This week, we had forty-five foster children brought in by The Department of Child and Family Services (DCFS),…

Courage was saved from a veal crate when he was eight weeks old. He was born to the dairy industry and taken away from his mom when he was born as they both cried for each other. He was put into a veal crate, kept alone, and fed an insufficient, anemic diet.…

Last week, we were visited by some seniors who took a tour of The Gentle Barn, hugging the cows, giving the pigs tummy rubs, and holding chickens. They were mostly city folk and some had never held a chicken or pet a farm animal before. As one 82-year-old woman said, “It’s never too late!” They had a great time…

This month we celebrate the anniversary of rescuing Dakota Rey. Dakota Rey was born on a 3,000 acre beef ranch and orphaned at only a few weeks old after her mom had a tragic accident. By the time she was discovered she was already weak, frail and terrified.…

I (Ellie Laks) founded The Gentle Barn in 1999 and two years later Jay Weiner came to volunteer. After a year we fell in love, got married and now work side by side to save animals and heal at-risk, inner city and special needs children to create a more peaceful world for humans and animals alike. We have…

Dolly was raised without animal companions and because her caregiver was struggling with her health, she didn’t have much human interaction over the last several years before we brought her home to The Gentle Barn. When she first arrived, Dolly would eat and stay by herself, away from the other animals…

Aretha has been doing very well and even lets her docent hug and pet her on Sundays. Last Sunday Aretha allowed her first visitor to hug her! When we brought her home she was so scared and wanted to stay away from people, but I think over the last few months she has understood what goes on here at The Gentle Barn…

Dolly was raised for 15 years with little interaction from humans and no association with other cows. When she first came home to The Gentle Barn she ate, slept and hung out generally by herself. Slowly over the last few weeks she has been getting closer and closer to the other cows and even sunbathed with the…

Bella the goat is doing great now! She was rescued some months ago from being attacked by a dog and almost lost her leg and her life! She was so angry when she first arrived and would try to bite us, but she is now peaceful and happy here! She still walks…