Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other
Inspiring Kindness and Compassion towards Animals, Our Planet, and Each Other

The Inside Scoop: Susanne

I’ve been an animal lover and advocate for as long as I can remember and, luckily, discovered The Gentle Barn Los Angeles several years ago. A series of challenging situations brought my partner, Jody, and I to Tennessee 14 months ago. I was in a bad car accident and continue to suffer from a TBI which causes constant double/rotating vision and vertigo, while Jody is recovering from Stage 3 breast cancer. We moved to Knoxville to be closer to her family and to continue to heal. I was so excited and frankly, blown away, when I found out The Gentle Barn was opening here. Volunteering at the Barn has been life-changing. Although I've been a vegetarian since childhood, I was finally able to make the leap to 100% vegan!! I have also found a beautiful family of like-minded people here who are dedicated to helping animals and supportive of my new vegan lifestyle. It is so refreshing to be with people who live their values. The most fullfilling and rewarding part of volunteering has been getting to know the rescued animals on a personal level. Each are such unique individuals. Many are disabled but they aren't defined by their disabilities. They live in the present and have learned to trust again. Witnessing their trust and feeling the reciprocal love has been healing for me. Volunteering has seriously been a "dream come true".

- Susanne

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Upcoming Events

  • Chakra Meditation and Sound Healing (Winter 2024)

    March 2nd 2024 - The Gentle Barn California

    Clear, Balance and Align your 7 main Chakras through guided meditation, chanting, and Integrative sound bath. When your chakras are aligned, the energy moves through you more freely, and you can feel in harmony with all aspects of your physical, emotional and spiritual self.

  • Thermal Horizon - Windsong Retreat (Spring 2024)

    May 4th 2024 - The Gentle Barn California

    Let’s come together as a community as we support The Gentle Barn in their endeavor to enrich the lives of abused animals worldwide. Let’s bring our loving hearts, the spirit of opportunity and fill our cups emotionally, spiritually, and physically as we celebrate unity in community by helping these wonderful support animals.

  • Open Sunday in Missouri

    We are excited to be open to the public again on Sunday, at The Gentle Barn: Missouri.

  • Open Sunday in California

    We are excited to be open to the public again on Sunday, at The Gentle Barn: California.

  • Open Sunday in Tennessee

    We are excited to be open to the public again on Sunday, at The Gentle Barn: Tennessee.