How a California rescue farm is helping animals and humans heal from trauma

The Gentle Barn, a rescue facility located about 40 miles north of Los Angeles, offers unique treatments and therapies to help animals overcome trauma. These animals, in turn, provide unexpected healing to humans.

Deep in the mountains, The Gentle Barn is a place of deep healing. Founder Ellie Laks, who calls herself an “animal communicator,” said animals saved her from depression. In turn, she dedicated her life to returning the favor.

Most animals that arrive at The Gentle Barn are in fear for their lives. They have never experienced human kindness. But music and sound therapists help animals relax and heal.

Acupuncture is one of the therapies used at The Gentle Barn. Laks has seen animals with torn cruciate ligaments, bad hips and severe arthritis improve significantly with this treatment. Along with standard veterinary care, animals also receive restraint therapies and massages.

“Every week they bloom. They heal. We can see it before our eyes,” says Laks.

Each animal at The Gentle Barn has a story of survival and resilience. For example, turkeys that should have ended up on plates now hug people and show affection.

Visitors of all ages come to The Gentle Barn seeking comfort from emotional scars. Animals help inspire people to move forward.

One notable resident is John Lewis Thunderbolt, a cow born in a slaughterhouse and saved by Laks, who even created a comfortable space in his living room to care for him when he was sick with pneumonia.

“I went down to the living room and ate and slept with him,” Laks said. “I literally became his mother.”

Laks said many of the animals are genetically modified to grow to large sizes and are killed when they are young, but they are given a new life at The Gentle Barn. Here, they are rehabilitated and even help humans through what Laks calls “cow hug therapy.”

“I think when we put our faces against cows, it mimics being a child with a caregiver. We feel vulnerable and small. We feel protected and loved, it’s magical,” said Laks.

Hailey Bonus is a visitor who hopes cow hugs can help her cope with unimaginable pain. Last year, her 4-month-old son, Wyatt, passed away during a nap. Traditional therapy has provided some relief, but she finds the warmth of cow hugs incredibly powerful. Last week, Bonus gave birth to a baby girl.

“This experience is very powerful, it’s very empowering,” Bonus said.

Research indicates that hugs can lower blood pressure and ease feelings of anger and loneliness. Bonus said the healing occurred while hugging the cow – without her even consciously considering it.

Laks has witnessed countless lives changed at The Gentle Barn. She understands that some people may be skeptical about cow hug therapy, but invites them to visit and experience the connection with animals for themselves.

“When you feel that connection with these cows, it does something,” Laks said.

Bird flu has been detected on some dairy farms around the world. nine states, but has not been found in California. The Department of Agriculture and FDA continue to monitor the situation. The cows at The Gentle Barn are all healthy, according to Laks.