Ellie Laks is the heart and soul of The Gentle Barn, a sanctuary where rescued animals find healing – and offer healing in return. What began as a childhood dream turned backyard rescue mission in California is now a beloved nonprofit in Nashville. Housing nearly 200 animals and hosting thousands of visitors, The Gentle Barn is changing lives one story at a time. We caught up with Ellie to hear about her journey from California to Nashville, the importance of self-care, and more!
What inspired you to create The Gentle Barn?
The full story is told in my first book, My Gentle Barn. But basically, The Gentle Barn was a dream I had since I was 7 years old. I loved animals — being with them in the woods, lakes, and fields near my house was the highlight of each day. I wanted to have a big place full of animals and show the world how beautiful they are.
As a young adult, I discovered an abusive petting zoo and started bringing neglected, sick, and scared animals home to my half-acre backyard. In a short time, I realized I had started my dream.
What drew you from California to Nashville?
I wanted to rescue a cow for my birthday, and just days later, someone called saying they had a cow who’d lost a foot and was going to be sent to slaughter. She’d called hundreds of sanctuaries to no avail and asked for our advice. Our co-founder found a bovine surgeon at UT Knoxville and a company willing to create a prosthetic.
Before we knew it, we were in Tennessee saving Dudley the cow. Once Dudley was ready to be discharged and loved around the world, we opened our second sanctuary for Dudley and many other rescued animals after him. Our Nashville location is now home to approximately 80 animals.
How do you choose which animals to rescue?
We specifically take in animals with nowhere else to go — who are too old, sick, injured, or scared to be adoptable. We rehabilitate them, help them trust humans and forgive their pasts, and then partner with them to heal hurting humans from the same stories of trauma — like our cows, Maybelle and Audrie, who both came in with calves and were pregnant. They ended up giving birth to their final babies at The Gentle Barn. Both moms get to love their babies for the rest of their lives.
Any standout memories with The Gentle Barn animals?
The founder of The Gentle Barn’s Nashville location is Dudley the cow. He spent a lot of time in the hospital and needed something to do. We gave him a bouncy ball, and he played with it for most of the day, entertaining veterinarians, vet techs, and kennel staff alike.
When Dudley finally came home, he used to wander the property, rip decorations off the wall, then run around with them in his mouth. We laughed until we cried. Dudley showed us all that cows are just giant puppy dogs.
You spend a lot of time caring for others. What do you do for self-care?
When I was younger, I paid little attention to self-care. But now, in my 50s, it has become a necessity. I meditate every morning. I hike or walk with my dogs every morning for exercise. I try my very best to eat fresh, organic, healthy, vegan food. I go to bed early. I also enjoy spending quality time with my family. Self-care allows me to do more and better work.
What has surprised you most about being in Nashville?
I absolutely love Nashville! It has a vibrant, diverse, creative, and busy energy that is electric. I knew Nashville was all about music, but there really is music everywhere you go. I would love to have more musicians come and play music for our rescued animals.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
Decades ago, when The Gentle Barn was struggling financially, we decided to give up and sell our property. The realtor saw the tears in our eyes, and when she heard our story, she said, “You are here to live your dreams, and you are here to succeed. You cannot give up; you must try harder. I am not going to sell your house; you need to live your dreams!”
Because of her, we did try harder and now have two locations, almost 200 animals, and a million guests have come through our doors so far. I am grateful to her every single day!
LIGHTNING ROUND
Name three things you can’t live without: I can’t live without the beach, pine trees, and the sound of frogs on a summer evening.
Favorite book or podcast? The Legacy of Luna by Julia Butterfly Hill
What would people be most surprised to learn about you? Although I spend a lot of time with people or in front of the camera, I am actually an introvert. I love being social, but I also love returning home at the end of the day to spend time with a good book and my puppies.
What’s on your nightstand? Two quarts of crystals, a lamp, and whatever book I’m reading at the time.
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