Ep 7. You're My Dog

American Chopper is a popular reality TV series that revolves around the workings of a custom bike building company called Orange County Choppers (OCC). In season 12 episode 7, titled "You're My Dog," the Teutul family comes together to work on a unique bike build for a special cause.

The episode begins with Paul Teutul Sr. receiving a call from his friend Chris, who runs a non-profit organization called Paws of War. Chris is an army veteran who trains dogs to become service animals for other veterans suffering from PTSD or other related issues. Chris tells Paul Sr. that he needs a new motorcycle to be used in a fundraiser event, where they'll auction it off to raise money for Paws of War. Paul Sr. agrees to take on the build and starts planning with his sons and the rest of the OCC team.

As they begin their brainstorming session, the team comes up with the idea of building a bike that reflects the theme of service animals. The OCC crew is known for designing bikes that have a unique look and appeal to various demographics, and this build is no different. They start by sketching out different designs and discussing color schemes, materials, and other details.

Paul Sr. tasks his son Mikey, who is an artist, with coming up with a rough idea of what the bike should look like. Mikey starts sketching out the various features the bike should have, such as a dog bowl-shaped fuel tank, a paw print on the seat, and other design elements that reflect the theme. Mikey's artistic skills come in handy as he comes up with a blueprint that the team can work from.

The build begins with the fabrication process, and the OCC team swings into action. They start with the frame and wheels, which are critical components of the bike. Then they move to other parts that need to be custom-built, such as the fuel tank, handlebars, and exhaust system. Each member of the OCC team has a specific skill set, and they all work together to bring their unique talents to the design.

As the build progresses, they encounter several challenges, such as fitting the paw-printed seat onto the bike and making sure that the dog bowl-shaped fuel tank is structurally sound. However, the team works together to overcome these obstacles and perseveres to complete the bike within the given timeline.

Once the bike is finished, the team takes it out for a test drive to ensure that it runs smoothly. Paul Sr. is pleased with the bike's overall performance and design and is confident that it will fetch a good price at the fundraiser auction. He is also happy that the bike represents a cause that is close to their hearts.

In the final moments of the episode, the Teutul family attends the fundraiser event and presents the bike to the Paws of War representative. The crowd is impressed with the bike's unique design and features, and the auction begins. As the bidding gets underway, the excitement in the room builds, and eventually, the bike sells for a significant amount of money, which will help support Paws of War's mission.

"You're My Dog" is a deeply emotional and heartwarming episode that showcases the Teutul family's commitment to community service and giving back to those in need. It also underscores the importance of using one's creative talents for a greater cause and shows the impact that a small gesture can make in the lives of others. With this episode, American Chopper continues to be a powerhouse in the reality TV genre, demonstrating the power of family, passion, and creativity.