After visiting with my husband on a Sunday three years ago, I became a volunteer in the upper barnyard at The Gentle Barn. I left the corporate entertainment world and although I've always been volunteering for many causes human and animal, when I heard of this, it just made sense. Everyone was so welcoming and warm, how could I say no?

The Gentle Barn has been a perfect fit and I couldn't imagine not being a part of their family and home. The work Ellie and Jay have done to change the lives of not only the horribly abused animals they have rescued, but to the special needs children and adults they have taught to love and trust again, is immeasurable.

I have also made many friends, animal and human. I’m close to their staff, especially Michelle, Aldo and Jeremy and count many volunteers as friends. I've become very bonded with the animals and take great pride in their care and the love I have and share with them. We've gone through losses that have had us utterly heartbroken, but with the circle of life, we also experience great joy with each of these wonderful creatures. Each of their personalities teaches us that they really are no different than ours and must be coveted and cared for respectfully and humanely. The Barn changes you, the way you think, the way you eat, the way you want to make everyday about being kind to one another and all living things.

My last shift reminded me why I love it there so; it was the most perfect beautiful day. After the chores were done, watching all of the animals napping in the dappled sunlight, listening to the breeze through the trees, the graceful sound of wind chimes at the house, the jingle of the goats bells, I just laid down in the barnyard among them all, looked up to the sky and felt grateful for being so blessed.

It’s a magical place and I couldn't imagine my life without it… Come visit and have it change the way YOU see life!