On a recent sunny afternoon, Danny Gott prepared one of his horses for a day of visitors.  

Danny has an infectious smile and a love of animals that led his family to create an amazing petting zoo in their community of Shadow Hills.   

Cathy and Jim Gott, a former Dodger’s pitcher, were concerned as to what would happen to their son as he grew up and needed a job. Danny is on the autism spectrum and like many others with special needs, required mentoring and opportunity.  

That led to the birth of Danny’s Farm, a safe and loving place where adults with developmental disabilities could be nurtured to grow and find a job. 

Danny’s Farm has partnered with Special Spirit to create an inclusive petting farm held on Saturday mornings.  

On the day we visited, VIP visitors to the farm included Gott's Dodger teammates Billy Ashley and Al Ferrara. 

Jim and Cathy say Danny’s Farm has changed their lives like they never imagined. This special environment has a tremendous impact on coping and social skills, self-esteem and compassion.  

It’s not just Danny and the other kids here who benefit, it’s the entire community.