Every year, we save some turkeys from Thanksgiving. Chelsea is a sixteen-year-old girl who loves animals and wants to grow up to save them. She asked us if she could help us rescue the turkeys this year like she did last year. So, this past week Jay, with the help of Chelsea, brought home two beautiful angels who were destined to be slaughtered.

These turkeys are very special. Usually animals rescued from slaughter are nervous and afraid when we bring them home, not knowing if we will eat them or not. However, these two birds seemed cool and calm. It seemed as if they accepted the fact that they would be eaten and didn’t even see the point in fighting against it. When they arrived, after giving them some time to eat and drink and get their bearings, we talked to them and explained that they would be safe here and loved. We told them that after getting their bodies well in quarantine they would get to go out to the barnyard and meet all the other animals, roost in the trees, and make lots of friends. We told them that on Thanksgiving we would honor them by giving them pie and cranberries (their favorite) and we would celebrate their life.

The turkeys didn’t believe us at first, but every morning we welcome them with smiles and warm words, and each evening we bid them good night and tell them how beautiful they are. One day soon they see how wonderful life is at The Gentle Barn! Maybe they will even let us cuddle them?

They have a slight cold and are sneezing a bit. We are giving them lots of Sun Chlorella Super Food and believe that they will be healthy and strong in no time. As they settle in and we get to know them, we will keep you posted. If you are able, please come see them and give them a hearty welcome.

If you are not able to join us for our Thanksgiving feast, there are so many wonderful plant based recipes and alternatives at the store, like Gardein. Please consider celebrating gently and peacefully this Thanksgiving.

Written by Ellie Laks

Founder, The Gentle Barn