When Animals Know Exactly What We Need
Can animals sense when we need them most? This week on Paranormal Pets, Brandy Stark welcomes back Ellie Laks, founder of The Gentle Barn, to celebrate her new children's book, Gentle, and explore the extraordinary emotional and spiritual connections between animals and children. Ellie shares the remarkable true story of John Lewis, a calf rescued from a slaughterhouse who was gravely ill but, surrounded by love, veterinary care and the companionship of a dog named Skye, grew into a thriving 2,500-pound "grass puppy." She also recounts the deeply moving story of a troubled teenager whose life was transformed through her bond with John Lewis and the animals at The Gentle Barn. From cows that seem to instinctively know whether someone needs laughter, comfort or simply a quiet presence, to the healing power of kindness itself, this episode is a beautiful reminder that sometimes the animals in our lives understand far more than we realize.
Listen to Episode #139 Now:
BIO:
Ellie Laks is the Founder of The Gentle Barn Foundation, a national organization that rescues and rehabilitates unwanted animals and heals people with the same stories of abuse and neglect. She is an animal communicator, powerful speaker, celebrated animal welfare advocate, humane educator, and the author of "My Gentle Barn: Creating a sanctuary where animals heal and children learn to hope," "Cow Hug Therapy: How the animals at The Gentle Barn taught me about life, death, and everything in between," and "Gentle: Hope and healing at an animal sanctuary."
Ellie founded The Gentle Barn in 1999. She invented her own "Gentle Healing" method that allows old, sick, injured, and terrified animals to recover fully using a mixture of Western medicine, holistic healing modalities, holding therapy, and lots of love. Ellie is the creator of cow hug therapy and has hosted hundreds of thousands of people who have come to The Gentle Barn seeking hope.
Ellie has appeared on some of the most influential media outlets including The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Life Magazine, Animal Planet, The Huffington Post, Turning Point, Women's World, The New York Times, The Today Show, Good Morning America, and many more.
Ellie is a TEDx speaker and keynote speaker who motivates her audiences toward higher awareness, profound compassion, realizing dreams, and an enhanced sense of purpose.
To date, Ellie has saved thousands of animals and hosted over 900,000 guests. The Gentle Barn is currently home to approximately 200 animals. The Gentle Barn has two locations in Los Angeles CA and Nashville, TN. It is her goal to be the voice for animals, share their stories, and open the hearts of humanity toward all living beings, "Teaching people kindness and compassion to animals, each other, and our planet."