The Gentle Barn is an animal rescue that doesn't really discriminate, they have cats, dogs, horses, cows, pigs, chickens, peacocks, turkeys...donkeys...sheep...lamb...everything! My favorite part is that every animal is rescued and has a story, which they display on the website. Take a look
here. The Gentle Barn is only open to the public on Sundays, but Monday-Saturday they work with at risk kids to rehabilitate them and teach them how to be vulnerable and to love. The founder told us that it's a very successful program that she has with schools in the area and the state. Finally, the founder follows a plant based diet for a variety of reasons, and doesn't allow animal products to be consumed (or sold of course) at The Gentle Barn, out of respect for the animals. Yes, there was a vegan hot dog stand and vegan ice cream sandwiches...yum!
The Gentle Barn experience is very cool for any animal lover. The founder gave a short speech on where The Gentle Barn came from, and a little background on some of the animals. What really struck me is when she rephrased this quote to tell us why we should be gentle to the animals (also on their website):
"The soul is the same in all living creatures,
although the body of each is different."
-
Hippocrates
In all, it was a great day filled with positive energy and love. I highly recommend visiting the Gentle Barn or somewhere like it.
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| Joe has a slight fear of horses...this is the first pic of the day. |
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| King was rescued from the desert! No food, no water, abandoned. |
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| He was friendly, even smiled for the camera...yes, he needs braces :) |
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| This is Biscuit, he is over 1,000 lbs and was genetically engineered to be pork chops. The Gentle Barn rescued him, and though he wasn't meant to live past 6 months (because that's when they send pigs to slaughter), he is around 8 yrs old I think. The volunteer told us he runs around in the morning, and enjoys rolling in the mud. |
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| This is me giving tummy rubs, not pushing on poor Biscuit's belly! |
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| Biscuit is 1,000 pounds and Joe is 240 pounds... |
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| These are pot bellied pigs - they were SNORING. |
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| This is Zeus, he and Biscuit don't get along, two strong personalities you might say. |
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| This is Storm, he is the only Rooster at The Gentle Barn. The founder said they rescued roosters for six years and none of them were gentlemen, until Storm came along. He cook-a-doodle-doo's when treats are put out, to make sure all of his ladies get some! |
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| This is Faith, she is blind! I had no idea until she almost knocked me over. |
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| This is Faith giving me a hug as I brush her :) |
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| Anna and Buttercup, what a ham! She was rescued from a backyard butcher and was 8 months pregnant when they found her. Her poor calf didn't survive longer than 7 months because Buttercup wasn't given any prenatal care. They say that Buttercup is nurturing and mothers all of the calves that come in to the Gentle Barn! |
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| In her speech, the founder said that she truly believes that you haven't lived until you hug a cow...so I did! And today, I lived! |
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| Joe, breaking his fear of horses! Feeding Princess - she was a trail horse for 23 years and was going to be put down because she was in pain. The Gentle Barn rescued her and sent her to several muscle therapy sessions and now she is good as new! :) |
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| This is Rascalina, she used to be kept alone and would rock as a soothing mechanism when she was nervous. Now, she doesn't rock at all and is very happy :) |
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| Sir Lancelot was a rescue from LAPD in an abuse case, he was scheduled to be put down but GB rescued him. They helped him gain weight and become a happy guy! |
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| Sir Lancelot |
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| Patches - she was a pony for a little girl who outgrew her, didn't want her anymore. Poor Patches was depressed and overweight when GB took her in. When I saw her today, she was svelte and happy getting lots of attention (and carrots - which is what is in my hand...don't worry, I was just trying to get her to smile for the camera, I know - feed her with an open hand!)! |
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| Buddha, he is the therapy cow that is very relaxed and handles kids very well. He is a peaceful, gentle giant! |
