Because after Mr. D diagnoses him with PTSD he feels kind of hopeless and overwhelmed (especially after her hears that it canāt be easily fixed with magic or anything)Ā
So Mr D. Suggests that he get a service animal.Ā
Nico argues that animals hate him because he āsmells like deathā. Mr. D Points out that Mrs OāLeary doesnāt hate him.Ā
They both go talk to Hades who jumps at the excuse to win back his son by buying him more stuff.Ā
The dog ends up being a hellhound mix (donāt ask how.)Ā
The mix is mostly so she is a bit smaller for convenience (so she can fit in places.)
I'd assume she looks something like a Burmese mountain dog mix.
Her names Penelope (Penny) and Nico loves her.Ā
Nico and Her spend a couple of months doing service dog training with Artemis and the hunters (dogs are one of her patron animals.)
the time he spends with them also gives him a bit of closure and helps him process what happened to his sister.
soon enough she's graduated their honorary service dog school and is fully trained.
She goes with Nico everywhere. Since she is half hellhound she can assist with shadow travel and make it easier for Nico. (To Wills relief)Ā
She helps Nico with panic attacks and nightmares.Ā
She grabs things for him (KitKats, sword, water, pillows.)Ā
she can even open the fridge in the big house.
If Nico is having a really bad episode or a flashback he canāt come out of or if heās in any physical danger, she knows to go get Will Chiron or MR D. In a heartbeat.Ā
Again a shadow traveling dog being useful.
Will makes extra sure that everyone at camp is aware of how service animals work.Ā
He teaches all the campers about what Penny's job is and why theyāre not allowed to distract her.
On occasion when she isn't working she'll play fetch or get pets from some of the kids.Ā
All Nicos freind's and family love her.
Like everyone wants to be a part of this dogs life, Nico has literally never been more popular.
Hazel buys her a sweater for the holidays.
Rachel helps Nico also dye part of her tail at one point (to keep her identifiable) and they give it a cool design.
Annabeth asks if she can make her a cool dog house.
Piper insists that they take her to the groomer and buys her little bandannas.
Percy helps Nico teach her how to swim.
She will also grabs medical supplies for WillĀ sometimes.
Grover also knows how to talk to her and regularly lets her know how Nico is doing (not that she doesn't already know.)Ā
Nico finds it easier to eat with Penelope.
It kind of forces him to eat on a schedule, since Penny has to be fed three times a day and the two of them can eat at the same time.
Nico also gives her little scraps off his plate sometimes which makes them both happy.
She gets absolutely spoiled.Ā
At one point Nico gets worried that she might get hurt fighting a monster. Hades assured him she wonāt but Leo makes her some extra cool dog armor just in case
She also has a little bag attached to her vest for carrying supplies on quests and long journeys. (list of things these bags might contain: Ambrosia, Dog treats, Water/kitkats, extra weapons, drachmas.)
Nico connects so well with this fucking dog.
Like he always struggled with people and he never really even considered being an animal person.
But he absolutely adores Penny.
He talks to her about things that worry him and just finds her presence so unbelievably comforting.
Will solace (who I think personally would become a vet sooner than a doctor) Has this dog on the best fucking diet you could imagine
you have never seen a more medically healthy dog.
Partially because of how calmer Nico is with him, and partially because he keeps a treat jar in the infirmary now.
The best part! she cannot die (from old age at least) Immortal service dog!
Having a huge fluffy head is great for pressure therapy.
Nico (neurodivergent) likes the texture of her fur and stims by petting her or playing with her ears.
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