There’s no bond quite like the one between a dog and its human—and sometimes, that bond leads to wild ideas. In Amazing Dog Stories by David Wilk, one of the most unforgettable and hilarious tales comes from a moment of inspiration that turned into a literal crash course in dog-walking innovation. It’s just one of the reasons this book earned a finalist spot for Book of the Year from the National Dog Writers Association.
After their kids outgrew their Honda motor scooters, David and his wife, Terryle (aka “Tunes”), kept them around for fun. One day, David had an epiphany: why not combine his scooter with his dog’s daily exercise? His Golden Retriever, George Burns, was full of energy and loved to run. What better way to keep up with him than from the motorized seat of a scooter?
The plan: tie George’s leash to the scooter’s handlebar, extend it to a safe length, and ride alongside him as he got the run of his life.
And at first? It worked.
Every day, they zoomed up and down the hilly roads of San Clemente. George ran like a champion, ears flapping in the wind, tail high, clearly thrilled. David steered carefully, watching for barking dogs and staying away from trouble. It became their daily ritual. People stopped to watch. Neighbors waved. And George? He was in heaven.
But of course, all good dog adventures come with a twist.
One day, mid-ride, George saw something—maybe a squirrel, a bird, or just a shadow—and veered sharply off course. In a split second, the leash yanked the scooter’s handlebars sideways. Physics did the rest. David hit the pavement hard, skidding, tumbling, and finally landing in a painful pile. Scrapes, bruises, and a bruised ego followed.
George, meanwhile, casually strolled back over to check on him, tail wagging, licking David like it was all just a minor speed bump in their day.
Most people would’ve called it quits. But not David.
After healing—and enduring endless teasing from his friend Mike—he got back on the scooter. He couldn’t deny George the joy he so clearly lived for. But this time, he was more careful, more focused, and maybe a little more humble.
And guess what? It happened again. Another unexpected stop. Another crash. More road rash.
Because sometimes, the dog walks you.
This story is vintage Amazing Dog Stories—funny, a little crazy, and completely heartfelt. It’s not just about scooters and falls. It’s about the lengths we go to make our dogs happy. It’s about loyalty, adventure, and the willingness to take a few bruises if it means giving your best friend the time of his life.
David Wilk’s writing shines in these moments—humble, honest, and always full of heart. No wonder the National Dog Writers Association recognized this book as a finalist for Book of the Year. Because even in stories about scraped knees and runaway dogs, you find something deeper: joy, connection, and the purest kind of love.