Who knew cow-cuddling could be so calming?

Watching this man cuddling with a gentle giant cow is about as soothing as it gets.

Dan McKernan: compassionate farmer and cow-cuddler

The man snuggling up to the cow is Dan McKernan. Dan left the startup world and a tech job in Austin, Texas to rescue farm animals by founding the Barn Sanctuary on his family’s farm in Chelsea Michigan. It all began with a phone call from his Dad. They discussed what they should do with their farm that had been in the family for 140 years. That conversation completely changed Dan’s path and mission in life and he is now the founder of Barn Sanctuary, a non-profit animal sanctuary that rescues farm animals that have been abused, abandoned or have been victims of natural disasters.

DAN MCKERNAN’S VISION IS A WORLD IN WHICH ANIMALS ARE TREATED WITH EMPATHY AND COMPASSION

Barn Sanctuary is an animal rescue farm and organisation in Chelsea, Michigan. They also educate the public about the horrific treatment of animals raised and slaughtered by modern day farm factories, and the positive impact that a plant-based diet can have on the environment and our health.

Dan McKernan started Barn Sanctuary May 2016. "I’ve had a farm in my family for the last 140 years and when my father asked what we should to with the property last year I jumped on the opportunity to create a farm animal sanctuary. I believe we can make the world a better place with the work we’re doing at Barn Sanctuary and help bring the direct community together."

Today they are utilising 15 acres of the 70 acre property and developing sections of the land at a time. There are plans to have a cow barn, pig barn, goat/sheep, duck barn, and more.

Visitors can play with goats in a large open field, sit down with a pig who wants nothing more than a belly rub, cuddle with chickens who seek out your attention or get nuzzled by some very friendly sheep!

"We envision a world in which animals are treated with empathy and compassion; a world where interacting with animals inspires people to make healthier dietary choices for the sake of animals and the environment. We strive to a lead a new and diverse generation of people towards a vegan lifestyle.", says the vision statement on Barn Sanctuary’s website. You can also follow them on Facebook.

The Barn Sanctuary is educating people about the treatment of animals raised for human consumption

From chickens to donkeys, from cattle to piglets, the residents at The Barn Sanctuary are in safe and caring hands. The website states: “We operate on all levels from a position of kindness, mutual respect, and belonging, welcoming everyone to participate in our mission to spread compassion for farmed animals everywhere.”

• Spreading the love: We envision a world in which farmed animals are seen as individuals and treated with empathy and compassion. 
• Care and shelter: We give each animal in our care the highest possible quality of life with top medical care and enriched, clean and safe living environments.
• Education and advocacy: We show farmed animals in a new light, highlighting their individuality by sharing their unique stories and educating the public about the treatment of animals raised for human consumption.
  

Barn Sanctuary was established in 2016 in Chelsea, Michigan in pursuit of a lofty mission to change the way the world views farmed animals by rescuing, rehabilitating abused and neglected farmed animals in need.

Barn Sanctuary provides a loving home specifically for farmed animals because farmed animals are the most abused and neglected group of animals in the world. Barn Sanctuary is home to over 100 rescued farmed animals including: cows, pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, sheep, and goats. 

Every rescue at Barn Sanctuary is treated as an individual, deserving of empathy and respect.