The Gentle Barn...

...is an animal rescue facility located in Santa Clarita, in the foothills north of Los Angeles - about eighty miles from us. Throughout the week "at risk" youths are brought to the farm in groups to interact with the animals - many of whom have suffered abuse or abandonment prior to their rescue. On Sundays, from 10:00 - 2:00, the organization opens its doors to the public, asking a small per person donation, which goes to the animals veterinary care. Visitors can stroll the grounds, feed carrots to horses, speak with knowledgeable volunteers about the kinds of animals there, and pet and pamper the more docile of the residents. On Sunday, we met Heather and her kids there, spending a couple of hours watching our grandkids get a taste of farmlife and time to spend with animals they've not already had the opportunity to meet.