Our heartfelt thanks to Raina Cincoski for sponsoring a day of sanctuary for the chimpanzees and bovines and shared this entirely beautiful and moving tribute in memory of her mother, Carol.
“One week ago today, on 8/29, I lost my amazing mother. In her final days she liked to watch happy videos. As I pulled up some CSNW videos to show her I asked her if she liked chimpanzees. Through her weary eyes and shallow breaths she said, “They are beautiful when they are swinging and climbing, but don’t show me anything where they are being made to do or wear people things.” That’s my mama! She cultivated our love for all creatures great and small and so in her memory I want to dedicate this day to all of the mamas at CSNW, both ape and bovine. Special consideration to those that would have been amazing moms if they had been allowed the right to raise their babies. Finally, through my tears, I want to thank CSNW for providing the blog and videos that help me smile while my broken heart heals.”
Raina, we are so very sorry for your loss of your mama. We’re incredibly touched that you would choose to honor Carol’s memory and legacy by honoring all of the mamas here at the sanctuary and their children. We’re continually amazed by the chimpanzees and bovines and how they seem to work their magic in so many ways and in so many lives (including our own), just by being themselves. Thank you, to you and your mama, for making a difference for them and being a part of their lives, too. We hope their days continue to bring you moments of ease and lift your heart.
Annie and Foxie:
Annie:
Missy grooming Annie’s foot:
Missy:
Dear Honey B, Missy’s daughter:
Foxie and Strawberry Shortcake:
Jody and Foxie:
Honey (L) and her daughter, Meredith:
Jody:
Betsy and her son, Nutmeg:
Negra:
Foxie:
a nice remembrance for a nice lady……
Beautiful tribute to one’s mother while not forgetting the sacrifice our brethren and sistren have made in the so-called “name of science”.
oh Raina, I hear you. I feel you. I hope you come here daily to this community. it brings us joy every day.
Thank you, Raina and Katelyn for this lovely collection of thoughts and photos. Raina, I also shared a love of animals with my mother and know that your mother would greatly appreciate your post and the pics that Katelyn chose to go along with your tribute. In these days of turmoil on so many levels, it’s so heartening to know that the sanctuary is there, the chimps and bovines are loved and cared for, and the humans (both on site and out here in blog-land) value their lives so much.
I heartily second all of the above comments. We welcome you, Raina, to our community of those who love and adore the chimpanzees and cattle who have been given refuge at this sanctuary. What a great gift you provided to your mother, and to her memory.
It was one year ago today that our beloved Burrito endured a sudden health crisis. Many of us kept vigil over the next few days as the anti-venom countered the poison to which he had been exposed. One year later, our profound gratitude is directed to Dr. Erin Zamzow and all those who assisted her in saving the life of our dear friend.
A note of gratitude as well to the physical therapist assigned to Burrito’s convalesence. In his case, Jody demonstrated that inducing laughter in a patient often makes for good medicine.