This isn't gonna fit my typical format for this type of post. It's more of a hybrid introduction to my Fetch! With Ruff Ruffman s/i, as well as a discussion about her relationship with Ruff and of course info on how they started dating. But I'm still counting it as a how they got together post. Hopefully you all enjoy my infodumping
Time to talk about the sillies!!!
First some information on Mazie:
As stated, they are a therapy dog/emotional support animal. They work at a therapist's office alongside their owner; greeting clients, sitting in on group therapy sessions as support, and accompanying special needs children to their personal appointments. She'll also visit hospitals with her person to cheer people up who are going through tough treatments.
Mazie is definitely a stereotypical Golden Retriever in personality. She's friendly and sweet with everyone she meets. She's very calm and professional while on duty at work. Off duty they're very energetic and love attention. They like to play around with others, joking, doing activities, being silly in general. Doodle is very much a book smarts type instead of street smart. But she definitely is smart, she just doesn't always show it. A lot of people mistake them for being airheaded--which they can be socially--but then they'll turn around and drop some really cool science or psychology facts. Mazie can be stubborn and needy (especially for love and attention). She's honest but can be blunt at times, though tries to control herself. She's not super trusting of others, yet is easy to take advantage of. She has a habit of getting distracted (like Doug from Up, especially with squirrels), though it's only when she's not in work mode that this can occur. Her emotions are very easily read, mostly through her tail. She can get antsy with nothing to do, and needs to constantly be busy or given affection as a distraction.
Mazie likes to be active, taking hikes, going swimming, playing ball and tug-o-war. But she's also happy with curling up on the couch for some cuddle time. She also loves crafts, mostly scrapbooking, paper crafting, and drawing. Doodle likes to be mouthy and bite those she cares about, but never hard enough to hurt, moreso in the soft-mouthed golden retriever sort of way. Mazie is afraid of loud noises, clowns, mascot costumes, bugs, and lightning (not thunder surprisingly).
Now about her relationship with Ruff Ruffman:
Mazie is very kind to Ruff and reassures him constantly. She enjoys his showboat personality and the way he presents himself so confidently, even when it's evident that he's an anxious mess. She finds his awkwardness endearing and enjoys hyping him up. She would love him no matter what; yes, even if he was a worm.
Ruff is very playful with Mazie and loves to make them laugh. He loves her honesty, her silliness, and her drive. He adores the way their tail wags at nearly everything he does and how curious they can be. He also loves her compassion, and the fact that she's so accepting of him. He would search for her in every universe.
The pair is extremely cutesy and sappy . They call each other pet names and show PDA without a care (it's pretty tame stuff, but very mushy). Ruff likes to spoil Doodle with gifts and gadgets, though Doodle prefers quality time over receiving presents. Doodle in turn gives Ruff artwork and mini scrapbooks of their adventures and dates. They like to do typical dog activities together, as well as some more human-like things such as dinner dates and going to see movies and shows/plays. Mazie loves visiting museums and stuff, so Ruff's always happy to accompany her there. He loves to see her in her element, nerding out over the exhibits.
Mazie defends Ruff from his family whom they dislike very much (except Glen. Glen is a good pup <3). The Ruffman family actually likes Mazie a lot, but they think she's too good for Ruff. They always remind him of such. They also try to push her towards dating Ruff's evil twin brother Scruff, who often flirts with Mazie much to her dismay. But Mazie is quick to argue against them. Then she turns and tells Ruff that he's absolutely perfect for her and that she wouldn't want to be with anybody else but him. She helps him work through the trauma his family has caused.
Ruff feels incredibly fortunate to have Mazie in his life. They showed up at a low point, when he was struggling to gain the affection of Charlene the poodle and while he was between jobs. I haven't figured out exactly how they met yet. Maybe while walking around a mall or something. All I know is when it happened Ruff was hanging out with Blossom, talking about his crush on the neighbor. He eventually spotted Doodle, quickly stopping in his tracks. All complaining and fretting ceased. Boom, instant love at first sight, completely gaga. Cartoon heart eyes, tail wagging, maybe a bit of nervous doggy panting. When playfully asked "what about Charlene..?" His immediate response, in his sudden and new lovestruck state was; "Who's Charlene?"
Blossom was the one to push Ruff to introduce himself to Mazie. Of course he had to mention his game show as a way to make himself look more appealing. Much to his glee Mazie said she was a fan of Fetch!, and the two talked about everything that happened over its 5 season run as an ice breaker conversation. Then they moved on to getting to know each other and setting up a first date. Mazie was the one to ask if Ruff wanted to go out sometime, though after they part he swears to Blossom it was all his idea.
Their first date was at a cute little doggy cafe, and Ruff was a complete mess the whole time. He put on a stupid bowtie and everything for it. But he was nervous; real nervous. He tried so hard to be confident and smooth. And while Doodle did think he was both of those things, she could easily tell he was fighting his panic. They didn't mention it to him, though, but subtly did their best to calm him. They put their paw on his at the table and talked softly to him as a way to put him at ease. She was very patient whenever Ruff stumbled over his words.
Ruff was grateful to not have his awkwardness pointed out to him, and eventually settled down. He grew even calmer once they'd eaten and left the cafe to take a walk. Something about being alone with Doodle made him feel at peace, safe. Even when silence settled over them.
After a while the two chatted again. Mazie told him about how much she was enjoying his company, and that she hoped they could be around each other more. Ruff asked "even if I'm not as famous or cool as I seem on tv?" And Mazie just giggled at him, assuring that it wasn't his accomplishments or fame that attracted her. She likes his confidence, even in the face of something that scares him; his genuine personality and high energy. He's silly and dorky, weird, yet in such an endearing way.
Nobody had ever really expressed liking Ruff in that way before. He almost cried about it. Mazie was quick to hug him and stop the tears before they started. It was never explicitly stated but that's basically the moment the pair started dating. Ruff went home that night and gushed to Blossom about everything, and about how mushy he felt. He was met with many a playful eyeroll from his feline friend but was supported nonetheless.
As a result of dating, Ruff has become less anxious, and more sure of himself. He stands up to his family more often and understands his worth. Mazie helped support him in getting a new job, and now Ruff does cameo gigs in indie projects and shows. He also does voice acting, and hosts his own podcast (again). He'll sometimes guest star on the occasional talk show. It inspires him to try to get his own show back up and running. Hopefully one day he'll be successful with that, but for now Ruff is content with what he has, especially with Mazie.
In the future the two will get married and have kids! I'm thinking they have a litter of 6, split evenly with boys and girls (woow just like the Fetchers). I actually have 2 of their puppies pre-designed but I wanna figure out the rest soon and then I'll show them off. Their names are Fluff [M], Tuft [F], Strudel [M], Noodle [F], Daisy [F], and Basil [M].
