Words from Gentle Barn

As the year twenty-twenty draws to a close, I look back at the challenges of this last year, and the blessings as well. Every cloud, no matter how dark, comes with a silver lining, and this year was no different. Fraught with illness, financial worries, and isolation, we have all been affected by Covid 19 in one way or the other, and we hope and pray that the world can go back to “normal” as soon as possible. But in the midst of the chaos, there were many blessings and gifts. Under normal circumstances we would be traveling and away much of the time. But Covid has afforded us extra time at home with our beloved animals.
We have had many animals pass away over the last year and we were able to have long, extended goodbyes with them, that we will cherish forever. Socks was our faithful, protective, healer. At seventeen she stopped eating and started to decline. Because we were at home, we were able to take Socks to the beach, for long walks around the neighborhood, cuddle for hours at bedtime, and have long conversations remembering our favorite times together. I will treasure the extra time I got with Socks forever. She took such great care of me and my family. She protected us, accompanied us on so many trips, and was always by our sides. Taking care of her in her last weeks was an honor that I am eternally grateful for!
The greatest blessing of all is that so far, we have survived! So many sanctuaries and businesses have gone under, and we are so very grateful to still be here caring for our almost two hundred rescued animals, employing our staff whose families depend on us as well, and doling out hope, joy, and inspiration to the community. We are here because of you! Thank you for supporting us so we can survive Covid and continue to be here for animals and people alike who just need a little gentleness and sanctuary!
The Gentle Barn is a national non-profit organization located in Santa Carita, California, with locations in St Louis, Missouri and Nashville, Tennessee as well. We are home to animals rescued from severe abuse and neglect, and host to children who are at risk, from the inner city, and who have special needs. We are open on Sundays for Covid safe Gentle Drive Throughs and host virtual tours, field trips, and birthday parties. Check out our website, www.gentlebarn.org and follow The Gentle Barn on Face Book, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.