Ellie Laks founded The Gentle Barn in Tarzana in 1999; it was a dream of hers since she was seven years old. Animals were always very healing and nurturing to her as she faced the challenges of growing up, finding herself, fitting in, feeling understood, etc. She majored in special education and psychology, and with her special love of animals and children, The Gentle Barn was a perfect way of putting all her talents and passions into one.
Jay Weiner joined The Gentle Barn in 2002 as a volunteer, but fell in love with the place and the two joined forces to heal even more children and animals. Like Ellie, Jay also turned to animals for the support, love and nurturing he needed as a child.
The Gentle Barn started on a half-acre property in the middle of the San Fernando Valley, CA. In 2003 Ellie and Jay moved The Gentle Barn moved to a six-acre paradise in Santa Clarita, CA. The property is complete with large horse and cow pastures, a red and white barnyard for the smaller animals, an organic vegetable garden, lots of shade trees, and a panoramic view of gorgeous mountains. Our over one hundred and seventy rescued animals are safe and happy at The Gentle Barn, and there is plenty of room to welcome our visitors and the children we host.
The ultimate goal is to open Gentle Barn's across the country so that every animal and child can have a place of healing and safety and where they can be seen for the perfect beings that they are. Since its inception, The Gentle Barn has been home to hundreds of animals and host to over 400,000 people.
1. Amazement at all the good she and the barn has done
2. Guilt.... why can't I do more? Why am I not pounding more pavement for animals?
3. Sadness over the stories of each animal told
4. Love. Pure love.
I need to spread this message, pass this book that is so filled with love on to others!!! So I am going to Give Away my copy in hopes that when you are done you will then pass this copy on again!
Do you want my copy of My Gentle Barn???
Here is how to enter!!!!
Just leave me a comment! Easy peasy and tell me what animal in your life has touched you.
How to leave me a comment??
1. At the end of this post in PINK click on the word comment! And the link will prompt you to do the rest!
I will announce a winner on Friday and I will ship the book out to you on Monday!!!!
Here is a wonderful example of just one of the animals living at The Gentle Barn and how easy it is to help!
Addison - Donkey
Addison was forced to pull heavy things. He was beaten when he refused. He was finally confiscated from that man and brought to the Gentle Barn where he was taught to trust and have fun. His favorite thing is to have his head and ears rubbed.
To learn more about The Gentle Barn click HERE to visit their site!!!!
