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

Matriarchs

Last week was National Women’s Day and all I could think about were the strong cows and horses who raised me in the barnyard and taught me everything I know. Cows and horses live in a matriarchal society, led by strong females. In the horse family, there is a strong stallion who rules with an iron hoof, disciplines when necessary, and protects…

Nineteen Years

Ellie Laks and Jay Weiner - Early Years of Gentle Barn California

We have been so focused on our opening in Nashville that I haven’t even talked about our anniversary coming up. On August 26th there will…

Ain't no ordinary cow!

The Gentle Barn was my dream since I was seven, but I spent years procrastinating. Even when I discovered an abusive petting zoo and was finally connected to my life's path, I still didn't have the courage to start my dream until…

Full Circle

We’ve wanted to go national for a while and open Gentle Barns in every state. When planning it out, we thought that it would be best to hit the bigger states first: New York, Illinois, Texas, Oregon, and Colorado. However, during my eighteen years at The Gentle Barn I’m realizing that I’m not…

A Mom’s Love

Those of you who read my book, My Gentle Barn, know how connected I was to my first cow, Buddha. She was more like a mom to me than she ever was a rescued animal. She was my witness when I cried, she gave the warmest hugs, she helped me with…

Homage to my greatest teacher

This month marks the 3rd anniversary of Buddha’s transition, but it feels like yesterday. Buddha was my partner, my teacher, my confidante, and my friend, and when she left it was by far the most painful thing that has ever happened to me. I know she is still with me in spirit and…

Remembering Buddha

                     

It is impossible to celebrate The Gentle Barn’s 15th Anniversary without talking about Buddha. Buddha was The Gentle Barn’s very first cow. She was also the same age as The Gentle Barn, so she would have been 15 years old now. Buddha was the wisest animal we have ever met and it was very common…

Barn Update

Our cow that we just rescued from the backyard butcher had her baby early last Thursday morning! She must have been born very early because when we came out at 6:00 a.m. she was already dry and running next to her mom. She is so tiny and gorgeous and her mom is just thrilled.…

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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.