The protagonist in "Animal Dreams" reflects on profound personal loss, feeling as though nothing valued can be kept safe. The loss of both her mother and her baby has created a deep sense of sorrow and resignation. This experience shapes her worldview, leaving her feeling detached and wary of love, unlike her friend Hallie, who still dares to embrace life and relationships despite their inherent risks.

This contrast between the narrator and Hallie highlights a disparity in their experiences with love and loss. The narrator believes that Hallie's carefree attitude stems from a lack of deep emotional encounters, as indicated by her comment regarding Hallie having never been truly "born" into the harsh realities of life. This conveys the notion that true understanding comes from facing profound grief, which can change one's perspective on love and risk.