Third-grader Max is having a terrible year. He is struggling to handle his parents' recent divorce, navigating a strange new school, and constantly dodging a massive neighborhood bully named Nick. To escape the stress, Max constantly runs away in his own imagination. In his mind, he is the proud owner of a heroic, fearless dog named King. Together, they slay dragons, conquer aliens, and embarrass Nick so badly he never bothers Max again. One afternoon, Max stumbles upon a mysterious little store called Wishworks, Inc., which guarantees that any wish will come true in real life. Desperate for a friend, Max wishes for a dog exactly like King. The next day, a real dog named Goldie appears right on his doorstep. But Goldie is not a fierce dragon-slayer, she is a sweet, ordinary dog who requires actual work, training, and patience. Max must learn that a real, imperfect friend might be exactly what he needs to face his real-world problems.