A Life-Changing Visit: How a Therapy Dog Transformed the Journey of a Solitary Calf

It’s heartwarming to hear the story of Lewis, the calf who received a life-changing visit from a therapy dog named Sky. Lewis was adopted by Ellie Laks and Jay Weiner, the founders of The Gentle Barn, after being saved from a butcher at just a week old. He was in poor condition, suffering from severe pneumonia and a weak immune system due to his traumatic birth situation.

Realizing that Lewis needed a clean and cool environment to recover, they brought him inside their air-conditioned house. It was during this time that Sky, who had been adopted by The Gentle Barn as a therapy dog, proved to be a huge benefit for Lewis. Sky had a calming and comforting effect on Lewis, protecting and soothing him while he slowly recovered.

As Lewis regained his strength and was able to walk outdoors, Ellie noticed a deep bond that had formed between Lewis and Sky. They would play and run around the yard together, despite their physical differences in size. Ellie took Lewis on walks around the farm, and Sky was there to assist him in acclimatizing to his new life.

Over time, Lewis grew from a small calf to a large cow, weighing over a thousand pounds. Despite the weight difference, their love for each other persisted. Although they are not as physical with each other anymore due to the size disparity, Sky still shows affection by licking Lewis and lying down next to him when he collapses on the ground. The friendship and connection between Lewis and Sky highlight the healing power that animals can bring to our lives. Sky’s presence and companionship played a vital role in Lewis’ recovery and well-being. It’s a beautiful example of the profound impact animals can have on our emotional and physical healing processes.