07/19/2026
This is a post I never thought I would have to make, but it is time to share what has been going on with me for the last nine months. Before I started Gentle Acres, I had undergone two spinal surgeries. I continued to go to my spine doctor monthly and have additional procedures to manage my pain. Over the past year, the pain became unbearable at times and I met with a neurosurgeon at UVA. After an MRI, CT scan, X-rays, and EMG test to check for nerve damage, the doctors found multiple fractures, slipped discs, pinched nerves, worsening scoliosis, bone spurs, and nerve damage down both legs. Their recommendation is to perform a surgical procedure that would place a rod from the middle of my back down to my tailbone with multiple fusions. This would prevent me from the daily movement necessary to care for the angels who call Gentle Acres home. My hope was to raise enough funds to hire a barn manager, but that never became a reality. The most important thing for me is that these once abused, discarded, neglected, and special needs babies are provided with the best possible care and loving homes. After five and a half years, I have decided to close my sanctuary and find loving homes for each of the souls who I have had the honor of loving each & every day.
Starting this Thursday, seventeen of our loved ones will begin their new journey. Roxy & Phoenix will be going to Woodstock Farm Sanctuary. Blossom & Tallulah will be going to Happy Compromise Farm + Sanctuary. Pax, Willow, Marla, Annabelle, and Nicholas, along with Clover, Margaux, Bodhi, Shanti, Lily, & Bobbi will be going to Sweet Farm. Midge will be going to Rancho Relaxo. Finally, Cricket and Duke will be going to Piedmont Farm Animal Refuge.
I have no idea how I am going to say goodbye to those who have occupied my heart every single day since they arrived here. Most of them were babies that I have watched grow into beautiful, strong, confident, trusting animals who have created families here. They are my family too. I am still working to place the rest of our residents before leaving. All will be grouped with those they are most bonded with to make their transition as stress free as possible. Please follow the sanctuaries who have lovingly stepped forward at this difficult time. I cannot thank them enough for opening their hearts and homes to our angels. Thank you all for being on this incredible journey with me. I am forever grateful for your loving support and generosity. Please stay with me until I am able to place every last soul. All my love - Jeanine 💜
