Home to My Heart

[ratherastory]

Title: Home to My Heart
Summary: Part of the Fusion 'verse. Written for the Hug Time Now comment-fic meme. Dean has to go away for a few days, and leaves Sam in the care of a friend. Original prompt by the lovely and talented de_nugis is here.
Characters: Sam, Dean, OFC
Rating: PG
Wordcount: 3,824
Disclaimer: If they were mine, they would hug a LOT MORE

Comments

[neonchica]

Wow! I opened up a can of worms, didn't I?! Just to elaborate - I'm in no means saying Sam should be the one to have a dog - just making the point that dogs for PTSD do exist. I just love the fact that you incorporated one in the first place. And absolutely, the dogs can definitely be multifaceted - working for both Dean and Sam. My organization actually trains for both vets with PTSD and for children and adults with physical disabilities, like Dean (and as much as I really REALLY want to plug the org, that's just too close to linking personal life with fanfiction "kink" life).
Anyway, as far as waking safely, we typically train every dog to their future person so each one is different. The most effective route typically is for the dog to stand at a safe distance (we usually teach the doorway) and bark at a steady, but not excessive rate - like bark, 3-5 sec pause, bark, 3-5 sec pause, etc.
Then we've got a guy who startles at any loud noise, but doesn't react badly to touch. His dog was trained to approach slowly and cautiously and to lay down beside him, body pressing firmly against his side and then to start pawing or nosing against his arm until he wakes. Wimpering and whining is ok, but absolutaly no barking.
I'd be more than happy to go more in depth into the program and training the PTSD companion dogs and disability assistance dogs if you want. Just message me with any questions you have - we can continue this privately!

[ratherastory]

That's really great! Thank you so much. I have to run out to an appointment, but I may take you up on this in the future.

And don't worry about the can of worms. They're friendly and they help the soil! ;)

[neonchica]

Anytime! Good luck with future writing. Happy to help:-)