THE DAY OUR EWE DIED GIVING BIRTH

OFF GRID with DOUG and STACY: Today is out of the normal for this happy Homestead. When I started this video I just wanted to share the story of the loss of our ewe but ended getting all choked up. Decided to just leave it and post if for you all to get a real view of some of the real feel of the homestead.
Thanks for watching and I am ok, I was just getting caught up in the moment when I was talking about it. It had just happened so its all fine now. We take the responsibility of stewardship of the animals in our care pretty serious and I just felt like I let her down =(
Thanks for watching and we will see you soon =)
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[@TheFewellHomestead]

I often think about my grandfather sitting up through the night waiting on a newborn calf, and the times he's held that calf in his arms, dead. He grieved for every single one of those calves, even now well into his 80s on his up and running cattle farm. He's still out there doing it, loving it, and grieving when he must. I'm not sure it ever gets easier. I'm not sure it's ever supposed to get easier. But I know one thing - taking time to grieve for a beloved farm friend isn't weird or abnormal. It's necessary. When we get so close to these animals, and love them so much, and something like this happens, it's tough. Thank you for being raw and real. The world needs to see men who aren't afraid to express emotion when something goes wrong ❤ I cried with you! Praying for you during this rough time! I know you guys will be back on your feet soon.

[@christinabernat9681]

Amy Fewell - The Fewell Homestead could not have said it better myself.

[@RBMawby]

It takes a tough man to keep a tender heart! This is what I told my boys. We all get you.

[@thehalfcockedhomestead3973]

This might be long, but I came across this and thought I should share it. So sorry for your loss... Some years ago, it was my privilege to visit the country of Morocco as part of an official United States government delegation. As part of that visit, we were invited to travel some distance into the desert to visit some ruins. Five large black limousines moved across the beautiful Moroccan countryside at considerable speed. I was riding in the third limousine, which had lagged some distance behind the second. As we topped the brow of a hill, we noticed that the limousine in front of us had pulled off to the side of the road. As we drew nearer, I sensed that an accident had occurred and suggested to my driver that we stop. The scene before us has remained with me for these many years. An old shepherd, in the long, flowing robes of the Savior’s day, was standing near the limousine in conversation with the driver. Nearby, I noted a small flock of sheep numbering not more than fifteen or twenty. An accident had occurred. The king’s vehicle had struck and injured one of the sheep belonging to the old shepherd. The driver of the vehicle was explaining to him the law of the land. Because the king’s vehicle had injured one of the sheep belonging to the old shepherd, he was now entitled to one hundred times its value at maturity. However, under the same law, the injured sheep must be slain and the meat divided among the people. My interpreter hastily added, “But the old shepherd will not accept the money. They never do.” Startled, I asked him why. And he added, “Because of the love he has for each of his sheep.” It was then that I noticed the old shepherd reach down, lift the injured lamb in his arms, and place it in a large pouch on the front of his robe. He kept stroking its head, repeating the same word over and over again. When I asked the meaning of the word, I was informed, “Oh, he is calling it by name. All of his sheep have a name, for he is their shepherd, and the good shepherds know each one of their sheep by name.”

[@christinabernat9681]

Paul Waite absolutely beautiful, and wow - so informative!! Thank you so much for taking the time to share this.

[@tracyflenner]

Now I’m crying again after reading this.

[@garrettkline259]

This is what brought the tears? Lol! I thought I was in the clear when I was able to fend off the emotions during Dougs vlog but then I started reading the comments lol! What a relevant, touching story, thank you so much for sharing and thank you Doug & Stacy, you give me hope for our future.

[@LifeinFarmland]

Wish I had words to sooth the heart. Life sure is something precious. Hard not to get attached to the animals when you work with them daily. You did what you could. I am sorry.

[@charliesmith643]

agreed

[@TealHouseFarm]

Man that's rough Doug...takes guts to share a video like this...made me want to give you a big bear hug...hang in there!

[@leisaparke580]

Doug I cry everytime we just lose a animal. Its hard when you try everything and nothing works. Don't feel bad about crying. It shows you really care about them. 😢💖

[@ArmsFamilyHomestead]

What a bummer Doug. There's nothing wrong with getting attached to our animals! Many people don't understand how we say we can get attached to our livestock and then butcher and eat them. Keep up the good work brother.

[@pamjones6465]

Thank you for sharing Doug. :) It is sad when we loose one of our animals it hits us hard. So sorry for your loss. God will see you thur. :)

[@Broomsticksmess]

my husband and i have been veggitarian for years now because we very strongly believe in living compassionately. (he worked for a meat packing company for 3years) the way animals are treated in meat factories is beyond crule. we are going off grid soon and decided that we would raise chickens and possibly goats as long as it aligns with our views on compassion. with all of that being said, thank you. I feel like you proved that you can live this lifestyle and not loose that love and compassion for living animals. you did your best and regardless of how her last day went, she still had a wonderful life in comparison to what another animal has in a slaughter house. thank you for showing this love.

[@RainCountryHomestead]

Thank you so much for this Doug. I knew before you even said it that you take your stewardship seriously. Any one who is considering having any kind of animal needs to be reminded that these things happen, it is what you sign on for. As we prepare to get our chickens, though we are making sure we have a good, safe place for them, I am also facing the reality that I can lose one or more of them to something I was not prepared for and it will be hard because of the sense of responsibility we have. I am so glad you shared this but I am very sorry to hear it too. Take care and blessings to you and Stacy.

[@yankey4]

Sorry brother. Thanks for letting us be here for the good and the bad parts. Glad to see it's real.. God Bless Brother.

[@loganv0410]

Steward - yep that's the right word With stewardship comes caring With caring sometimes comes pain It's the cost of doing things the right way You did what you could. Job well done.

[@Anamericanhomestead]

Sometimes there are no right or wrong answers. It's just what happens and yep, you're right. Homestead Realities. Good vid.

[@Unit38]

Doug, in the course of my work, I deal daily with the dregs of society. I have been doing that for over 30 years. You and Stacy are some of the most decent people I will never personally meet. I will never be a homesteader so I do not watch your videos to gain tips on that lifestyle. I, rather, see your channel as a window to something that is simpler and kinder. You remind me that there are far more decent people in this country than those who are not. May God grant you a prosperous and happy 2017.

[@JDKvideos]

Sorry Doug...... I really appreciate that you care so much about your animals and not think of them as just a number and a meal.

[@jksatte]

I really appreciate that as well. Janice

[@FarmFreshIB]

It never gets easier. Thanks for sharing. It is important that the newbies out there see the bad with the good.

[@WannabeBetter]

I'm so sorry to hear about your ewe. I am praying that you'll be comforted. Thank you for sharing your heart with us. Our very hairs and numbered... peace.

[@ap301307]

Blessings to you Doug . Your heart is big . You take your part very seriously. Prayers for you . Thank you for sharing the true moments of homesteading.

[@NanaTrece9444]

Thank you for showing us your heart. It's important for people to see the good and the bad of life on the homestead.

[@saintlucia2007]

Latrece Preston well said🖒So sorry to hear of this difficult moment you had to experience, Doug. We all know you did what you could at the very moment your ewe was in need. God bless her sole, and may God bring comfort to the offgrid home and family.

[@KalinaAngell]

Doug, my husband, Rob and I send you and Stacy tons and tons of love and healing from this experience. You are so brave to share this moment with us, and I'm sure that it'll help others in the future. Happy New Year and much love!

[@kimp6551]

Thanks for sharing, Doug. All life matters and death affects us. Knowing that you could not have done anything differently will help you eventually. God bless your human heart.

[@aries171717]

I am so sorry for your loss doug. As a new subscriber I was enjoying catching up on your uploads. This is like a smack in the gut for me so only god know the full impact it has on you. Keep the faith brother. Tony from England.

[@justthetip96]

I appreciate the video and sharing this with us. I could really tell how important it is that your animals are cared for and are as healthy as you can help with. It takes a lot of courage to make a video like this than to just shut down and act like it's nothing when it really is bothering you. Best of luck for 2017.

[@realrasher]

I really appreciate all of the life lessons you guys share... The good, the bad & the ugly. The one loss, like this, will teach 1000's thanks to you and Stacy. Good on you!

[@lisabooker6405]

I understand this is an older video but you truly touched my heart. I can't imagine it gets any easier as time goes on. Your heart is good and our father knows it. Thank you for being so kind. Thank you for taking your stewardship seriously, lovingly and openly. Blessings to you always!

[@sherryslr]

Your kindness in your stewardship of your animals is always heart warming. Your willingness to share your heart in your vulnerability is SO strong. My heart and my prayers are with you and ALL of GOD's creatures at Growing Your Faith Farm. Shalom

[@gailfirenze4760]

Thank you for being real Doug. That's why I follow you and Stacy because you are both authentic. May you both be richly blessed in the coming year.

[@seriouslyomg1234]

Oh Doug I cried with you. You're so sweet and kind. I'm glad to have found you here on KZbin you're so honest and genuine. Much love from Colorado enjoy your time with your family while you take some time off. 💗💗

[@enigmaticat4811]

Sorry for your loss and thank you for taking the time to share that moment with all of us. The tough times make the good times all the more precious.

[@elizefarre1876]

Sorry Doug. It really means a lot to me that you could share this sad moments with us. Hugs and Kisses from South Africa. Elize xxx

[@annagregg8401]

Thank you for sharing the 'realities' of homesteading. I appreciate your willingness in sharing how much you care. Blessings to you. ~A.

[@redtankgirl5]

I'm so sorry for this loss of your ewe Doug and Stacy. Doug this was a special share as you have always shown yourself to be a caring Steward of your flocks and your homestead. It's hard not to bond with animals you work with every day. You get to know them and when things happen out of your control, it takes a toll. Thanks for showing this struggle and the pain. You did everything you could do, including bringing in the vet. My thoughts are with your homestead today as I work mine.

[@maehay4065]

Doug I am so sorry you lost your ewe and lamb babies!! I know it must be so hard to see one of your animals suffer please know we all share in your loss! Have a blessed day with your sons. Big hug to you and Stacy. See you soon.

[@dulcerenelle]

You have a big heart Doug. And as hard as that was it makes what you and Stacy do all the more heartwarming and real. You care for your animals and although I was sad with you I am grateful for your continued honesty with real life day to day. Thank You for sharing.

[@diverdan551]

Hang in there Doug and Stacy, You did the best you could do under those circumstances Doug... So sorry for your loss's, but don't kick yourself so hard, I can see that you and Stacy are very good people and very caring and loving for your livestock and people and there health...You brought me to tears watching it hit you so hard man...Wishing you and Stacy and family a Happy New Year.......Love Ya Guys....Sincerely, Dana~

[@gunmetalglitter4060]

I am so sorry this happened to you. I'm glad though that you were there and willing to make the decision to have mercy on her. You're a good homesteader, and I hope when my time comes I can grow into as good of one as you and Stacy. Thank you for everything. I hope the next couple days are filled with rest and healing. ❤❤❤

[@arciafrench993]

+OFF GRID with DOUG and STACY we heal with the help of other livestock

[@tarantulady8565]

Arcia French Isn't that the truth? The caring for & duty to the others keeps us going forward.

[@AhubahsLifestyle]

Sorry to hear about your lost. And your melt down just shows how much you really care about your animals. Prayers sent up.

[@cherylgirard9833]

Through tears I write this It's ok for you to have a meltdown and yes real me cry and are not ashamed to show it. it just shows us the love and compassion you have for you livestock I might be an old fool but I like to think that there is a big place in heaven for our beloved animals so take comfort to know your babies are there. You take your time and reflect on the good times with her Enjoy your time with your boys A loving heart knows no boundaries. Blessings to you and yours. Cheryl from TN.

[@rockymorris9130]

Doug, thank you for sharing such a heart felt moment with us. Times like this are never easy. You have a big heart and did everything humanly possible to save her and she was truly blessed in her life to have you and Stacy looking after her. We are sorry for your loss and hope you and Stacy enjoy your time with your boys. Thank you again for sharing "real" life with us on the homestead. God Bless!!

[@Nakuru98]

so sorry to hear about the ewe Doug,...and you wouldn't be human if you didn't shed tears from this...just shows how caring you are towards your animals

[@lucindalove7606]

You are an amazing huge hearted man! How one treats an animal shows what kind of person they truly are. You are a good man. I am so sorry for your heartache. Many blessings to you!

[@Strevale]

I'm sorry to hear about your losses. At least you tried your best to help her. Thank you for sharing this with us. On a brighter note, it looks like we might be moving to the Mountain View, MO area very soon. We're very excited!

[@gailelizabeth14]

Truly sorry to hear of the loss of your ewe. Thanks so much for sharing and keeping it real. You did your very best... Hope you enjoy your time with your family.

[@offthehook4u]

I appreciate that you honor the sacredness of life and of our Father's creations. Life is truly a miraculous and marvelous thing and those who work with animals, such as yourself, get to experience that on a very personal basis. Thank you for sharing.

[@onedazinn998]

You did your best bro. We can only try to make our families, our pets & our livestock the happiest & healthiest we can. Thanks so much for sharing your feelings & we'll be thinking of you.

[@Shria9]

I feel for you, Doug. Wish I could give you a hug. Thanks for sharing the hard times with all of the good times so we all understand that things can go wrong and be prepared.

[@bengtkorswing5279]

Thanks for sharing. The animals we live with and work with become part of the family and an untimely death is hard. Blessings, you're doing good.

[@alyssaharder8439]

Thank you for sharing. I have been raising goats for almost 11 years now and I have had some results like yours today. It is never easy to lose them no matter what the cause. I feel for you!

[@secretangel70]

Im so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing your loss with us. I cried along with you and know that its therapeutic for me as well as any loss on the homestead if it was a lamb or chicken it heals us to know that our emotions that we carry are as meaningful as any animal that passes in our care. Thank you for sharing!

[@tamathamavraides5532]

I've been there and it's devastating. When we treat our animals with love then things go wrong it hurts terribly. There is no need to apologize. Your animals are so blessed to have your dedication.

[@peppernc429]

I understand, we are human and you shared a raw human moment! Thank you and God bless!

[@michaelb8091]

take as much time as you need. seen too many youtubers, not take time for themselves and get burned out. you guys do a marvelous job. Keep up the good work at your own pace.

[@Pinkenstein]

Oh Doug... I'm so sorry this happened. I would feel the same way. Thank you for sharing your vulnerability. This has a lot of value for me as a hopeful homesteader-to-be. I'll be thinking about this one for a long time. 💜

[@fourdayhomestead2839]

Sad to hear of your loss. This shows you have a heart. God Bless.

[@mavisdavisify]

Thank you for sharing this very personal loss. I am so sorry mom and baby didn't make it. I admire your efforts to save them and your profound respect for their lives. I hope you find comfort in knowing you did all you could.

[@Princesshelyne]

You have a warm loving heart. thank you for sharing.The world needs more men like you.

[@kirstenwhitworth8079]

I am SO sorry for your loss. I am glad you shared this with everyone because there is always loss when animals are involved. Things just go wrong at times. We do the very best we can, but sometimes it just doesn't work out. I know you tried hard, so hard. I know she was part of your family. It's hardest to handle when it is out of our control. I am SO sorry for your loss. Take care of YOU for a few days so that you can take care of the homestead and everyone on it. Bless you.

[@janpartain924]

Gosh Doug I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Thank you for the candid video. I think people need to understand this is part of homesteading. You have to take it all. And when we love and care for our homestead animals, despite their ultimate purpose, we invest a part of ourselves in their lives. They are a joy to care for, raise, watch, interact with and learn from. How could any part of losing them in such a tragic way not affect us deeply? I just had to put down a companion animal two days ago and I would not wish away the heartbreak if it meant I also had to give up the good times along with it. Thoughts are with you and Stacy.

[@kingsheavenlygifts]

Doug, thank you for sharing, you have been so blessed and I appreciate your honesty. Homesteading is always fun and happy-go-lucky, thank you for sharing...God bless

[@markw2521]

Doug, thanks for sharing your heart! Take some time, man, relax, and be reassured in your blessings.

[@amyashcraft98]

Doug I am so sorry this happened to you it broke my heart seeing you so upset. I think it is important for people to see the hard side of homesteading especially people thinking about this kind of life. Thanks for sharing.

[@oakcreekfarm7069]

So very sorry! Thank you for sharing! I'm glad you can take a few days off and spend it with your sons! Happy New Year!

[@waedvm]

HI Doug, just found your channel and am slowly catching up. I appreciate your insights and sharing the good, bad and ugly. I am a Vet so, I also appreciate your attachment to those in your care. Thanks and keep up the good work.

[@chick-a-bee-farm]

This is why we all love you guys. You care and it shows! Lost a litter of puppies in a similar circumstance years ago. Did all we could but lost those poor babies. It is still with me years later. So sorry it was such a loss for you. :-( Will try to send happy thoughts your way.

[@HearthandSickle]

Thank you for sharing this with us Doug. Not everyday is rosy when you have animals on a homestead. Sometimes we put everything into caring for an animal and it hard not to fell like they have been let down. It's a good reminder of the realities of the lifestyle.

[@faizas3243]

Dear Doug...You can be proud that you were almost in tears. It shows you have a lot of feelings in your body for your animals.I think all subscribers on your channel love you for that.

[@MrsSoapPeddlersHomestead]

As all of us know out here in youtube land you.....my friend are one of the most amazing men I have had the privilege to get to know. This video for me...is proof positive of your love of life and all lives you are a part of. You choked up....I had a full blown cry. You have such a good heart Doug. God Bless you and know that all your animals are in the best of care.....with you. Sending you hugs and love from NC

[@wifarmer8479]

I think it's great you took this opportunity to share with the masses. we are Currently driving through Scott city, MO and just watched your video. I managed wisconsin dairy farms for 15 years. lost 3 cows to prolapse but never hits you so hard until it's your own. Blessings to you brother

[@travisrhaley]

Thank you for being real Doug.. I appreciate all you do. I know without doubt you did all you could do.. Keep up the good work. Take care and enjoy your family. Lord bless you!

[@mtzlfldt]

It's never easy. I appreciate so very much that you wanted to share this. Especially for people new to homesteading.

[@Solar2go]

From a relative newcomer to your channel and from one Doug to another, this is what has drawn me to your channel and caused me to view hundreds of your vids in a relatively short period of time. Viewing them has given me a pretty good idea of your character and I must say that it has been an honor to get to know you and Stacy through your channel. Your openness and honesty are refreshing in a world of on-line posers. I consider you both to be close friends even though we've never met. Something I hope to remedy some day. There's no fake or playing homesteading here. You're the real deal! Love to you and Stacy and a heartfelt thanks for sharing your lives with us all. Another Doug

[@altafayratliff9871]

Our hearts break for you all.. Our animals become such a big part of our lives and family and any loss is truly heartbreaking.. Thank you for sharing a real experience and showing not everything is all roses and sometimes things like this happen...

[@junkmale1001]

I'm so sorry about the loss of your ewe. Thank you for sharing during this emotional time. You can tell you care a lot for your animals.

[@craigschofield64]

I spent my youth working on farms and on horse/cow ranches of my uncles and you can get used to the life and death struggles of the lifestyle but sometimes a particular instance hits home and emotions get churned up, that just shows your a kind and thoughtful person. It can be both a financial and a emotional loss for farmers and homesteaders alike to lose a baby animal but losing both the mother and the baby makes it an especially financially devastating and emotional loss. And as we all know the emotional part of the loss is always the most difficult part to get past. I always tried to look at it as there was a reason God let that happen and both the mother and off spring are in a better place for a reason. I am very sorry for your loss and I hope your day gets better, and I am glad you shared this especially for people that have never lived on a farm/ranch and don't understand the daily hardships of the lifestyle.

[@maryannsmithkang7224]

I'm so very sorry!! I cried watching this!! So sad for you on what happened and I know you're devastated. Please take some time to recover from this tragedy. Thinking of you!

[@lazyblackdog7730]

Sorry to hear about your troubles Doug. Hope you and Stacy enjoy your visit with your boys and have a Happy New Year's.

[@teresabourgoin2948]

Growing up on a cattle ranch yep there are days when emotionally your just spent! Thank you for sharing this very real raw emotional moment with us.

[@MrsStokes903]

I'm so sorry for your loss. God bless you and your family. Thank you for sharing your experience and being so real.

[@cheakychic1]

God Bless Doug ...I just love your's and Stacy's heart your great people and with all the cruelty in the world its great to see farmers that care about their animals.

[@jrdalbec]

Thanks for sharing this Doug. It is hard to lose an animal that way. You fight and do all that you can and in the end it just wasn't enough. I lost a young goat earlier this year and it hit me really hard too. Keep your chin up, you guys do great work out there and it's very inspiring to see your progress.

[@maximus78028]

Thank you Sir for being open honest and being man enough to speak with emotions while trying to push through. This is a real homestead video of the truth of it.

[@sunnysky449]

Prayers for comfort to you Doug. I understand the loss of a critter you care about. Love you. Thanks for being so real. Thanks for caring so much.

[@littles3439]

Thanks for posting this. Your reaction shows your true and honest commitment to the stewardship God has given us and inspires me to work more diligently at it.

[@princesadegreyskull]

We share in your loss. I grew up on a small farm. I know that feeling when moms or babies or both don't survive the birthing. Hugs to you both for your loss.

[@norweavernh]

Doug, I am so sorry for your circumstances and the death of your livestock. It is so difficult when alone, I just wanted to find a way through the miles to reach out and hug you as you clearly needed it. Prayers to you and Stacy at your loss.

[@MushroomPatch]

I am so sorry for your lose and the suffering that she endured. She is without any pain now and, I'm sure, thanks you for everything you tried to do for her. God bless.

[@judyg9889]

Thanks for being real with us. We had some sad failures with goats; it's part of the life cycle that homesteaders are so close to. There was something wrong from the beginning with your ewe, even if you'd stayed up all night there would have been nothing you could have done to reverse this. This is as important a lesson for all of us out here as the more fun stuff; thanks again for sharing the good and the not so good.

[@BrooklyngirlLovesCrochet]

awwww Doug, fully understand. it is good to see that u feel for the animals & respect them. thank u for sharing this tough moment with us and reminding us that this is the reality of homesteading. God bles you.

[@ediesawyer4868]

She knows you tried to help her and by that she knows that she was loved and valued. Animals are more aware than most people realize. Having you fight for her was probably a great comfort to her.

[@kenishamoore3226]

Doug, sorry for the loose of your ewe and lamb. Thank you for being real... no matter what the situation. You're a good man with a good heart. Thank you for sharing even the hard times on your homestead ❤

[@mst5632]

I'm very sorry you lost the ewe, Doug. My thoughts and prayers are always with you but especially now. Thank you for sharing, as always. God bless.

[@kimberly6599]

OH Doug, I'm soooo sorry for y'alls loss! Big hugs go out to you two! Thank you for sharing the raw truth of homesteading, I could see how hard it was for you. I appreciate your pure emotion! My prayers and tears are with you!😪 May God give you sweet peace! A heartfelt Toodles😪

[@motherdaughtersister]

Thank you for having the courage to post this authentic video. For those of us hoping to homestead someday, we need to see the reality of this lifestyle. Again, thanks.

[@billfisher9247]

Do not feel bad for having a big heart, you are a good man and a great steward of your homestead. God bless you and Stacy, may His blessings be upon you.

[@aldesrochers]

It takes COURAGE TO SHARE this type of emotions and feel the devastation of feeling helpless.. I trow my hat to you for this sharing and hope you will feel better with some time to absorb this situation.. Have a blessing day friend

[@mikewiscombe5582]

Thanks for sharing Doug. Sending best wishes from across the pond.

[@bbnorthofnowhere4761]

So sorry for the heart break reality, it is hard Wisdom comes from these life lessons. Hard to go through. You care, thank you for being that way. Courage, Barbara

[@BrendasHomemadeBasics]

thanks for sharing Doug, You were real and honest about how things are. sorry for your loss on the Homestead. You did all you could don't beat yourself up.

[@6976bhgh]

Doug... I've come to know you and yours and living on a small farm you understand the need to have living animals and using the livestock to live on and they have a purpose. Giving life is just as important as the slaughter. The joy of birth of any being on this earth is precious. You lost two loved ones a mother and a child. The prolapse was unfortunate and you did you level best to give your Ewe the best chance to live and give life. IF you didn't get emotional then you wouldn't be a true Shepard of your flock. Enjoy your family and I hope this finds you and yours with even greater success in the New Year.