Cow Hug Therapy: How the Animals at the Gentle Barn Taught Me about Life, Death, and Everything in Between

Cow Hug Therapy: How the Animals at the Gentle Barn Taught Me about Life, Death, and Everything in Between

The inspirational story of the compassionate and wise animals of the Gentle Barn and how they became a therapeutic salve for countless guests — and mentors for all of us in how to live and die In Cow Hug Therapy , Ellie Laks recounts the extraordinary journey that started with her first teacher, Buddha — not the religious figure, but a rescued miniature Hereford cow. One evening Buddha wrapped her neck around an exhausted and upset Ellie and transferred a singular form of healing and comfort with an incredible impact. Understanding that this was something to be shared with others, Ellie developed Cow Hug Therapy, a groundbreaking approach to emotional healing that has proved effective for trauma, illness, disabilities, addiction, grief, and stress. This colorful and compelling narrative introduces the healing mavens of the barnyard, each with a unique story of being rescued from trauma and treated with love and respect. In their new role at Ellie’s Gentle Barn sanctuaries, these animals have transformed lives and ignited breakthroughs and newfound purpose for visitors including a young mother who lost her baby, a suicidal teenager, a wounded serviceman, an open-heart-surgery patient, and many more. A testament to empathy and the mission to heal animals, people, and the planet, Cow Hug Therapy serves as a beacon of hope for all seeking healing and connection. “Our society is slowly waking up to the plight of animals, and more and more are taking steps to help wherever they can. We are acknowledging that animals have feelings, wants, and needs, much like our own, and animals are now much more like family members than ever before. But animals are also our healers, teachers, and witnesses. This is illustrated beautifully in Ellie Laks’s book Cow Hug Therapy , in which she shares stories of some of her wisest and most resilient rescued animals at the Gentle Barn and relays their messages of hope.” — Montel Williams “Many years ago, when my daughter was about three years old, we went to the Gentle Barn for the first time. We had heard so many wonderful things about this sanctuary, but I don’t think any of us knew what we would experience. A peacock hanging with pigs and llamas and sheep — I was blown away! But the thing that has stuck with me, and why we go back so much, is cow hugging. At first, I was trepidatious because they were so large and powerful. . .yet they’re gentle. Ellie said, ‘Lay your heart on them,’ and I felt a sense of calm I had never felt in my life. I’ve had a lot of traumas, but at that moment, my heartbeat matched their rhythm, and I could breathe. The most amazing moment, however, was watching my tiny daughter who has a lot of energy and ADHD. She lay upon one of the cows and closed her eyes, and she was at peace. So for the past ten years, we have gone to the Gentle Barn whenever possible, especially when feeling lost, scared, or sad, and we know that these moments heal our hearts. Ellie and Jay and all the volunteers at the Gentle Barn have dedicated their lives not only to loving and caring for these incredible animals, but to caring for us as well. Dare I say they’re angels? I was recently diagnosed with MS, and we made a trip there, and I actually left walking better. Thank you, cows. This book shows not only the power of Cow Hug Therapy with these wonderful creatures, but also their beautiful, individual personalities, which are evident when you meet them. I hope this book shows you how much of a blessing cows — and all creatures — are to our planet.” — Christina Applegate “I love animals, and, like Ellie Laks, I want to see a world where animals can live their own lives, free from human harm. Ellie’s book gives us the reasons why this is necessary and possible. In the stories of her rescued animals, it is clear that they have personalities, intelligence, and the capacity for profound emotions. The remarkable animals in her book teach us how to be better and happier humans. Cow Hug Therapy helps us all fall more deeply in love with animals, life, and ourselves. It’s a must-read for anyone who loves animals like I do, or for anyone walking their own path of self-discovery. I have been to the Gentle Barn many times and leave feeling more uplifted every time. This book is like a private tour of the Gentle Barn and a love story about these animals, all of whom are majestic, wise healers.” — Moby “Nonhuman animals need all the help they can get in an increasingly human-dominated world. The animals at the Gentle Barn are most fortunate to have Ellie Laks and her dedicated and tireless coworkers take care of them and give them a voice and much better lives than they previously had. Cows are highly emotional and sentient beings who deserve to be treated with dignity, compassion, and respect. Cow Hug Therapy clearly shows that when we care for other animals and honor who they are and what they need, we also profit, a win-win for all. This is a wonderful boo