Even though The Gentle Barn was my dream since I was seven-years-old, I actually founded it eighteen years ago when I discovered an abusive petting zoo and brought many of their animals home to give them the love and care they deserved. Ten years later, those founding animals all aged out together and we went through a very hard year saying farewell to them. Now, we are almost celebrating twenty years of The Gentle Barn and the second generation of animals are all growing old at the same time. Most of our horses are in their thirties, our cows are in their late teens, our chickens are all seniors, and are pigs are turning ten in April. Most farm animals live a fraction of that. Over the next few years, we might have to help many of our animals transcend. Meanwhile, we are doing everything we can to keep them healthy, mobile, comfortable, and feeling great for as long as we can.

One of the many things we do for our seniors is acupuncture. It helps with inflammation and pain, helps them continue to walk and thrive, and gives them more energy and vitality. We are currently providing acupuncture for our senior cows, horses, and dogs. It is very effective, and also very expensive. Please help us, help them, and donate towards vet care this week.

Your support enables us to order hay and feed for our many rescued animals as well. We cannot possibly do this work without you; thank you for loving animals with us and for being a part of our gentle family!