Love at The Gentle Barn

 Valentine’s Day is for lovers, friends, couples, and family. It’s a time to show appreciation for the ones we love, and spend time on romance. And it’s no different in our barnyard! Many people don’t know this, but animals fall in love like we do, date and mate for life, and have friendships that last a lifetime. The Gentle Barn is full of romance and love, and February is a perfect time to bring your lovers to meet ours!
Sasha and Caesar have been married for years and are inseparable. They must be walked, groomed, and turned out to pasture together. They are often found grooming each other, or just taking a good afternoon nap. They care about each other deeply and together lead the rest of our equine herd. Come give them carrots and celebrate their love.
Our turkey, Nalla adopted our chicken, Peggy and they are always together. Peggy was born with a deformed leg and feels intimidated by the other chickens. Nalla volunteered to look after her. When Peggy is scared she dives under Nalla’s wings. Peggy sleeps under Nalla for warmth. And they are usually snuggled up together in the lazy afternoons in quiet conversation. Their adoration is palpable and inspiring to behold.
For Thumper, every day is Valentine’s Day! He was very young and sick when we rescued him and the veterinarian assured us that he was too small and weak to impregnate anyone. Well Thumper fathered six babies and now lives in the barnyard with his entire family. He has since been neutered of course, but he is one of the very few fathers that gets to remain with his wives and kids. He is very protective over his family and showers them with affection and attention every day.
In February please bring your loves to celebrate ours. Come hug cows, cuddle turkeys, give pigs tummy rubs, feed the horses, and spend time with our goats and sheep. We’d love to have you!
The Gentle Barn is home to animals rescued from abuse and neglect, and host to school field trips, groups of at risk, inner city, special needs children, and private tours. We are open to the public on Sundays from 10-2. Go to www.gentlebarn.org for tickets, directions, and more info.