Archives for November 11, 2021

Thanks so much to Maryanne and Nick Vizzare for sponsoring a day of sanctuary in memory of their long-time friend and neighbor, Steve Olson, and in honor of Steve’s wife, Sandi Matthews.

“Steve passed away in a tragic accident on June 8, 2021. When Maryanne saw a special pair of Steve’s boots, she told his family all about Jamie and her love of boots. Steve’s family wanted Jamie to have them…they thought Steve would really enjoy them having a second life.”

Many thanks again to Maryanne and Nick for sharing your love of both Steve and Jamie, as well as Nick’s sister and our long-time chimp friend, Lisa Stuverud, for helping to coordinate this special remembrance and ensuring Jamie received these amazing boots in time for her birthday on “Jamieween“.

And very special thanks to Sandi, and your and Steve’s family, for so graciously sharing something so special of Steve’s with Jamie. Our deepest condolences to you all. These amazing boots made an appearance in a recent blog post and believe us, Jamie *loves* them! They are one of her current “boots du jour”, the ones she often asks for when we are closing up the chimp house for the night so she can put them in her night nest. That’s high praise in Jamie lingo. It touches our hearts that you thought of her, especially in such a difficult time. We hope it brings your hearts a bit of the joy you all brought hers.

Jamie!