I have no words for how much I love The Gentle Barn sanctuary and all the healing and rehabilitating they do for the abused and mistreated farm animals in their care. It makes me want to cry in the best way possible and gives me hope that there are other people out there who care about animals as much as we do. 

For those of you unfamiliar with The Gentle Barn, it’s an animal sanctuary 30 minutes outside of LA in Santa Clarita, CA that takes in and rehabilitates abused farm animals such as cows, pigs, donkeys, horses, goats, sheep, llamas, chickens, turkeys, and much more. They not only rescue them from factory farms and let them live into their senior hood (most cows live until 23, but factory farming kills them before they even turn 1 years old!), but they also rehabilitate them and treat their physical and mental injuries (aka trauma) before letting them live the rest of their lives in the sanctuary. They even do acupuncture, chiropractics, and sound baths on the animals. 

People can visit and pet the animals with a small entry fee and it is SO much fun and such a great cause. You can feed carrots to the horses and grapes to the goats too – making this fun for kids and adults of all ages. 

To be frank, after 11 years of being vegan, it can be easy to wonder if you’re missing out from the great food you see all over the internet. But reconnecting with this unfairly abused creatures, hearing their horrific stories, and seeing them finally at peace getting the love and care and pets and hugs they deserve reminds me that I’m doing the right thing. And no burger is EVER worth the pain, suffering, and shortened life span of another living being. 

Also, aside from all the animals being ADORABLE (everyone needs to hug a cow – it’s so therapeutic), the volunteers and staff are so nice and intelligent and taught us so much about each of the animals, their history, and just the history of factory farming too. 

Not to mention, they have an all-vegan snack shop with vegan brands from all over the country – some you can’t even find in grocery stores, and – get this – a freaking vegan HOT DOG BAR. Yes, you heard me. They sell the most delicious hot dogs with a giant station full of toppings and sauces. I got one with mustard, ketchup, vegan mayo, and relish. 10/10. I would eat one every day if I could. Also, mayo on a hot dog is a new fave.

Anyway, if you’re in LA or thinking of visiting LA, definitely check this place out but make sure to book tickets in advance because they sell out quick. I’m going to link their website HERE and remind you that you can make a one-time donation or a monthly donation (which I did). 

It’s my dream to open an animal sanctuary one day, so the founder Ellie Laks has really inspired me and got me thinking!