Aretha and Kris
Animal Stories from All-Creatures.org

From Gentle Barn
September 2013

Over the last few months, both Kris and Aretha have been breathing the life back into each other. Aretha now feels comfortable in the barnyard with visitors and even approaches people and licks their hands. At The Gentle Barn, with Kris’ help, Aretha is starting to understand that she is loved and wanted just for who she is and she will always be a cherished part of our family. With Aretha’s help, Kris is feeling important and has something to wake up for in the morning.

When we rescued Aretha we were very excited because she looks a bit like Buddha who passed away a year ago and we miss very much.  [Please read My Time with Buddha...] We thought we could rehabilitate her, love her, bond with her and maybe she would take away a little bit of our pain over missing Buddha. Little did we know that Aretha was not here for us at all.

Kris tragically and unexpectedly lost her daughter two years ago. She was inconsolable and could barely get dressed most mornings. Her family urged her to get involved in something, to get out of the house, but Kris could not do anything but drown in her grief.

One day Kris’ older daughter, worried about her mom, decided they were taking a trip to The Gentle Barn, even if they had to carry her there. The love and warmth Kris felt from our animals made her feel a tiny bit better and she decided she was going to volunteer with us. The first day Kris came to volunteer was the first open to the public day Aretha had with us and she was very nervous and scared. Aretha needed a docent to protect her, stand by her side and make sure she felt safe and that people did not approach her. We gave that task to Kris. By the end of that first Sunday it was clear to everyone that Kris and Aretha needed each other and were meant for each other. Aretha felt protected and Kris felt needed and valuable.

Over the last few months, both Kris and Aretha have been breathing the life back into each other. Aretha now feels comfortable in the barnyard with visitors and even approaches people and licks their hands. At The Gentle Barn, with Kris’ help, Aretha is starting to understand that she is loved and wanted just for who she is and she will always be a cherished part of our family. With Aretha’s help, Kris is feeling important and has something to wake up for in the morning. Kris feels like her daughter would want this for her and is here at The Gentle Barn with them both. Kris’ daughter’s favorite number was 5, and Aretha’s only name before coming to the barn was number 5. Coincidence? We don’t think so.

We are grateful for Kris and what she has given to us already, grateful that she is willing to receive gifts back from Aretha, and grateful that she shares her story, her tears and smiles with us every Sunday! Come see Kris and Aretha at The Gentle Barn on Sundays from 10 AM til 2 PM and witness the miracle of love!

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