Posted on Aug 26, 2014
By Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn
This week we had an amazing group of children from the Los Angeles Mission, made possible by Sun Chlorella. Like our animals, these kids have gone through some terrible times and have had to grow up too fast. They came out to the barn to hug cows, cuddle turkeys, give tummy rubs to the pigs, feed the horses, hear their stories, get inspired, and have fun! Some of them had not had a really good hug in a while and they put their faces on the cows and soaked in all the unconditional love. Some of them were shut down and sad, yet they soon were giggling and having a blast petting and loving all the animals. Some of them had not felt hope in a while and they squeezed their eyes shut and made wishes at our wishing well. They met our horse, Hero, who was rescued from severe abuse and neglect. We talked about what it takes to be a hero. We all agreed that there are many things that make us all heroes, including helping someone who needs help, smiling at someone who is lonely, believing in ourselves, and being gentle!
They left The Gentle Barn a bit more hopeful, empowered, lighter, and younger. Thank you so much to Sun Chlorella for bringing those wonderful angels to our barn and for everything they do for animals, people, and our planet every day!
We could not photograph the children, but here is Rose and Futoshi from Sun Chlorella with our cow ambassador, Buttercup, showing us all how a good cow hug is done.
Written by Ellie Laks,
Founder, The Gentle Barn