Sam had always been a dog person, especially big dogs. He didn't really know why, didn't think about it much, either. But, if someone were to ask him, someone who didn't particularly share the same feelings, someone like his brother, he had some answers ready. He truly did not want to listen to one of Dean's derogatory dog inquisitions without ammunition.
Of course, Sam enjoyed the camaraderie, the roughhousing, and the absolute loyalty. He always enjoyed stories about dogs that save people or find their way home through all sorts of weather and hardships. He had recently read a story of a dog who slept, for years, on his owner's grave. He relished the idea of pure devotion, a love without limits.
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They had agreed to meet here, at the library. Sam had finished his half of the work and decided to wait outside. He called his brother but only reached his voicemail. The thought was that Dean was still working. He sat on the steps letting the sun warm him. He leaned back on his elbows and let his head fall back, closing his eyes so he could feel the sun on his face.
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Dean owned very few things beyond the weapons he stored in the car and what he could carry in his bags. The pictures and other mementos he had were stuffed in his wallet and assorted pockets. The two things he treasured most, were too big for him to carry.
He had always had difficulty forming attachments. He wasn't as cavalier or as much a loner as people believed. It was actually the opposite; he needed. Dean's life had never allowed him to hold on to people. The danger to him was always a danger to them. He tried to save everyone; it couldn't be done. In an attempt to save himself, Dean kept his relationships casual. He found that if he held too tight, they would be gone.
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The Winchesters were in town because people were reporting loved ones missing while others were losing their pets. The scenario matched the information Sam had found involving a recent violent death. She was referred to as a witch.
In his research, Sam found out that in Mexico and other Central American countries, there was a word like 'nagual' or some derivative of the Spanish word for 'magician' . It described a person with the ability to change into an animal. It was usually a self-affecting power, like shapeshifting. However, this spirit was able to change other people.
No one knew her real name and Sam hoped that Dean would be able to find it.