They Grow Up Too Fast (Paw Patrol)

The Visit

Morning arrives, and Ryder finds a note on the Lookout's front door from Mayor Humdinger.

*****

Dear Paw Patrol,
This letter is a visitation notice from the Foggy Bottom Obedience School. A few students from the school have expressed a desire to meet with you today at 3 PM. The students in question are the Ruff Ruff Pack, whom you brought to the school not too long ago. This letter is simply to inform you of your appointment.

Regards,
Mayor Humdinger

*****

Ryder stares at the letter in shock. He hadn't expected the Ruff Ruff Pack to be released so early, and now they wanted a visitation? Why would they want to see the Paw Patrol—the ones who had sent them to the obedience school? Curious, Ryder sets the note aside and heads inside to wake up the pups.

Ryder: "Alright, pups! Rise and shine! Breakfast will be ready in 15 minutes. I want you all up by then!"

The pups stir awake, with Rubble being the first to react.

Rubble: "Breakfast? Where?! I'm ready!"

Ryder chuckles.

Ryder: "In 15 minutes."

Rubble: "Ah, 15 minutes? Darn. Oh well, I'll wait."

Chase and Skye are next to wake up, briefly exchanging a smile before Chase takes charge.

Chase: "Alright, pups! Up and at 'em!"

One by one, the rest of the pups wake up and begin their morning routines.

*****

A short time later, Ryder speaks over the pup tags.

Ryder: "Breakfast is ready! Come quickly!"

The pups eagerly gather in the Lookout's kitchen, where their bowls are already filled with dog food. As they eat, Ryder makes an announcement.

Ryder: "Okay, pups! Today we're heading to Foggy Bottom. We've been invited to visit some old...enemies."

The pups exchange puzzled glances. Zuma is the first to respond.

Zuma: "What do you mean, old enemies? Are you talking about Orion?"

Ryder: "Thankfully, no. I'm talking about the Ruff Ruff Pack."

The pups groan in unison, clearly unimpressed.

Chase: "How are we visiting them? They're in the obedience school, aren't they?"

Ryder: "Exactly. That's why we're going there—they wanted to speak with us. Somehow, they've been let out early."

Skye: "What?! How?"

Ryder: "We'll find out soon enough. Don't worry about it for now. We're leaving at 2 PM."

The pups nod reluctantly and return to their breakfast. Ryder can't help but wonder—how had the Ruff Ruff Pack been released so early? Something didn't add up.

*****

At 2 PM sharp, the pups are ready to leave.

Ryder: "Alright, everyone, into the Paw Patroller!"

The pups climb aboard, taking their seats as Robo-Dog starts driving toward Foggy Bottom. The air in the vehicle is filled with curiosity and a hint of skepticism.

*****

The Paw Patrol arrives at Foggy Bottom and approaches the obedience school. A guard greets them at the entrance.

School Guard: "You must be the Paw Patrol. The Ruff Ruff Pack is waiting for you. Head upstairs to the room labeled 'Visitation.' Have a good day."

Ryder thanks the guard, and the team makes their way inside. The school lobby is spacious, with a large reception desk and a waiting area. The quiet hallways upstairs feel almost eerie as they navigate to the visitation room. Inside, a guard is speaking to the Ruff Ruff Pack, who now wear simple collars instead of their signature biking gear. Gasket is the first to notice the Paw Patrol and approaches them with a surprising smile.

Gasket: "Wow, you guys actually came! I didn't think you would. I'm glad I was wrong. Come on, sit—we have a lot to talk about."

Ryder hesitates but eventually nods.

Ryder: "Alright. Come on, pups."

Gasket takes a seat on a couch between Dwayne and Hubcap, who also greet the Paw Patrol warmly.

Dwayne: "Hey, guys. I know it's weird to see us talking like this, but we've got a lot to share."

Hubcap: "Yeah! We've learned so much while we've been here."

Ryder: "Okay. So why did you ask us to visit?"

Gasket: "Well, for one, we wanted to tell you that we're not bad anymore. And, well...to catch up."

Chase narrows his eyes slightly.

Chase: "I'm finding it hard to trust you, but I'll hear you out."

Dwayne: "That's fair, Chase. But I promise we've changed. Honestly, you seem different too—you look older."

Chase: "Well, I am. I'm almost nine."

Hubcap: "Wow, nine? You're getting up there! I'm only five."

Gasket: "So, how's your hunt for the 'big guy' going?"

Rocky: "We stopped him. He won't be causing any more trouble."

Gasket: "Good. He was such a broken wheel when we dealt with him. Glad you guys took care of it."

Rocky chuckles at Gasket's subtle pun, earning a smile from her.

Ryder: "So, you just wanted to tell us you've changed?"

Gasket: "Pretty much. We got out early for good behavior. This place taught us a lot, though I'll always hate it."

Rubble: "Do you still ride bikes?"

Dwayne: "Yeah, but we got rid of all the outlaw stuff. Now they're just regular bikes."

Hubcap: "I even have my own bike now!"

Zuma: "How'd you manage that?"

Hubcap: "We found an old one before coming here and stashed it. Once we're out, we're gonna fix it up."

Liberty: "What about your diner? Are you still planning to keep it?"

Gasket: "Yeah. We want to upgrade it—maybe turn it into a bike shop too."

Ryder is taken aback by how much the Ruff Ruff Pack has matured.

Gasket: "That's all, but...we do have one more thing to ask."

Ryder: "Go on."

Gasket hesitates before speaking nervously.

Gasket: "We were hoping...we could work with you."

The pups gasp in unison. Could they really trust them? They've changed, but is it just a facade? The pups turn to Ryder, waiting for his answer. Ryder takes a deep breath, considering his response.