From domestication to the religious views on the welfare of animals all the way to modern day atrocities that elephants and chimps endured, A.J. Watson’s On the Fifth Day covers our relationship to animals over the epochs. Contained within these sixty three thousand words is everything from the blessings on Tabby cats to the tragic life of Pablo and everything in between.

On the Fifth Day delves into the Abrahamic faiths and Eastern Religions to explore the animals’ place within the major religions. Watson expertly compares and contrasts them within a Christian framework to make the case that God cares for animals. On the Fifth Day takes the reader from the beginning of creation, to the domestication of animals, and concludes with the emotional and mental benefits that animals provide.