Thanks so much to Tobin for also sponsoring this day of celebration with a special honoring! Tobin shared this message about today:
“Earlier this year, Diana wrote a post about her friends Margaret Parkinson and Karen Creason. It was heartening to read of their contributions to the sanctuary and the people who have received a home there. Diana described how, sixteen years ago today, these two women were present to greet the arrival of the first seven chimpanzees to arrive at their sanctuary home with a truck-load of blankets and toys.
Neither Negra (whose birthday we celebrate today) or her six companions could have known what awaited them at the end of their cross-country journey. They could not know that they were arriving at a home where they would be treated with love and respect, with their own hillside to explore and forage. Nor could they have known that, at their new home, the human primates would note merely “house” them but provide them with intelligent and compassionate care that benefits the quality of their lives.
As Diana mentioned in her blog post, her friends Karen and Margaret contributed to the care of Negra and her companions not only on the day of their arrival, but for several years thereafter. I was impressed by their corporeal acts of mercy and charity, and thus, on this sixteenth anniversary of the day when they greeted the arrival of seven chimpanzees to their refuge and sanctuary in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains, on behalf of Negra, I wish to sponsor this June 13 in honor of Margaret and Karen for the gifts of their time, dedication and spirit.
I am confident that today’s sponsorship in gratitude of Karen and Margaret merits something akin to a Royal Food Bark from Karen’s dear friend, Negra. And though he would arrive 13 years later, I am also confident that sponsoring this day in honor of Margaret and Karen merits voluminous and emphatic Bronx Cheer of Approval from Teeny Tiny Terry pan Troglodyte.”
Beloved Karen and Margaret:
Happy 51st Birthday, beautiful Negra:
A kiss from Negra:
Negra and her family on Young’s Hill:
And Happy 34th Birthday to sweet Terry!
Rayne and Terry:
Kathleen says
Tobin, What a touching tribute. How fortunate 16 chimpanzees and 4 cows are held so dearly in your heart.
Tobin says
Thank you, Kathleen. On behalf of those seven who arrived at the Sanctuary sixteen years ago, I am grateful beyond words to Karen and Margaret, and so many other humane humans who have contributed to the well-being of Negra, Terry, and their friends and neighbors over the years.
Linda C says
Thanks, Tobin!
Debbie says
Happy Birthday to my pal Terry and sweet Negra? May you both enjoy many more years of comfort and joy :blush:
Adrienne says
A noble gesture from you, Tobin, to commemorate these selfless ladies and celebrating the birthday stars!
mo says
Just watched the Sweet 16 video, showing the 7 in their early days. They all looked horrid; not even Burrito had a glint in his eye. I’m crying for the painful lives they lived until arriving here, and for the freedom and safety and love that is now theirs. Happy Birthday to Sweet Negra and to Terry. And, always, thanks for everything, to CSNW and all who care.
Amy Goldshine says
Thank you Tobin for such a lovely tribute on the most wonderful anniversary. Happy Birthday to my beautiful, beloved Queen Negra! May you always have all the warmth you need, the blankets you want, the food you desire, the fun you now enjoy, and the many more joyful years you deserve. I love you Neggie. :purple_heart::heartpulse::sparkling_heart:?:revolving_hearts::purple_heart:
Jeff A says
Thank you Tobin for sponsoring the day(and all the days you do!) and a huge thank you to the CSNW staff for dedicating their lives to the residents.
Debbie says
The sweet sixteen video brought tears of empathy, tears of joy and tears of gratefulness. Be still my Heart. I :heartpulse: CSNW and all you do
Arlene and Michael says
Thank you Tobin for your touching tribute and for sponsoring this special day. Thank you also to Karen and Margaret for being there for the Chimps and Sanctuary, right from the start. Thank you to everyone at this amazing Sanctuary for what you do and to all supporters!!!
Marya says
What a lovely tribute to the “first family” chimps who arrived and were loved from the very first minute. What could melt my heart more than seeing Neggie snuggled in her blanket-of-the-day on her head (because it’s important to keep the top of your head warm, you know!). I’m so grateful to all the folks who love and care for these chimps so their lives can be as fulfilling as possible. Thank you to all who contribute to the sanctuary’s ongoing fiscal health, to the chimps’ good health and happiness, and to the staff who work so hard on their behalf.
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Bless you, Tobin, for honouring and holding in your heart the lives and good works of two very remarkable ladies; Margaret and Karen. A thoughtful gesture. Also, of course it’s celebration and party time for the birthday bubs sweet Negra and Terry so let the good times roll.Thankyou everyone for getting the party show on the road.
Margaret Parkinson says
thank you Tobin. what sweet messages for our darling Negra. and also for the kind words abot Negra.CSNWi heaven on earth and the 16 are angels as are the people whowatchout for them.