How can dragons be made more relatable in fantasy fiction?

If you read “In the shadow of his wings” by Bruce Fergusson, you’ll see a way. The creature strikes up an acquaintance with the central character and becomes his ally. Lukan Barra finds himself in the dragon’s lair (it’s called by a name other than ‘dragon’ and the creature engages him is speech. That’s one way. The dragons can be made to be creatures with feelings, not necessarily just malevolent monsters which attack and destroy. A dragon might have its own dreams, need to survive, care for his or her youngsters, and anything else which can make a character relateable.