The Gentle Barn rescues, rehabilitates, and gives sanctuary to severely abused animals. Founded by Ellie Laks in 1999, The Gentle Barn also provides a place where children of all ages, abilities, and backgrounds can experience the benefits of interacting with animals. The Gentle Barn Foundation is home to over 170 animals rescued from abuse that have subsequently been rehabilitated with medicine, top-quality nutrition, and countless hours of love, affection, and attention from staff and volunteers.
Visitors to The Gentle Barn can find horses, donkeys, cows, pigs, sheep, goats, turkeys, chicken, llamas, dogs, and cats. The barn is open to the public every Sunday from 10 am to 2 pm; SCV and Southern California residents can also book the barn for birthdays, field trips and private tours to learn more about the facility and get to know its occupants.
The Gentle Barn combines Ellie’s interest in psychology and undying passion for animals to create a nurturing, safe environment for all creatures. A core component of The Gentle Barn’s mission is youth outreach, and the facility has brought thousands of children over the past fifteen years to learn about kindness, compassion, and courage from its residents.
Many of the animals in The Gentle Barn were raised in dire circumstances, and often require ongoing treatment and rehabilitation for months to years afterward. However, every single creature gradually adapts to the vast improvement in their quality of life, and learns to trust humans again. That these animals can overcome their pasts is a testament to the healing power of love, as well as the power to overcome adversity, both of which are present in all creatures.
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This is a message that appeals to people of all ages, but especially at-risk and special needs youth, who identify with the animals and share their stories. In learning to be compassionate and considerate toward animals, children can develop the emotional foundation necessary to demonstrate kindness and respect toward the people around them.
Residents of the Santa Clarita Valley can find out more about The Gentle Barn, a wonderful place for humans and animals alike, at the Santa Clarita Home and Garden Show on April 25 and 26 at the Hyatt Regency in Valencia.
The Gentle Barn
15825 Sierra Highway
Santa Clarita, CA 91350
(661) 252 – 2440
www.gentlebarn.org
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