I call my golden retriever Cara my 'white wolf.' She's changed my

Host: The room feels cozy, the soft light of the evening casting a gentle glow across the table where Jack and Jeeny sit. The warmth of their conversation contrasts with the stillness outside. The quote they’re discussing brings a smile to both of their faces, as it sparks a moment of reflection about pets, relationships, and the way they can shape our perspectives.

Jeeny: "Debi Gliori once said, 'I call my golden retriever Cara my 'white wolf.' She's changed my attitude and made me write this book where the wolf is the hero, not the villain.' It’s such a beautiful way of expressing how pets can deeply influence us. It makes me wonder, how do you think animals, especially pets, have the power to change our perspective on life?"

Jack: He chuckles softly, clearly touched by the sentiment in the quote. "I think pets, especially dogs, have a unique way of helping us see the world through a simpler, more positive lens. They don't carry the same prejudices or judgments that we do—they’re just present, loving, and always there, no matter what. Cara, in this case, seems to have helped Gliori change her view of the wolf. The wolf, once seen as a villain, becomes a hero because of the way her pet has shaped her understanding." He pauses thoughtfully. "It’s like pets have this power to shift our mindset, to make us see things from a different angle. They teach us unconditional love and loyalty, and in doing so, we learn to approach the world with a little more kindness and open-mindedness."

Jeeny: "I love that. It’s almost like animals invite us to embrace vulnerability and compassion. They don’t need to change who we are to love us; they just accept us fully. I think that unconditional acceptance is what allows us to let go of some of our hard-edged views. It softens us." She smiles, her eyes softening with the thought. "And I think that’s what Gliori means by calling the wolf a hero. It’s about recognizing the goodness in something we might have once feared or misunderstood, just like how pets show us that sometimes, love and loyalty are the true heroes of any story."

Jack: "Exactly. Pets help us see past the surface and the labels we place on things. They teach us that there’s often more to the story than we realize, that what might seem threatening or difficult at first could actually have a different side—just like the wolf. It’s not about seeing things through rose-colored glasses, but about understanding that things, or people, are often more complex than we assume. Cara, for Gliori, is likely more than just a dog; she’s a symbol of growth and change." He grins, a touch of affection in his voice. "I think that’s the magic pets bring to our lives—they allow us to let go of fears and judgments, and instead embrace the possibility of seeing the world with new eyes."

Jeeny: "I think that's the most powerful part. Cara helped Gliori rewrite her perspective—not just in terms of animals, but in life. The change in how she views the wolf reflects a change in how she views the world around her. It’s all about shifting from fear to understanding, from seeing a threat to recognizing the strength in something different." Her voice softens, almost in reflection. "And I think it’s a reminder that we all have the ability to rewrite our own stories, too. If we change our perspective, we can turn things we once feared or misunderstood into something beautiful and meaningful."

Host: The room feels peaceful now, as Jack and Jeeny sit in the quiet realization that the lessons animals teach us are often deeper than we realize. The simple act of having a pet, of allowing them into our lives, can shift the way we see the world—transforming fear into understanding, turning villains into heroes, and teaching us to approach life with open hearts and minds.

As the evening continues, the conversation lingers, echoing a quiet truth: Sometimes, it’s the most unexpected things—a pet, a small shift in perspective—that can change the way we live and love. And in that, we discover a new sense of grace and understanding.