The Gentle Barn
Ferrell Marshall
Supporter
The Gentle Barn is a nonprofit animal sanctuary devoted to rescuing abused, neglected, and abandoned animals and creating a place where both animals and people can heal.
It’s a space built on compassion, presence, and deep respect for every life that enters its gates.
I’ve been a supporter of The Gentle Barn in California for many years and was first introduced to their work by a friend. I’ve had the joy of visiting more than once and have met Ellie Laks, founder, whose warmth and deep connection with animals is something truly special. Together with her husband, Jay Weiner, co-founder and CEO, they have built something deeply meaningful.
Ellie is also a gifted animal communicator, and I’ve had several sessions with her involving my own animals.
Those experiences were comforting, insightful, and deeply affirming, and they expanded my understanding of how much animals have to share when we’re willing to listen.
Spending time at The Gentle Barn is indeed gentle, grounding, and quietly powerful. It reminds you how much healing can happen when you show up with kindness, and curiosity, and are truly present with the animals, something shifts. The sanctuary is home to cows, horses, donkeys, dogs, pigs, sheep, goats, llamas, chickens, turkeys, and even an emu.
The experience is wonderfully interactive. You’re invited to feed the animals, hold them, hug them, or simply spend time with them. Every animal has a name. Every life is honored.
At the heart of The Gentle Barn’s work is healing. Animals who have experienced trauma are given the time, safety, and care they need to recover. Children and families who are also healing are welcomed into that space, creating a powerful exchange where animal and human healing happen together.
I was so delighted to learn that The Gentle Barn has expanded its mission to Tennessee. It is exciting to know that this beautiful work is happening not far from my home.