One year ago today, staff were waiting at the Chimp House, glued to our phones waiting for every update from J.B., Diana, and Dr. Erin as they were driving up from Southern California following a well air conditioned trailer carrying six new friends we were all desperately waiting to meet. At that point we have heard all about them, but I don’t think anything could have really prepared us for these six individuals about to pull up the driveway. Upon first sight those of us who had been waiting had fell and fell hard in love with them.
I remember Lucky was actually the first one from that group I had met. I helped offload her from the trailer and got her ready to enter her new home. She had a fear grimace, which to be fair, I would too in a new situation like this, not knowing what was happening or why it was happening. I let out a few breathy pants to her and gave her some reassurance and her grimace faded away. The door then lifted and Lucky entered her new home. Then one-by-one the rest entered their new home: Dora, Gordo, Terry, Rayne, and last but definitely not least, Cy.
That entire day seems like forever ago since they have been considered a part of this family. It feels like they have always been a part of our lives, yet the calendar does indicate it has been only one year(!). To commemorate their celebration, we threw a party with some of the greatest hits from parties this past year: oatmeal with berries, fingerling potatoes, tomatoes, heads of baby iceberg lettuce, and young coconuts.
Here are some of the photos from today:
Cy:
Dora:
Gordo:
Honey B:
Willy B:
Even Missy’s Group got to celebrate!
Missy:
Jody:
Though he wasn’t able to participate because he is still recovering, Burrito was up and about and already playing games today! And he got extra attentions from caregivers!
When I arrived in the morning, I went in to check on him. He was still pretty sleepy, but gave some very soft Bronx cheers, and played a game of tag, albeit while laying down.
After some time, he was up and about and ready for some visitors, which he did get throughout the day.
