In honor of Farm Animal Awareness Week, I want to share a story of my opportunity to meet Ellie Laks, founder of the Gentle Barn at the St. Louis Gentle Barn location. We spoke about her new book Cow Hug Therapy and I received cow hug therapy with the St. Louis Six, a group of cows who broke free from a slaughterhouse. I felt nervous excitement to have the opportunity to hug cows! I was in awe of their sheer size and at the same time their extreme gentleness and patience with me.
As I laid on their bodies, I spoke from my heart and expressed how proud I was of their courage to fight for their lives and break free. I told them that they are wonderful, wise, and deeply loved. During my time with the St. Louis Six, I witnessed firsthand what true resilience looks like in the face of overwhelming challenges. I learned from them how to overcome seemingly insurmountable obstacles, how to carry oneself with dignity and grace, and how to rebuild trust in life.
When we recognize the sentience of other beings, acknowledging their capacity to love and persevere through life just like us, we take a step towards building a more loving and compassionate world.
