When we have time to read, which isn’t often, we like to read books with our animals. We were curious to find out the kinds of animals that our founder’s book, "My Gentle Barn", was being read with and so we put out a request for pictures. We have gotten pictures from all over the world, as well as very touching stories. One woman sent us a picture of her beloved dog who seemed so adorable; we are always taken with the older ones. She said that he could not move around much anymore so she loved being with him and reading. They had read the entire book together and loved it. Our founder, Ellie Laks, touched by the picture and story, reached out to them in thanks for sharing her sweet Jake with us. The woman e-mailed back and told us that Jake had actually passed away just days after finishing the book and that the book had given her so much comfort and strength when saying goodbye to her baby boy.

We are so honored that reading "My Gentle Barn" gave them that time to spend together and the peace to let him go when it was time for him to fly away. We are blessed to meet people who have read our founder's book and been touched by their stories. If you are reading "My Gentle Barn" with a special someone and want to share with us, please email us at photo@gentlebarn.org. Thank you!