The Day a Dead Sheep Made Me Cry

Reconciling the love of animals with eating them

Photo by author

I didn’t expect to cry that day.

I was walking a happy, tail-wagging Labrador through the green hills of Scotland when I saw her — the still body of a sheep, lying just off the drive of a neighboring farm.

It wrecked me in a way I didn’t expect. And it made me question what it means to live, eat, and adore animals in a loving relationship with nature.

I was at a long stay in rural Scotland in the middle of sheep fields. I enjoyed watching these gentle creatures from the window and on our walks in the countryside.

I also enjoy mutton and even lamb. Therein lies the question.

I am a deep lover of animals and a strong proponent of the Primal Lifestyle. We’re all unique, of course, but I believe most of us need animal protein to thrive. I believe this is our place in the sacred circle of life.

The events of this day helped me to resolve this paradox a little, so maybe it will help you too.

Why do we turn away from the sight of death?

The day after we first saw this poor, dead creature, we went past in the car, and it was still there. I was even more disturbed and troubled, sad and…