Tdoay, August 5th, I had the pleasure of traveling north of Los Angeles to The Gentle Barn up in the great unknown aka Santa Clarita. I really had no idea what to expect except from what I 've seen in photos. Yes, I knew there would be farm animals but that was the extent. So here it goes...
Upon arriving, we were asked to sign in and receive our entrance stamp. After awaiting with a group of about 20 other animal lovers, we were taken in for the opening speech. We then got the low down on how The Gentle Barn works and what awaited for us. I was already downing my water because the sun was hotter than the devil's balls. Behind our host, I could see the first visual of the cows chilling in the sun. As soon as we were released, my friend, Ian, and I, made our ways over to the cows, picked up our brushes and eagerly shuffled to a cow named Arthethra. And yes, her name fit her personality. The spunky girl had led a hard life prior but you'd never know with her full belly and the sparkly bow in her hair. One of my favorite parts of her was how demanding she was! She would actually go and lick the spot she wanted you to brush and scratch and if she got jealous, she'd head butt you. Not gonna lie, she is me in cow form. The others were just as spectacular, all with their own stories and horrendous histories.
We sadly had to bid farewell and make our way to the upper barn for a presentation from the volunteer coordinator about how to handle the animals in the upper barn and why we shouldn't eat animals. I mean, I know we shouldn't but not everyone does. Purchased a water and then we got to venture to see everyone else. The upper barn animals are all in one large corral with multiple stables, some of which housed some pigs with attitude. The adventure started by loving on some of the lonely goats and learning their stories and then wandering to the turkeys that were being fed grapes. The opportunity arose to hold a chicken and you can bet your ass I took it! Her name was Rebecca and O...M...G how can any one eat chickens??? She was so incredibly sweet and soft. Next up were two pot belly pigs and then a larger swine taking her mid day nap. After saying bye to those critters including Earl the Emu, we headed back to the lower barn to say hi to the horses and donkeys.
I really wasn't prepared to see what I saw. I really don't think people realize how abused and neglected horses can be. For example, one named Patrick that was used a a trail horse that carried so much weight for so many years, his back had a large dip in it. Or Sir Lancealot that was ridden for years through injuries and lameness until abandoned by his owner. The eyes of these animals held so much pain and so many stories. As I stroked their faces, I could see the relaxation come over them as a trusting hand soothed them.
So, I'll put it this way. Go to The Gentle Barn. Hug a cow. Cuddle a chicken. Eat veggie sausages. And have your soul enlightened.
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