Sam goes back into the church to talk to Kevin. First, he apologizes to Kevin for ignoring him for a year and then tries to give him an "It gets better" speech about living the supernatural life. He must be plainly lying at this point, because on what could he possibly be basing his opinion? He and/or his brother die at least once a year, lose their minds, get tortured, become monsters and lose their girlfriends. The only thing "better" for Sam at the moment is that he seems to have finally gotten his sideburns under control and they no longer look like a pair of furry boots in a race towards his nose. Sam tells Kevin that if they shut the gates, then Crowley won't be able to come after him anymore. Kevin thinks about it and then asks for five minutes to go pack up his stuff. That gives Sam just enough time to have another flashback.

Clinic waiting room. The vet comes out to give Sam the good news. The dog has some serious injuries, but should pull through. Sam, relieved, turns to go. The vet stops him. "You're gonna take the dog?" she asks. "I would, but he's not mine," Sam says. "He's not anybody's," the vet says, even though there's no way she could know that. Sam tries to explain why he can't take the dog, but she snits at him about his not taking any responsibility. Please don't let that be Sam's -- or anybody's -- main Life Lesson this season. It's so preachy and boring. Sam points out that he was responsible enough to bring the dog for care. The vet turns to her assistant and says, "Roberta, could you hand this man his trophy on his way out, please?" Even I, a truly crazy dog person, think she is being way over the top. She gripes at Sam for hitting the dog in the first place. Sam, who is accustomed to fending off attacks from Lucifer, angry angels, demons and assorted monsters, stands helpless against this crabby woman's guilt trips and judgments. He caves and agrees to take the dog.