If someone would have told me over a year ago that I would become a Vegan and spend my Sundays hugging and teaching people how to hug a cow or show them the proper way to cuddle a Turkey, I would have given them a look that let them know I thought that they were crazy. Like so many of us I didn’t get to grow up knowing that I could have an actual connection with animals that didn’t include eating them or that their lives have exactly the same value as mine. Having the privilege to volunteer at The Gentle Barn and being given the chance to work with Lucy the cow on my very first day as well as getting to working in the office has not only taught me all of this, but has open the doors to a better way of looking at the world. I’m so grateful that I get to be a part of Ellie’s dream, which has spread into something so incredible and has been able to give strength to so many and gives hope to a world that doesn’t always seem like it has any. Thank you Ellie, Jay, Michelle, and to all of the volunteers and staff for guiding me towards becoming the person I feel that I should have always been, for giving me the opportunity to call you my friends and allowing me to be part of The Gentle Barn family, and most importantly for showing me that every single animal deserves a life full of love and happiness.

- Miriam