Living in the California hills may sound like a peaceful, idyllic experience—and for the most part, it is. But in Amazing Dog Stories by David Wilk, we find out that when you mix wide-open wilderness, curious puppies, and a rattlesnake or two, the result can be pure chaos. Of course, chaos becomes comedy in Wilk’s hands, and that blend of heart, humor, and suspense is exactly why the book was named a finalist for Book of the Year by the National Dog Writers Association.
This story begins with Tinker, a spirited little Golden Retriever puppy who loves meeting everyone—dogs, humans, horses, and even total strangers. Tinker made a habit of wandering up to the neighbors’ house, where friendly Airbnb guests and friendly animals welcomed her daily visits. She was sweet, harmless, and full of energy. But as Wilk tells it, that combination could lead to trouble.
One evening, after a long day, David—slightly relaxed from a puff on a joint, as he openly admits—was asked by his wife, Tunes, to fetch Tinker from the neighbor’s property before nightfall. Knowing there were predators like coyotes and mountain lions roaming at night, it wasn’t something to delay.
Taking a shortcut through the woods, David was crawling up a steep hill in near-darkness when he spotted something glowing and strange. Lights were flashing through the trees. For a brief (and very high) moment, he genuinely thought he might be witnessing a UFO.
Turns out, it was two fire trucks.
The neighbors had called the fire department because a massive rattlesnake was spotted slithering near their deck. By the time David reached the driveway—confused, muddy, and wondering what universe he’d just stepped into—firefighters were on the scene, flashlights in hand, and neighbors were gathered in alarm.
And Tinker?
She wasn’t part of the drama at all. She had wandered off to the barn to “schmooze with the horses,” as one neighbor put it. Totally unaware of the fuss, she was simply living her best life—tail wagging, making new friends.
But David wasn’t in the clear yet. To avoid crossing paths with the rattlesnake, he had to scramble up a steep slope in the dark to retrieve her. Covered in dirt and sliding down rocks, he finally reached the top, called her name… and was completely ignored. Typical puppy. Eventually, Tinker ran over, and together, they made it back down the hill—David scraped and exhausted, Tinker carefree and happy.
That’s the beauty of Amazing Dog Stories. These aren’t polished, perfect moments—they’re messy, real, and totally relatable. And they’re told with the warmth, humor, and honesty of a true dog lover who’s been through it all.
This book doesn’t just entertain—it reminds us what it means to care for animals who trust us completely, even when they drive us a little crazy. It’s the chaos, the comedy, and the unconditional love that make these stories—and the dogs in them—so unforgettable.