Our very own staff caregiver, Chad, graciously sponsored a day of sanctuary for his chimpanzee and bovine friends in honor of his mother, Jody, for her birthday and retirement!
“Mother/Mom/Mommy/Mumsie dearest, I just wanted to wish you a happy birthday and to celebrate your full week of retirement! I am not only so happy for your decades of dedication to your job and company, but also so very proud of you! You worked tirelessly and endlessly, all the while raising three children. Two ‘normal’ and one with wild and crazy dreams and ambitions. Yet regardless of how wild and crazy those dreams and ambitions were, you always, without a shroud of hesitation, supported those dreams. And here I am. Doing what I have always dreamed of doing. I don’t think I would be here without your undying support. Though geography separates us, your love always makes us feel as if we were in the same room. I hope you have an amazing birthday and a wonderful life in retirement!”
(Human) Jody and (chimpanzee) Jody have an awful lot in common when it comes to being there for their family and friends it seems. How very lucky their loved ones are.
Happy Birthday and congratulations on your retirement, Jody!! All of us here at the sanctuary send all the good thoughts for today, and for a proper Jody-style retirement full of days surrounded by loved ones, joy, celebration, adventure, ease, and just doing whatever makes your heart sing.
Burrito and Jody:
Jody leading a patrol around Young’s Hill, with her friends, Missy, Annie, Burrito and Foxie following:
Betsy grooming her son, Nutmeg:
This guy:
Jody and Foxie:
The Queen of Lounging:
Burrito and his beloved buddy and caregiver, Chad:
Linda C says
Thank you, Jody! For gifting Chad to Burrito, lol! Best playmate ever!
Seriously, happy birthday and happy retirement!
Chad, what a nice gift from a son! Jody (chimpanzee) is so so photogenic!
Kathleen says
Happy birthday and congrats on your retirement Jody! I have never met Chad in person, but I do not need to do so to know he is a person with a generous heart. Thank you Jody for encouraging Chad to be the person he is today. Where would Burrito be without him?! May you enjoy your birthday to the fullest and same goes for your retirement. (If you can enjoy your retirement half as much as Jody Chimpanzee, you’ll be living large.)
tom austin says
are you saying Mom Jody retired to somewhere other than the WARM, beautiful pacific Northwest US..???
Linda C says
Chad was probably at school there, and stayed
Magda Ashtok says
Happiest of birthdays, Jody! “You done good!”
Debbie says
Jody (the chimp) looks like she is grabbing away to Foxie on their walk! Happy Birthday human Jody and retirement is the best. You will get the hang of it soon!:smile:
Tobin says
Debbie, I’ve often thought so, too, regarding that photograph. Do you suppose that Jody and Foxie are gossiping about how amazing it is that Chad can try to keep up with Burrito day after day? To pull off such an arduous feat (perhaps our Jody is commenting to our Foxie) Chad must’ve inherited some hardy genes from his mother…
Laurie Mowat says
Happy birthday and retirement Jody!
Chad’s wild and crazy dreams are making such a difference in the chimps lives. You raised a good one Jody. Have a great day.
Ken & Gracie the beagel says
Congratulations Jody (human) on your retirement! We are all bless to your at the Sanctuary.
May you and chimpanzee Jody have a wonderful birthday. :blush:
Maureen says
Chad, what a beautiful, loving celebration of your mother. Jody, have a wonderful birthday, and enjoy your retirement!
Pamela says
What a beautiful tribute to your Mom, Chad. Happy retirement Jody!