The Gentle Barn
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By Sharon Black
Inspired by a childhood dream, Ellie Laks created a sanctuary called The Gentle Barn. Founded in 1999, this nonprofit is a refuge and place of recovery for severely abused animals. The Gentle Barn currently has locations in California, Missouri, and Tennessee. However, Ellie and her husband, Jay Weiner, hope to one day have a Gentle Barn in every state. The Gentle Barn houses a variety of animals at its current locations. From dogs, to peacocks, to donkeys, countless animals call The Gentle Barn their home.
Cow Hug Therapy Gentle Barn animals are not only well-cared for, but they also provide valuable therapy to surrounding communities. For example, The Gentle Barn hosts Cow Hug Therapy and Animal-Assisted Therapy for visitors of any age and mobility. The organization’s Peace Enhancement Program volunteers to assist those struggling with substance abuse, homelessness, domestic abuse,
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and much more, through animal therapy. The Literacy Program encourages visitors of all ages to improve their reading skills by reading aloud to animals. The organization also takes great interest in the development and support of children. The Gentle Barn assists youngsters in foster care, patients at the children’s hospitals, and inner-city children in need of guidance. While The Gentle Barn has established itself as a crown jewel for community development, the process of saving and transforming abandoned animals is anything but effortless. The organization leans on the generous help of a volunteering animal lab to safely integrate animals into the community. In a recent case, The Gentle Barn in California received 21 female Angora rabbits from a nearby laboratory. When asked to describe this experience, Ellie said, “The process of rescuing these bunnies has been emotionally fraught, but ultimately uplifting.” As these rabbits were treated and healing, Ellie said that it
was fulfilling to see immense progress in the rabbits’ health and demeanor. “We love to see them starting to cuddle, hop, play, and eat veggies for the first time in their lives.” Once The Gentle Barn feels that the rabbits are fully rehabilitated, the organization will send them off to live with loving families.
Cruelty-free supporters External companies also assist charitably to this process. The Gentle Barn approached MyChelle Dermaceuticals and Crystal Deodorant, two crueltyfree companies, for support of the rabbits and their care. “MyChelle and Crystal, the caring companies that they are, stepped up to support us” Ellie said. These rabbits are spayed females between six to 12 months old and
Sharon Black lives in Smith Center, Kansas, center of the USA. She has written short stories and co-wrote a movie, ‘Home on the Range.’ Between promoting the movie and volunteering for the Kanza House Library & Museum, hours are spent on a full time job. Sharon is distantly related to Mississippi writer Eudora Welty.
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