrel. That. Ow.

[C]

That.

[A]

Ah. The cat dropped down again, this time landing softly just in front of the excited Chihuahua. Thief.

[D]

Ah. Thief.

[A]

Cried Pickles, leaping forward in a sudden and quite unexpected fit of bravery. The cat and small dog rolled across the table in a yelping, yowling blur. Other other wrecks pulled the turkey out of the way, and Dog King managed to lift Pickles out of the fray by the scruff of his neck. The cat snatched an old cranberry cookie in her whiskered mouth and leapt straight up, snagging the fire escape. Rambo leapt after her, his strong jaws snapping shut just inches beneath her curling tail. He fell back to the ground amid a pile of pups and tangled tails, and they all bounded, barking to their feet on the table. It was a different story. Pickles lay on his back in a puddle of gravy, paws flopped over dramatic. 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. 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 Keir Knightley as Professor Umbridge create a spellbinding experience for not only longtime Harry Potter fans, but 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. Oh, sugar pie, said Broadwin. I think you're okay.

[D]

Brodwyn, is that you? So dark. So weak. Ah, Ducky, I'm coming home.

[C]

Pickles, said Dog King.

[D]

Dog King it was terrible.

[B]

Claws like knives.

[D]

Big, sharp shiny ones. And eyes like a demon. A demon. That cat is an assassin. A cat Sasson. Oh, it was worse than I thought. A cat Sassin. In our kingdom you don't even have.

[A]

A scratch on you, said Rambo, who was looking a bit rough himself after his fall. That's not the pint, said Pickles, rolling to his feet and shaking the gravy from his fur.

[C]

All right now, dog King said.

[A]

He fixed his crown and took his spot at the table. The other dogs gathered around again, tails wagging, thick ropes of rumbly stomach drool hanging from their mouths.

[C]

Once again, said Dog King, this is a special day.

[A]

And then the cat dropped down again. This time it landed right on top of the Thanksgiving turkey. The dogs had seemed wild before, but that was nothing. Now they were wild and hungry. Their Thanksgiving dinner being interrupted a third time was more than they could bear. This time they all jumped so fast the cat had to run away empty handed, or empty pawed in her case. She escaped up and over the roof. But the dogs didn't give up this time. They flowed around the building and watched as she jumped from roof to roof. It was a tricky chase. The cat could leap easily across the narrow alleys, but the dogs had to watch her above and still keep their eyes on their paws. More than a few tripped over old recycling or took wrong turns, or ran headlong into trash bins and sent them clanging. Before long, it was just a small group of dogs still in the chase, Dog King out in front. The cat finally ran out of luck and ran out of roofs and dropped into the alley. She took a quick turn, and then another, and then the alley began to grow narrower and narrower. At the end, in a corner where three buildings came together, there was a Metal barrel and an old abandoned grill. The dog skidded to a halt as the cat leapt up through the grill's bottom and disappeared inside. Pickles caught up a moment later, his little leg shaky, tongue poking out of his mouth.

[D]

Stop, miscreant.

[A]

Stop. He puffed and then tumbled onto his side, catching his breath. Dog King stepped ahead of the others, padding slowly up to the grill.

[C]

Nowhere left to go. Food thief, he said.

[D]

I'm not a thief.

[A]

Called back the cat from the inside.

[C]

Really?

[A]

Said Dog King.

[C]

If you knew me, you'd know I'm always fair. I wouldn't call you a thief if I didn't know for sure. But we all saw you stealing our food.

[D]

I. I'm sorry. Please don't eat me.

[A]

Dog King laughed.

[C]

We chase cats. Sure, you scratch a butt, we nip a tail, but we'd never eat you.

[A]

Ah, Said Pickles weakly, as if I'd.

[D]

Be caught dead eating a cat. Then. Then why'd you chase me?

[C]

You stole from my friends, my family, and on Thanksgiving.

[D]

I'm.

[A]

I'm sorry, said the cat, and from inside the grill they heard the beginnings of a sniffly cry. Gently now, Dog King used his snout and flipped open the top of the grill. Inside was a cranberry roll and cookie, a thin, ragged blanket, and an even thinner, more ragged calico cat. Meow. She squeaked as Dog King leaned over the open grill.

[D]

Don't eat me.

[A]

Dog King ignored that and peered around the grill instead. He noticed the blanket was scratched into a nest and showed signs of a long term stay.

[C]

Is this where you live?

[A]

Asked Dog King. It is, said the cat. Dog King looked around, confused.

[C]

What about your friends? Your family?

[D]

I. I don't have any. I grew up alone in an old house.

[A]

There were always plenty of mice, so it wasn't so bad. But a few weeks ago, some humans moved in and I had to leave. There's not so many mice out here in the alley. Or at least not so many slow ones.

[C]

So what have you been eating?

[D]

Well, nothing really. That's why I stole your food.

[A]

I could smell it from here. It smelled so good. And you had so much. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin your Thanksgiving. With that, the skinny little cat began to cry. Dog King looked at the poor little cat and felt a tear well up in his own shaggy eye. He turned towards the dogs behind him. The rest had caught up now, and the cat's little alley was packed with curious pups. Dog King looked at Rambo, who nodded likewise for Annie and Brodwen and the rest. Pickles was crying openly, fat tears streaming from his big, watery eyes.

[C]

You know, said Dog King, most of us didn't have a family either.

[A]

The cat looked up, sniffling.

[D]

What?

[A]

Really?

[C]

Rr. Really?

[D]

How did you get one?

[A]

Dog King looked out at the alley. Full of dogs. All different, but all together.

[C]

Well, we all learned that you really get two families. The one you're born with, sure, but also the one you choose. Or in this case, the one that chooses you.

[A]

The cat looked up, blinking.

[D]

What do you mean? Oh, Dog King, have a heart.

[A]

Sobbed Pickles.

[D]

The poor sweet cat. I told you all along she needed help. The poor, poor, poor skinny thing. Invite her to dinner.

[A]

Dog King wagged his tail.

[C]

How about it? Do you want to come eat with us? What's your name, anyway?

[A]

I. I never had one.

[C]

That won't do. Can't have friends and family without a name. Sorry, but that's a dog law.

[A]

He looked around at the stolen food in the grill. Hmm.

[C]

How about Cranberry?

[A]

I love it, the cat said. Cranberry.

[D]

It feels. It feels good. Oh, it's perfect, said Pickles. It fits you like fleas. Cranberry, walk with me. I need to apologize for beating you up earlier in that fight. Ah, I don't know my own strength. Sometimes I come from a long line of fighters. Ah. My great Aunt Norman was so strong.

[A]

Cranberry hopped down next to Pickles, and the dogs all cheered. Sure, she was a cat, but in Dog King's Alley, you took care of each other. Especially when someone was hungry. And especially when there was so much Thanksgiving food to share.

[C]

All right, everyone, Dog King said, let's go eat.

[A]

The cheer was even louder this time, and Cranberry joined in with the rest. And so, with one cat, one friend, extra barking and howling and rolling and wiggling, the dogs headed back home towards their feast. Dog King, as always, leading the way.

[B]

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.

[A]

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 was a dog.

[B]

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

[A]

Today's story, A Dog King Thanksgiving was an original story written for you by Daniel Hines and performed for you by me, Amanda Weldon, with a theme song by us both. 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 oriespodcast or simply tell your friends about us. Thanks for listening.