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

New Love at The Gentle Barn

Thor & Hiroka

New Love at The Gentle Barn

By Ellie Laks
Founder, The Gentle Barn

Animals fall in love just as deeply as we do, and we have many couples at The Gentle Barn. Our turkey Sun loves our goat Gus and the two of them cuddle for hours each day. Our mommy piggy Menorah didn’t like Honey Bear initially but now has a huge crush on him and she even sleeps in his room at night after putting her little ones to bed. Our sheep Bull Sheep and Darling have been an item for years, eating, playing, and napping together. Over the years we’ve had turkey couples, chicken couples, and cows mated for life, all loving each other just like we do. They go on dates, protect one another, and show affection. The urge to socialize, fall in love, and become a family is universal.

We have recently welcomed in a new horse and have a new royal couple. Thor was older in age and had health issues that were too much for his owner to handle. We welcomed him into The Gentle Barn to receive the right medication, corrective hoof trimming, proper dental care, acupuncture, massage therapy, sports medicine therapy, energy healing, and nutritional supplements to restore him to health and wellness. We put him in the stall next to our horse Hiroka (a.k.a. Hero) who also is older and has health challenges. We knew they would be kind to one another because they are both very submissive and humble, but we were delighted when they fell in love.

Thor and Hero go outside to pasture together now, spend time each day standing face to face in quiet conversation, and even groom one another. Hero had to go to the hospital the other day for a procedure and Thor was beside himself until she returned. Thor raced in circles and called out loudly until she was in her bedroom safely next to his once again. The amazing thing is that during her 12 years with us, Hero has had six mates who partnered with her. Each mate was as devoted as the one before, and she loved each one with her entire heart. When one passed away Hero would take her time to grieve and then fall in love with another. Thor is her seventh partner!


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I call Hiroka “Hero” for short because she is a true hero and everything I want to be when I grow up. She is always grateful and never holds on to her past traumas. She is always happy, seeing the joy but never the complaints. And no matter how many times she has lost, she is always open to love again and again and again. Take it from Hero this year for Valentine’s Day, if you have a partner, love and appreciate them, and if you don’t, open yourself up to finding love when you least expect it. We are all loveable and have something extraordinary to offer the other person!

All that ever matters is love!

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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.


Spotlight Sponsor of the Month

At Katjes we believe that every life is precious and these values extend beyond our plant-based gummies. As part of our campaign featuring rescued animals, we’re honored to join hands with The Gentle Barn, to support their non-stop efforts in protecting animals. By drawing attention to their heart-warming stories, we hope to provide food for thought when we say: Kindness just tastes better.

Eliza Jahn

Head of Marketing Katjes USA