In this excerpt from "The Lightning Thief," Percy encounters a pink poodle named Gladiola, which Annabeth introduces to him. Percy is initially bewildered and thinks Annabeth is joking, but she insists that he greet the dog. The situation becomes awkward when the poodle growls at him, intensifying his reluctance to interact with it.

Percy feels uncomfortable and resistant to the idea of addressing a poodle, reflecting his disbelief and confusion. Despite Annabeth's insistence, the encounter highlights Percy's struggles with unusual circumstances and his reluctance to engage with something that feels absurd. The moment serves as a blend of humor and tension, characteristic of Percy’s adventures.