Well, I’ve got to give praise and all the love to Paul Whittington. Our vet may have truly pulled off a Christmas Day miracle over at Whittington Veterinary Clinic.

After 7–8 hours of labor in the pastures—yes, that long—and I’ll own it, that part’s on me. I tried to give her the space to calve unassisted. Every time I got close to help, she panicked, and I didn’t want to stress her.

While on the phone with our vet, I basically told him I give up. It’s Christmas, and I had already missed most of the day with family who came in from out of state. (I did sneak away briefly to eat with them, then hurried right back to the pastures.)

This Missouri Outlaw first-time heifer had the calf coming front feet first, but she just couldn’t quite push him all the way through the pelvis. Finally, she decided she’d let me pen her. We hauled to the vet with that guilty feeling—wishing we’d gotten her there sooner.

Paul immediately went to work. The bull calf was pulled, and honestly… he looked dead. Then all of a sudden—some nose and mouth stimulation—and there was LIFE.

We left the pair at the vet overnight and are hoping for the very best. The momma was strong and never gave up. I’m incredibly proud of her for making it through one heck of a Christmas Day.

Can’t wait to hear the update from the overnight stay at the vet to go pick them up. December 2025.

Bayou Balls Farm