The Gentle Barn

Website Contact the organization

The Gentle Barn Teaching kindness and compassion
๐Ÿ„๐Ÿ–๐Ÿ‘๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿ๐Ÿ“๐Ÿซ

10/14/2026

We can learn a lot from animals ๐Ÿ’š

When Bonnie came to The Gentle Barn she immediately took on the role of matriarch, creating a balanced dynamic with our herd. Bonnie watched over her family as they slept, settled arguments, kept the peace, and made sure to groom every member of her herd.

We miss her deeply, but she left us with an important message: lead with love, be courageous, follow your intuition, and embrace your feminine energy. She will forever remain in our hearts.

If you would like to hear more stories about the resilient matriarchs at The Gentle Barn, check out Ellie Laks book, "Cow Hug Therapy", available anywhere books are sold.

10/13/2026

Precious moments with our rescue cow Chico๐Ÿฎ

10/12/2026

Come and visit Maybelle at The Gentle Barn TN so she can show off all of her pretty bows ๐Ÿฅน๐ŸŽ€

10/09/2026

At The Gentle Barn, we believe healing happens both ways. When a cow arrives at our sanctuary, we start by giving them the time, care, and love they need to heal. And when theyโ€™re ready, they can choose to share that same comfort with others.

Cow Hug Therapyยฎ began with our founder, Ellie Laks, and her first rescue cow, Buddha, 27 years ago. Today, it continues to create a space where people can come and find a connection with any of our Cow Hug Therapists to laugh, cry, be still, and simply be themselves without judgment.

There is a place for everyone in Cow Hug Therapyยฎ. Come experience the healing power of connection for yourself at either of our CA and TN locations, or by reading the powerful stories and connections from Ellie's book, "Cow Hug Therapy", available anywhere books are sold ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿ’š

10/08/2026

Baron's days consist of being the goofball of the barnyard, but he quickly turns into a pampered king when it's time to get brushed ๐Ÿ‘‘

Our daily brushing sessions keep our animals calm and relaxed while also helping them build a special bond with their caretakers and volunteers๐Ÿ’š

Book your visit to come meet Baron at gentlebarn.org โ˜€๏ธ

10/07/2026

Turkeys are so much more than most people realize ๐Ÿฅน

Theyโ€™re affectionate, curious, intelligent, and deeply social. They communicate with each other, form relationships, and love to cuddle when they feel safe. And just like any other animal, they deserve the chance to grow up, explore their surroundings, and live a life filled with comfort and connection.

Turkeys arenโ€™t food, theyโ€™re family ๐Ÿฆƒ๐Ÿ’š

10/05/2026

Fall is officially here ๐Ÿ‚

Grab your friends and family and join us at The Gentle Barn for the perfect autumn day. Spend quality time with our rescued animals, hear their stories, and discover how they inspire us every day.

We are open to the p***c on Sundays and also offer private tours and field trips. You can find out more at GentleBarn.org/visit

Everyone loves pumpkin season, our animals included. We're now accepting pumpkin donations (whole, not carved, and organic preferred ๐Ÿ˜Š). The animals can't wait to meet you!

How it started vs. how itโ€™s going ๐ŸฅนHappy   from The Gentle Barn ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿท๐ŸToday, and every day, we celebrate the lives of all o...
10/02/2026

How it started vs. how itโ€™s going ๐Ÿฅน

Happy from The Gentle Barn ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿท๐Ÿ

Today, and every day, we celebrate the lives of all of our rescue animals, reminding the world that farm animals are individuals with their own personalities, relationships, feelings, and stories, who deserve the chance to grow up safe, loved, and free to be themselves just like everybody else ๐Ÿ’š

Want to learn more about animal rescues? Check out the story and history of The Gentle Barn with founder Ellie Laks' book "My Gentle Barn" available everywhere books are sold.

10/01/2026

What happens to a mother cow and her baby in the dairy industry?

For a dairy cow to produce milk, she must give birth. On many dairy farms, her calf is separated from her soon after birth so her milk can be collected for humans instead. This directly created the veal industry where male calves are kept in small crates so their muscles stay soft until theyโ€™re sent to slaughter.

We know this reality firsthand through Maybelle and Miles. Maybelle came to The Gentle Barn as a retired dairy cow, and when she arrived, she wouldn't stop crying. Our founder, Ellie, was told that she didn't have a baby, but Maybelle insisted otherwise.

Ellie trusted her. They went back to the farm unannounced and found Miles, still there and waiting for his mom. We were able to rescue him and reunite them, and they've been inseparable ever since.

Their story reminds us that mothers and babies have bonds that matter. And once you know what happens, you have the power to make a different choice.

Choosing a vegan diet is one way we can help create a future where cows aren't valued for what they produce, but for who they are. Every choice toward compassion makes a difference ๐ŸŒฑ๐Ÿฎ๐Ÿ’š

09/30/2026

Enrichment isnโ€™t just about keeping animals entertained. Itโ€™s about giving them opportunities to explore, play, forage, relax, and express their natural behaviors ๐Ÿ’š

Just like us, farm animals have individual personalities, preferences, and ways they enjoy spending their time. Toys, treats, music, sandboxes, scratch posts, and even a quiet story can give them choices and meaningful ways to engage with the world around them.

At The Gentle Barn, we believe caring for animals means caring for their whole selves, not just their physical needs, but their emotional well-being, too.

Address

Santa Clarita, CA

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Gentle Barn posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Organization

Send a message to The Gentle Barn:

Shortcuts

Share