Hope lives at the Gentle Barn Foundation

If only the world were a kid’s song.

Old MacDonald would rule the roost. All cows would be free to moo, ducks could cluck, and everyone would sing Eieio like a gay ‘ole barnyard hoedown.

But our farms are more like something sadist out of a Marilyn Manson video. Eiei-no.

We want a place that gives back to the animals that have the power to take the suck right out of a sucky day; A place that allows us to connect with four-legged friends when we are craving a much-needed break from demanding members of our own species. A place where everybody has a name.

We need … Gentle Barn.

Joining the ranks of Farm Sanctuary, Gentle Barn is a safe haven for 130 animals who have been rescued from highly abusive situations. Staff and volunteers work tirelessly to help them relearn to trust humans through consistent care, physical therapy and patient encouragement.  All of the animals come from devastating circumstances and are therefore not adoptable. But they are guaranteed a home at The Gentle Barn for life. The menagerie is a Healthy Bitch heaven—offering a second chance to cows, pigs, chickens, dogs, llamas, cats, horses, goats and more. Some are blind, and some are deformed or maimed, but all are accepted and loved. (Is anybody else bawling right about now?)

Where Kids Connect

The Gentle Barn is more than just a home sweet home for animals, too. It provides an incredible resource for children from a variety of backgrounds, from kids with special physical or emotional needs, to those who come from broken and abusive homes, to those who are just there to learn. The children interact with the animals while they are told the story of what they have been through, which helps them learn compassion and gain an understanding that safety, love and acceptance are possible for everyone—yes, even them.

Sponsor an Animal

Visitors are encouraged to come and snuggle with a chicken, sit with a goat, brush a horse or hug a cow for a mere $5 donation. Classroom trips, birthday parties, and scout outings are all available, and über accessible if you live near Santa Clarita, California, the home of the Gentle Barn. If not, you can sponsor an animal.

There’s a sheep named Josh who needs a sponsor. And a steer named Vegan.  Oh, how about an ostrich named Yoda. And as for the love of our life? Barbie the pig. Your building may not allow a pet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t have one.

Sponsor an animal today, by clicking here. 

Learn more about how you can volunteer, plan a field trip or just show your love at Gentlebarn.org.