I grew up in the city until I was twelve, and then moved to the country, where my grandfather has a crop farm, but no animals. I was always curious about cows and other animals, but never really had the opportunity until
high school to learn more about them. that time came when I decided to learn how to milk cows to help out a
family friend who was having shoulder surgery. He could get the cows into the milking barn for me, but couldn't
do the actual milking. Now, I was never an animal 'whisperer' like the author of "My Gentle Barn", Ellie Laks, but
I did and do care for animals, and do not agree with animal abuse. Things I saw after working there for a while
were astounding to me. Why would someone hit a cow with a crowbar to make him stand still? Why would you
slap them or use horrible, obviously painful contraptions to make them do what you wanted them to do?
I couldn't handle it, and I cam to find that if I gently put my hand on the cow's rear to let her know I was a friend,
she would be at ease. I didn't have to hit her.
I had no idea what to do about the abuse I saw, so I just did what I could to comfort while I was there.
Ellie Laks, on the other hand, went a step further, and created a sanctuary for animals that have been
abused and mistreated. She tells her story in her book, "My Gentle Barn", and tells it very well, grabbing
your attention from the first page with her own personal testimony to the animals' testimonies throughout
the entire book.
I was truly touched by the sharing of her story, and by the gentleness she has with these beautiful creatures.
Not only was it a wonderful and inspiring read, it was very informative and eye opening about the meat and
dairy industries.
You don't have to be an animal lover to enjoy this book, but I can guarantee it will get you second guessing
how animals on your plate were treated (My family is a meat eating family, and I can definitely say that it has
me thinking a bit more about it!)
Thank you, Ellie and Jay, for you continued work, and for NOT giving up on your passions!!
I received this book for free from Blogging For Books, and I am so glad I did --
go out and buy it to support The Gentle Barn!
You can also learn more about what the Gentle Barn is all about here. Donate, support an animal, sign up for the newsletter, and follow them on Facebook and Twitter!
