First, there was goat yoga and cat cafes. Now, the next thing on the trend front involves cows. There’s a new trend called “cow cuddling” and some people are spending a pretty penny to pet, brush and spend time with cows (this article reports some people are paying $300 for a 90 minute cow cuddling session in upstate New York). Why, you might ask? Apparently, there are some health benefits in spending time with cows, mainly as a stress reliever.
Now, you can enjoy this unique trend at a new non-profit animal sanctuary. The Gentle Barn is opening this weekend in Christiana, Tenn. A grand opening will be held on Sunday, August 26, 10 a – 2 p.
It is open to the public once a week. Guests can hug the cows, give the pigs tummy rubs, cuddle the turkeys, feed the horses, hold the chickens, and learn their stories of resilience. During the rest of the week The Gentle Barn is available for private tours, VIP all day tours, school field trips, birthday parties, groups of at risk, inner city, and special needs kids, and special events. See all ticket options online here.
The Gentle Barn is an animal sanctuary that rescues animals from abuse and neglect and works with at-risk and special needs children. In 2015, a friend of a cattle rancher in Nashville contacted The Gentle Barn about a young cow who had lost his foot and was in need of help. After many operations, months of rehabilitation, and the successful fitting of a prosthesis, this young, courageous cow became known to the world as Dudley. He inspired the creation of The Gentle Barn Tennessee, which began on a leased 12 acres in Knoxville.
“Dudley is an absolute hero to so many people,” says Ellie Laks, Founder of The Gentle Barn. “We are excited to open a Gentle Barn in the Nashville area in honor of Dudley’s story and want to inspire the community to support us.”
“Ellie and I are very grateful to honor Dudley’s legacy with the Gentle Barn Nashville,” says Jay Weiner, Co-Founder of The Gentle Barn. “We have outgrown our temporary location in Knoxville and our lease is up. The new property is much larger and will allow us to rescue more animals and serve more children.”
The Gentle Barn Nashville will be Dudley’s legacy and the miraculous work done there will honor his memory.
