The Gentle Barn

Teaching kindness and compassion
🐄🐖🐑🦃🐐🐓🫏

10/29/2026

"Mini pigs" simply do not exist. It's a term breeders use to sell potbellied pigs. Sadly, the majority of pet pigs never become part of a family. Instead they are abandoned or surrendered. Pigs are a lifelong commitment and deserve love, care and compassion throughout their lives.

At The Gentle Barn we make sure our animals receive veterinary care, proper nutrition, enrichment, and lots of love. May was rescued 4 years ago, and from day one, we made sure she knew that The Gentle Barn would always be home. We are so grateful to have her as part of our family.

Sponsoring a pig instead of purchasing one is a great way you can make an incredible impact on their life. Sponsor May today https://bit.ly/4yMKpqW 🐷

10/27/2026

When visiting our sanctuary, you will cross Rainbow Bridge and see photos of all our beloved animals who have passed away. It's our way of honoring and remembering them.

Today, for Día de los Mu***os we have transformed our Rainbow Bridge into an ofrenda. We decorated it with marigolds, candles, papel picado, and some of our animals' favorite toys and treats to help guide their souls back to us on this special day.

Please join us in remembering the beautiful memories our animal companions left behind by sharing a photo of your beloved animal who has crossed Rainbow Bridge in the comments 🌈🕯️

10/26/2026

Happy from The Gentle Barn family 🐑💚

These sweet sheep were once waiting at an auction house, with their futures uncertain. Today, they spend their days running through our TN pasture, playing with their friends, soaking up the sunshine, and enjoying all the cuddles 🥹

We feel so lucky to have been able to bring so many animals to sanctuary at The Gentle Barn TN, who once faced uncertain futures. Thank you to our Tennessee staff and volunteers who give their time and love to ensure our rescue animals feel the love they deserve.

Our sanctuaries are a special place where animals and people can heal together. If you're in Tennessee, we'd love for you to come meet our animal family, hear their stories, and experience the magic of sanctuary for yourself 🌈💚

10/23/2026

Not only does Jethro love music, but he loves making new friends and finding the perfect scratching post 🐮💚

Come hang out with Jethro on Sundays at The Gentle Barn CA 📍

To get tickets, visit www.GentleBarn.org/Visit

10/22/2026

NYC has passed Romanch's Law 🎉

After 168 years of horses pulling carriages through the streets of NYC, Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani and Speaker Julie Menin have brought it to an end. After years of efforts by so many people fighting for the voiceless, our voices have finally been heard.

We need to take a closer look at traditions and customs that cause harm to others and have the courage to speak up and make the change. We can create a domino effect to inspire others to do the same.

We have always had hope that NYC would make the right choice, and we have hope that the world will continue to follow NYC's example in creating a world where animals are free from exploitation.

Our horse Bernard is a beautiful example of how all horses should be able to live out their lives. We rescued Bernard in 2024 and gave him all the tools he needed to heal from the hardships he endured as a NYC carriage horse. He now pours his love into others at our Equine Therapy Program. People come to do as Bernard once did, heal from their traumas and feel the warm embrace of love.

To Deniz, Lady, Ryder, Charlie, and so many others whose lives were taken away, you will not be forgotten. In 2028, a change that we have fought for will finally become a reality!

10/22/2026

Trick or Treat! 🎃

Here's a Halloween trick you might not know: many popular candies contain gelatin, an ingredient made from animal parts left over from the meat industry. It's boiled down, then coated in sugar and bright colors to become a sweet little “treat.”

This Halloween, skip the trick and choose a treat that's kind to animals! There are so many delicious vegan candies to enjoy. 💚

10/21/2026

Bernard was a former New York City carriage horse, he pulled carriages around Central Park and then spent his nights in a parking garage style barn. He worked and worked until his body couldn’t keep up. At approximately 13 years old, he was dumped because he couldn’t make money for the people who used him.

The sad reality for most of these horses is that, when they can no longer work, they are sold at auction to the meat industry in parts of Europe and Asia. Bernard was one of the lucky ones, he was saved from slaughter and now gets to live out his life in sanctuary at The Gentle Barn.

We made sure he got all the care he needed, including dental work, extensive podiatry, acupuncture, massage therapy, and chiropractic care to alleviate his mobility issues. He now lives a life that he always deserved, one with love and freedom surrounded by other rescued friends.

We are hopeful about the progress that is being made in New York City and hope that on October 22nd they will follow in the footsteps that Philadelphia made earlier this year 🐴💚

10/19/2026

In 2023, George and Irma arrived at The Gentle Barn’s Sun Chlorella Healing Center with a future that could have looked very different. George was only a few weeks old and was about to be taken away from his mom. Irma, who had been used for roping.

But in our care, they were finally given time to heal, feel safe, and learn that they finally have the freedom to live together with no expectations.

Irma realized she finally had the safety and assurance that she was able to keep her baby, and could be the loving mother she was always meant to be 🥹💚

10/16/2026

Have you ever spent time with a cow?

At The Gentle Barn, many of our visitors instantly make the connection between our cows and their dogs back home. Like dogs, cows are intelligent, loyal, loving, and have some of the most unique personalities.

Unfortunately, most of the world sees cows as a product or a meal. They are rarely seen as the emotionally intelligent beings that they are. We encourage people to come and visit and make the connection for themselves.

The only difference is your perception 🐮🐶

10/14/2026

We can learn a lot from animals 💚

When Bonnie came to The Gentle Barn she immediately took on the role of matriarch, creating a balanced dynamic with our herd. Bonnie watched over her family as they slept, settled arguments, kept the peace, and made sure to groom every member of her herd.

We miss her deeply, but she left us with an important message: lead with love, be courageous, follow your intuition, and embrace your feminine energy. She will forever remain in our hearts.

If you would like to hear more stories about the resilient matriarchs at The Gentle Barn, check out Ellie Laks book, "Cow Hug Therapy", available anywhere books are sold.

Address

Santa Clarita, CA

Website

http://www.gentlebarn.org/, https://linktr.ee/thegentlebarn

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