I found out about The Gentle Barn a few weeks ago when I saw a friend on Facebook hugging a beautiful cow. It’s an animal sanctuary for abused and/or neglected animals located just north of Los Angeles. So we rounded up some family and friends for a Sunday afternoon barn sesh.
Chris was teasing me saying that I was going to stay there petting everything until my hands bled. I could have. Below, you have “Mr. Fancy Pants.” He periodically sticks his head out of this little door and does a loud, crazy gobble then disappears back into the barn. Pure comedy.
This piggy was dreaming while a million little hands massaged the coarse fur that covered her 1000 pound body. She even slept as a little kid tugged at her nipples.
These were the sweetest, calmest little angels. I liked the ones who sunbathed and accepted sweet petting.
We had some help from a docent with picking up this Japanese Silky rooster. He totally loved being held! His feet were HUGE. He had fancy feathers with the nape of his neck sporting an ombre coloring and a few teal blue long feathers in the back.
Bethany C says
Adorableness!!! I really love animals so much. What a sweet place. I want to take my daughter there! Another reason to move to Cali!
Christina Warren says
Your family would LOVE it! It’s so relaxing and soothing. They do work with inner city kids during the week and open it to the public on Sundays. It was so refreshing.
jackie jade says
aww this is so so sweet and nearly making me cry! I have such a soft spot for animals and would love to go to a place like this and give some pets and cuddles.
Christina Warren says
🙂 The people who work there are so loving and kind! It’s a magical place. We were all super elated after leaving there. Love these places.
Jessica (Coco/Mingo) says
OMG!!! I LOVE places like this! If I could afford it, I have always wanted to have my own farm with rescued animals! Awww…I could stay at a place like this all day and just have fun with the animals 🙂 It looks like you guys had a blast, and so good of you for sharing your experience and bringing attention to this wonderful place! All the animals look soooo happy and relaxed – as they should be!!
Christina Warren says
You and Ellie (the owner) would be BFFs. She literally told us it was her dream growing up. She is so passionate and even talked about all the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. It was so heartwarming to be around animal lovers and open hearts.
Abby says
Awww, what sweet pictures. The red bow in the cow’s hair is just too much! haha! I love your bright yellow sweater, too. You are lookin’ fab, mama! 🙂
Christina Warren says
I know, right-the bows! A few of the cows had them and in different colors! Bhahaha. The one cow had a fluff of hair on her head like a toupee! She kind of followed us around. Thank you for the compliment! I ask my husband for daily compliments now that I’m pregnant! lol The sweater is from Anthropologie last summer/fall from the petite collection! It’s a longterm keeper!
Andreea Belc says
Oh so sweet. It reminds me of my grand parents farm while growing up. All the animals were our friends pets too.
Christina Warren says
Growing up on a farm sounds so charming! I love hugging the animals. When I’ve spent time with friends’ horses, they offer to let me ride but I just want to groom and hug them! OK, I do like a trail ride here and there!
Thien Do says
I’ve heard about the Gentle Barn too and though I’ve never been, I’m glad you guys got to go visit.
I hope you don’t mind…hehe, but this is the easiest way for me to reply to your blog comment. You mentioned something about how I do my eye makeup and I’ve been trying to make a video/take some pictures but that’s a work in progress. And you asked who “he” was 🙂 Mr. Man has been out of the country for a few months now and finally returned! I may write more about him on the blog some day.
Christina Warren says
Oh cool, you’ve heard of it! You can reply any way you like! So glad you’re doing a tutorial for makeup-I want one! Oh long distance is so hard for me! I have had to do it and now I’m spoiled. I would LOVE to hear more!
Krista Williams says
Holy cuteness overload! I would like to own a cow with an awesome red now like that! And last time we went to a petting zoo I couldn’t catch the chickens to save my life. Super jealous you were able to hold one!
Christina Warren says
It really was too much! They were all doll babies! Hey, a nice young lady picked up that fancy rooster and placed him in our arms. lol There is no WAY I was going to risk getting my eyes pecked out. 🙂 She told us to just hold the feathers down. It really felt like I was holding a cat or dog. The rooster really liked it! I could tell!
BlushandBarbells says
and this is *exactly* why I don’t eat meat anymore. I need to cut down on dairy, too.
Christina Warren says
This place readjusts how I look at food. That’s for sure. It was very beautiful and informative how they supported a vegan lifestyle for sustainability and health. I’m much more motivated to get into my vegetarian menus! Veggie pizza tonight…yes…next is the cheese! 🙂
Rowena @ rolala loves says
Bonding with a bunch of sweet animals looks like such a fun way to spend a weekend afternoon. It’s wonderful that they have a sanctuary like this that also allows visitors. It would probably be a lovely experience as well to come back when your child is old enough 🙂 Have a splendid week Christina!
Rowena @ rolala loves
Christina Warren says
Absolutely, Rowena! These animals really enjoyed all of the interaction. The guests were all very respectful and the volunteers were educated and sweet. I do hope to bring kiddos back here! Happy Monday, Rowena!
Stephanie Jones says
Aww this looks like SO much bun! My dream is to open a rescue shelter for any and all animals that need a home. I’m going to have to look and see if there is something like this in Ohio!
Christina Warren says
It was so lively! We were so excited by it. It makes you feel kind of like a kid. This facility is so well managed and the animals are so kind. The owner is the real deal. Ellen Degeneres put this place on the map a couple of years ago. i hope you find an awesome one by you!!!
The Grits says
I love this!! Gah I am going to become a somewhat vegetarian before it’s all said and done. I will at least eat what Chris hunts -but I feel so guilty eating meat! Esp pigs and chickens…they are my favorite animals. At a MINIMUM I at least purchase step 5 meat from Whole Foods. So that has to count for something right?
Christina Warren says
I feel you, Ashley. I do like eating meat but I try to do the Step 5 thing too! Our friend who works for Whole Foods told us all about the steps (I even write a post about it a year or so ago). We do a lot of vegetarian meals too.
The Grits says
Just looked it up on your blog! Great post girl!
Christina Warren says
Oh wow thanks, Ashley! 🙂