Twenty Years

 So much has happened in twenty years, but at the same time it has gone by in a blur. Starting on a half-acre back yard and bringing animals home from an abusive petting zoo, then moving to Santa Clarita in 2003, rescuing hundreds of animals, becoming a national organization by expanding to Nashville and St Louis as well, and healing thousands of children; it has been a wonderful journey!
I have so many memories that I will remember for the rest of my life. We saved a blind cow, got him cataract surgery, and watched him learn to see again. We helped a mute girl speak for the first time in twelve years by pairing her with a turkey who loved music. We helped a man with early onset Alzheimer’s come alive again and remember who he was. We helped angry teens find peace by grooming horses. We helped children who were shut down, find their voice by cuddling with the smaller animals. And we have helped children find confidence by reading out loud to the animals. We turned terrified turkeys into cuddle turkeys, falling asleep in our laps. We helped scared and traumatized cows learn to trust us and inspire people who have survived trauma. We took lonely animals and turned them into family. We found broken animals and made them whole. We have hosted children from burn centers, foster agencies, probations camps, inner city schools, special needs classes, domestic violence centers, homeless shelters, and senior centers.
I am so very proud of the work that we have done, the people that we have met, and the animals who have a forever place in our hearts. I am grateful for the staff, volunteers, and donors who have made this journey possible. And I cannot wait to save animals, heal children, and open hearts for at least another twenty years! We will be celebrating our achievements on our 20th anniversary on Sunday, August 25 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. We will also be hosting a 20th anniversary gala on Saturday, September 28 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Please join us! For more information and to get tickets, please go to www.gentlebarn.org
The Gentle Barn is a national organization that rescues animals from severe abuse and neglect. Once healed we partner with the animals to inspire people with the same stories, and connect children to the love and magic of animals and nature. The Gentle Barn is open every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and hosts private tours, school field trips, corporate events, and groups of children who are at risk, from the inner city, and who are differently abled. Visit us at www.gentlebarn.org, and follow The Gentle Barn on Face Book, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.