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I have never hugged a pig (the pink kind that says ‘oink’ - not the other kind) and so today’s destination is really exciting.
- Cris
The Gentle Barn
Let’s be friends.
Drive an hour north of Los Angeles and leave urban chaos behind as you visit an animal sanctuary that doubles as one of the West Coast’s most soul-restoring day trips. The Gentle Barn is technically a farm but it’s also a sanctuary for rescued animals and the humans who visit them. If your idea of a perfect getaway involves trading concrete streets for open skies and slightly smelly connection, this is your place.
It’s been six minutes since my last belly rub.
From the moment you walk past the wooden gates, your heart rate slows down. The Gentle Barn is home to hundreds of rescued residents, including majestic draft horses, velvety-soft llamas, flocking sheep, and cheerful turkeys. But the real stars of the sanctuary are the belly-rub-loving pigs and affectionate cows.
Who knew that pigs like belly rubs? I thought my dog owned that title.
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You look nice. Want to scratch behind my ears?
Pigs, as it turns out, are world-class connoisseurs of affection. Lower yourself down into the straw beside a 600-pound pig, start scratching right behind their ears, and watch the magic happen. Within seconds, a contented grunt gives way to a slow, dramatic roll onto their side, exposing a wide belly in complete surrender to the moment. Giving a pig a belly rub is an exercise in pure joy; as long as your hands keep moving, they will happily nap right beside you in the afternoon sun.
It’s also an exercise in paying attention! When 600-lbs rolls over, you do NOT want to be underneath. I’ve heard of people with pet pigs but those are usually tiny little pigs. These pigs are huge!
Hello. My name is Athena.
Beyond the pigs, people love hugging the cows. Resting your head against the broad, warm flank of a rescued cow while feeling their steady, rhythmic breathing provides a grounding calm that no spa day can replicate. The animals here trust deeply, offering an unforgettable reminder of the power of sanctuary work.
Pro tip: leave the food in the car. Anyone with a pet knows that you will be mugged for the food in your pockets. It’s the same here. Give these animals only approved treats so they don’t have stomach aches and pain. They are kind to you - don’t cause them pain. And maybe watch out for your feet. That cow did not mean to crush your foot. It’s sort of wondering what your issue is while you are hopping around.
The barn is open to the public on Sundays with an online reservation. They are careful to keep the number of people fairly low to avoid stressing out the animals. It’s great for the people. Imagine visiting a place full of hugs AND no line? Sounds great.
See you next Wednesday.
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