In "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan, the protagonist attempts to communicate positive emotions to Cerberus, the three-headed dog of the Underworld. He holds something up in an effort to connect with the creature by focusing on cheerful and pleasant thoughts usually associated with dogs, such as joyful moments depicted in Alpo commercials and the innocence of playful puppies.

This scene highlights the character's creative approach to overcoming a daunting challenge. By visualizing happy and comforting images, he hopes to shift the fearsome nature of Cerberus into a more friendly demeanor, symbolizing the importance of positive thinking in confronting intimidating circumstances.