Posted on Jan 10, 2019
By Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn
The last time I was at our Tennessee location, it was freezing. The barn had not been winterized and when we were hit with a very premature frost, we scrambled to make sure the animals were warm. With your help, we were able to insulate the roof, seal off the gaping opening in our hay storage area that was allowing the frigid air in, and close the spaces between the roof and walls. We also had our electric wiring redone to power heaters in each stall. With blankets for our horses and goats and thick straw bedding for everyone, the barn is now warm and cozy for all our rescued animals. No matter how cold, how hard it might be raining, or how hard the wind might be howling outside, we sleep sound knowing that all our babies are sleeping soundly as well. Thank you so much for donating and for enabling us to winterize our Nashville barn to perfection!
Freezing temperatures force the body to work very hard at staying warm, while the grass is dormant disallowing extra calories. It is common to see weight loss on animals during the winter. We are working very hard at all three locations to balance hay, grain, and Sun Chlorella Algae Super Food to maintain the weight of all our animals. But during this trip to Nashville, I was delighted to find all our animals perfectly plump and round in all the right places. They are thriving! And little Lolli, who lost both back feet to frostbite a year ago before we found her, is doing great in her prosthetics. They fit her perfectly, her residual limbs are getting used to wearing them, and she leaps, runs, and plays with her mom like a normal and very happy kid.
Running three locations is a big undertaking, requiring extensive travel and time training staff. But at times like these, when we visit a location and the animals are thriving, the property looks perfect, and our staff is pouring their hearts and souls into their work, it fills me and Jay with extreme pride, joy, and delight. If you have not visited our Los Angeles, Nashville, or St Louis locations yet, come see us either for a private tour or while we are open to the public. You’ll fall in love all over again! Jay and I will be at our Nashville location this Sunday, January 13th, we’d love to see you there; the Magic is waiting for you!