Two days later, Castiel is feeling a little better. He pops some Advil like pieces of candy, keeping a cold water bottle near him at all times, more as a way to cool down than to stay hydrated. He's not puking anymore, which is a start, at least.

Castiel slides out of bed to fetch Misha his breakfast. His dog must have realized he was sick, because Misha hasn't been getting out of bed at all, but some food should change that. Castiel scoops out some dog food, pouring it in the bowl and making as much noise as he can. He waits, but Misha doesn't come, so he shakes the bowl around. He still doesn't hear the dog, even though he knows he's awake.

Castiel returns to his bedroom, where he finds Misha still lying in bed. Castiel sets the food down a few feet away. Misha stares at it for a moment, then slowly stands up, plopping down immediately when he's close enough to his bowl to eat it.

Castiel sighs. Well, that can't be good. This looks like a job for Amelia the vet.

He calls the animal hospital, but they just tell him to bring the dog down so they can check him out. The issue there is that Misha doesn't want to walk to the car, and no amount of pulling on the leash will convince him otherwise. After a few failed attempts, Castiel gives up, shoveling the ninety pound dog into his arms and carrying him to the car.

Castiel debates calling or texting Lucifer, because he knows his brother thinks of Misha as his own, but he decides against it. He doesn't want to worry his brother over nothing. If there's something actually wrong, he'll be the first person to know, but Misha's a trooper. He'll be fine.

Castiel has to carry his dog into the animal hospital, and he finds himself regretting how little he's been working out. Misha is a heavy dog to hold for that long.

He sets Misha down amongst the other animal patients, and though Misha looks at them, he doesn't play with any of them. Castiel has come to accept that from him lately, but he didn't realize it was an actual problem until now.

Eventually, Amelia comes out to take Misha away. Misha is usually excited to see her, because usually, he meets her in other places when she has her own dogs with her. Today, he just wags his tail, not even standing up, so Castiel has to carry him again.

Amelia does her vet thing that he doesn't try to understand, and he can see it on her face that it's not good news. Castiel puts a hand on his dog's head, almost like he's a security blanket, and braces himself.

"Misha is an old dog," Amelia begins, like it will soften the blow of whatever comes next. "He's had a rough life on the streets, and you really were his saving grace, but there's only so much that could be done. He has severe arthritis in his back legs, and every move he makes would be painful. It's up to you, but I think the kindest thing you could do would be to put him down."

Castiel looks down at the dog, who stares back at him, oblivious. How could Castiel have him euthanized? Misha didn't fight through so much just to have a vet kill him. But if he's really in pain, would it be cruel to make him suffer through it? It's almost selfish, ignoring Mischa's pain so he can have his dog. Maybe having him euthanized is the best choice.

Castiel looks back to Amelia. "That wouldn't have to be today, right?"

"All I'll say is that for his sake, the sooner it is, the better."

Castiel lets out a long breath. "Okay. Just... not today. I need time to say goodbye."

A/N I'M SORRY DON'T KILL ME I'M SAD TOO BUT I SWEAR IT WAS FOR A REASON EVEN IF YOU NEVER FIGURE OUT THE REASON BECAUSE IT WILL BE THE LAST THING ON YOUR MIND WHEN THE REASON COMES