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

by Ellie Laks

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.

Genres: Animals, Nonfiction

265 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 21, 2024

Reviews

[Trish · Rating 5 out of 5]

A most excellent book! I read Ellie Laks first book and thoroughly enjoyed it! What an angel Ellie and Jay are! I loved reading the stories in this book about some of the beautiful animals that were cared for at The Gentle Barn! Sadly some are no longer with them but these animals are very grateful that they were given a beautiful life to live out. 💞
I look forward to my trip to The Gentle Barn and hope to meet Ellie there! This trip is a dream come true! Great book. I have learned so much about how gentle cows are! xo

[Becca Hoover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ellie - your book had me smiling big during one story then crying on the next.
This book is beautifully written about how cows specifically helped not only Ellie but other adults and children as well. Sometimes we all just need a cow hug to heal us.

[Breann L · Rating 1 out of 5]

This may be an unpopular opinion with a lot of readers but I am going to say it anyways. I completely respect rescues, think they are amazing. We could definitely use more of them. But reading this book just ughhhhh I can't...... I grew up as a farm kid, been around livestock my entire life. So I have seen a lot, but what you are saying is that us as farmers, ranchers, livestock people is that we are wrong and cruel to our animals. Yet I'm reading about you writing about karma suffering from kidney failure and instead of doing (what I would say) is the humane thing and putting her down & out of her misery. You attempted to treat her to keep her Alive for longer, which great for you but I feel that is cruelty in itself. As well as letting her calf succle on her till he was 5 years old. I have to respect the vets with this one that's not right. There is plenty of gentle ways to wean a calf so that you never have to take it away from it's mother but you can wean it. Such as the nose rings (which are plastic & DO NOT harm them) from drinking from their mother's. No I don't eat veal, never have never will. But I have showed cattle, sheep etc in livestock shows since I was little and know how loving they can be. But I also eat meat and know what the circle of life it. I think it's great what you do but don't shame the ranchers that actually care for their cattle we have relationships with them too. Yes we slaughter our animals (for a variety of reasons). And let me tell you not every cow, bull, heifer, steer, or calf is gentle. Some are a liability and even in a rescue situation wouldn't be safe to be around as with any other animal. But I would never let an animal suffer. If I have a cow, heifer, steer, whatever it is; let's say they should up with a broken leg and their 300lbs+ I'm not going to put them through the misery of staying alive trying to splint their leg NO. I am going to put them down one way or another, may I butcher them after maybe. It doesn't mean I didn't care for or love that animal. Because cows are my favorite animals on this entire planet but I'm not going to let it suffer for selfish reasons either. So I think what you're doing is great as a rescue/sanctuary but some of your methods I don't agree with.

[Amy Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ellie's first book about The Gentle Barn sanctuary is one of my top favourite books so when she announced a second book in the works I couldn't wait!! And it's fabulous, once again she's tenderly taken us into the intimate world of her relationships with her beloved rescue animals, this time, to my joy, mostly focusing on the cows. The first book was Ellie's story and that of her sanctuary and many of her early rescues, this book focuses on one animal in each chapter and the lessons she's learned from them. This is such a beautiful, emotional, vulnerable and honest book and she shares with us such incredible messages from her friends.
I've been following the Gentle Barn since about 2008 and I visited and had a long visit with my hero Ellie in 2019, I remember all of the cows and their stories included in this book, I cried anew at the stories of loss of animals I never got to meet but felt like I had through social media, I cried at Ellie's strength to go through so many hard times and still be the incredibly soft, warm, loving person she is. I recently lost my beloved pet cow Hope and knowing I'm not alone in the agony of that experience really helped, especially when the messages she received from passed animals were identical to the ones I've received through animal communication myself. I related heavily to so much of what she wrote, I loved it!

This is another very special book about a very special place and all the lessons the most abused and overlooked animals have to give us when given a chance. Just beautiful!!

[Edye · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best book of the year! As a long time Gentle Barn follower and supporter, I ran when I saw this book on my library shelf. This book teaches kindness, compassion, and empathy; all things we can learn from animals. This book fueled my love and passion for animals and veganism even more. 500 out of 5 stars!

[Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am inspired by Ellie and loved my time at The Gentle Barn, so I immediately preordered this. I loved reading the animals’ stories. I was surprised by how relevant to my life a lot of the lessons in the book were. I found myself tearing up and nodding along many times.

[Anne Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I connected with Ellie's connection to and compassion for animals (and humans). Many chapters left me with tears because I felt the loss. This book gave me a lot to think about, and I now wish I could meditate with cows. Thank you for this gift, Ellie. I'm going to read your first book now.

[J.J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5. There were parts I would give 5 stars, but other parts were a bit too crunchy for me personally. Overall a really life changing program for so many and who wouldn't want to hug and cuddle a cow.

[Kate Raines · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cutesy

[Marsha · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO many insights and nuggets of wisdom in these pages!!