My Gentle Barn

The incredible true story of a place where animals heal and children learn to hope
'When I started The Gentle Barn, some viewed it as a hobby or an obsession, some as an act of selfless devotion. To all of those people, I want to say, You don't understand. I'm not saving the animals; they're saving me.'
Ellie Laks was just seven years old when she was abused by her childminder. Through the troubled years that followed, animals were her salvation.
Through near bankruptcy and a devastating fire, Ellie's dedication has not diminished. But it wasn't until she opened up the Barn to at-risk children and children with special needs that she realised how her animals could teach lessons in forgiveness and healing to others.
This is a truly inspirational memoir, full of heartbreaking stories of hope and healing.

Ellie Laks founded The Gentle Barn in Tarzana in 1999; it was a dream of hers since she was 7 years old. Animals were always very healing and nurturing to her as she faced the challenges of growing up, finding herself, fitting in, feeling understood. She majored in special education and psychology, and with her special love of animals and children, The Gentle Barn was a perfect way of putting all her talents and passions into one.