I learned about The Gentle Barn from my husband's friend. I had been looking for a way I could be of service by volunteering somewhere. So the next Sunday I went to The Gentle Barn during open visiting hours and the rest is history! I began by taking shifts in the upper barnyard...goats, sheep, pigs, llamas, turkeys, chickens and an emu. Getting to know all these animals was a lesson about healing, forgiveness, kindness and unconditional love. I have had the privilege of fostering a lamb; spending time with rescued veal calves; shifts with newly rescued goats and sheep; spending some night shifts sleeping with our new baby goat so he would feel safe and secure and I continue to foster dogs on behalf of The Gentle Barn.

I have come to think of Jay and Ellie and The Gentle Barn volunteers as family. Although a work in progress, volunteering has changed me for the better and opened my eyes to all possibilities!