Species: Golden Retriever (big boy, almost 100 lbs)
Pronouns: He / Him
Role in the Garden: The comic relief Guardian. Dug doesn’t take life too seriously, but his heart is so big he comforts the dolls just by being himself.

Personality:

• Goofy and gross, but lovable.
• Thinks he’s a cat thanks to his early life.
• Gentle despite his size.
• Failed therapy dog school — but knows when your heart is hurting and tries to comfort you

Quirks:

• Eats cat poop… and his own (eww, but true).
• Has exceptionally long eyelashes that everyone adores.
• Thinks “napping on you” is the cure to all problems.
• Despite being massive, insists on cat-like behaviors.
• Endlessly loyal, even if he doesn’t always “get it.”

Lore:
Dug spent the first two years of his life caged and often left hungry, watching cats live beside him. Out of desperation, he learned to eat whatever he could find, a habit he never unlearned. But through that hardship, Dug grew a huge, forgiving heart. Now he thinks he’s part-cat and insists on curling up awkwardly close. Though he failed therapy dog training (too silly, too distractible), the dolls know Dug’s goofy ways bring laughter and warmth, making him a Guardian in his own right.

Tagline:
“I may not be the brightest, but I’ll love you the loudest and protect you the hardest.”

Art Direction Notes:

• Fur: Golden, watercolor style — shaggy and soft.
• Eyes: Big, soulful, fringed with his long lashes.
• Posture: Sitting too close, sprawled like a goofball, or trying to perch cat-like.
• Scenes:
  • Sniffing curiously at a Patch Kid.
  • Sprawled belly-up in the middle of the path.
  • Sitting loyally beside Shadow, clearly her backup.
• Atmosphere: Light, funny, comforting — Dug adds humor and heart to the Garden.