Because of the long-standing focus on sin and redemption, Christians often neglect God's desire for us to be in loving relationship with Him, with our neighbors near and far, and with animals as fellow creatures. In a collection of essays, retired pastor Barbara Linder describes the surprising and inspiring encounters she has had with nine animals-dogs, snakes, squirrels, spiders, bears, eagles, songbirds, elk, and monarch butterflies-while sharing what she experienced during each encounter, what the animal has symbolized in some cultures, and what we can learn from these animals. Included are suggestions for how to compassionately co-exist with our fellow creatures, introspective questions designed to inspire reflection, applicable scripture, and encouragement to spend more time outdoors to sit in silence to become aware of the animals that help us, in their own way, to grow personally and spiritually. Encounters with Animals shares personal essays from a retired pastor about her encounters with wildlife and what she has learned from each of them to grow personally and spiritually.