In this thought-provoking book, Stephen Webb brings a Christian perspective to bear on the subject of our responsibility to animals, looked at through the lens of our relations with pets - especially dogs.

Thoughtful and reflective writing on our relationship with the animal world can be hard to come by, particularly among those writing from a specifically Christian perspective ... Stephen Webb's latest book is therefore a welcome contribution. It recognizes the theological differences between human beings and other animals, yet without reducing the relationship to a purely instrumental one ... Webb has written the best book we have on the subject.

"Thoughtful and reflective writing on our relationship with the animal world can be hard to come by, particularly among those writing from a specifically Christian perspective....Stephen Webb's latest book is therefore a welcome contribution. It recognizes the theological differences between human beings and other animals, yet without reducing the relationship to a purely instrumental one....Webb has written the best book we have on the subject."--Modern Theology "Webb...makes an excellent contribution to the growing theological and philosophical debate concerning the relationship between humans and animals....I strongly recommend Webb's book to anyone who cares about the theological and ethical issues surrounding the human-animal relationship and to those interested in environmental studies in general."--Seminary Studies "Webb has provided a valuable source of information concerning contemporary views on human-animal relations....As important as any aspect of the book is his account of the adventure as well as the intellectual and spiritual gains that come to us not only through what we give to animals but also through recognition of and gratitude for what they give to us....Highly recommended."--Choice "The study is significant and original because it considers issues that have often been brushed aside....Webb's book does provide an important starting point for further discussion of the theological meaning of pet relationships, and the implications of those relationships for the way we treat all animals and live in the world."--Anglican Theological Review "A deeply theological book, which is beautifully written and ponders the literary accounts of animals with great sensitivity... Few theologians could have endowed their daily lives, and the relationships that fill them, with such theological skill." Crucible "Thoughtful and reflective writing on our relationship with the animal world can be hard to come by, particularly among those writing from a specifically Christian perspective....Stephen Webb's latest book is therefore a welcome contribution. It recognizes the theological differences between human beings and other animals, yet without reducing the relationship to a purely instrumental one....Webb has written the best book we have on the subject."--Modern Theology "Webb...makes an excellent contribution to the growing theological and philosophical debate concerning the relationship between humans and animals....I strongly recommend Webb's book to anyone who cares about the theological and ethical issues surrounding the human-animal relationship and to those interested in environmental studies in general."--Seminary Studies "Webb has provided a valuable source of information concerning contemporary views on human-animal relations....As important as any aspect of the book is his account of the adventure as well as the intellectual and spiritual gains that come to us not only through what we give to animals but also through recognition of and gratitude for what they give to us....Highly recommended."--Choice "The study is significant and original because it considers issues that have often been brushed aside....Webb's book does provide an important starting point for further discussion of the theological meaning of pet relationships, and the implications of those relationships for the way we treat all animals and live in the world."--Anglican Theological Review "A deeply theological book, which is beautifully written and ponders the literary accounts of animals with great sensitivity... Few theologians could have endowed their daily lives, and the relationships that fill them, with such theological skill." Crucible