Posted on Dec 01, 2016
By Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn
I have always had a deep love for animals-specifically companion animals, but as I got older and became more informed, I began looking into factory farming and organizations that were helping to end the suffering of those animals afflicted by it. I found The Gentle Barn on Facebook as a suggested page after following a few other sanctuaries. Once I found out they had a location in Knoxville, not just Tennessee, but my very own city, I knew I had to get involved. I visited the first time with the intention of volunteering but was doubly blessed on my visit by the amazing staff and volunteers and phenomenal stories of all the animals.
My first volunteer shift was 5 days after my initial visit. It was like a drug; I was hooked after the first 5 minutes. The Gentle Barn TN has not only given me purpose; it has given me friends-both human and animal. I was made to feel like a freak my whole life because I didn’t want to eat animals and because I placed animals on the same level as people. Animals were my lifeblood, and the Gentle Barn TN gave me a community that not only shared my same thoughts and feelings but also gave me an avenue to share my love with their beloved animals. In a very dark time in my life, this animal sanctuary gave me hope. It gave me a reason to get out of bed and put one step forward. I love the staff, volunteers, patrons, board members, visitors, and especially the animals that call this place home. I will forever be grateful to Ellie and Jay for their sacrifices made to make their dream come true, my dream come true, and I will always be grateful to Andrea for taking a chance on me and giving me purpose again. The Gentle Barn TN has changed my life, and I’m so blessed to be a part of it and its mission to change the lives of animals and the mindset of people.
- Kiera