The red wolf in front of me wasn’t just a figment of my dreams, but a living presence in my reality. Seated upright on the ground, I watched the wolf approach me, gently nudging me with her wet snout. As I tried to stand up on my feet, the wolf lowered its large head offering support as I grasped unto it.

As I steadied myself on my feet, my eyes locked onto the wolf’s gaze. Without an ounce of fear in me, I extended my hand and gently rested it on the crown of her head.

As I rubbed her ...