Hi everyone – my name is Dusty. I’m not a new caregiver to the sanctuary, but I am new to writing the blog (outside of my one-time volunteer guest appearance).
My passion for animals began when I was a child caring for my dog, Peanuts, and my guinea pig, Squeaky. I dreamed of being a vet however my career took me down a path in the technology industry. To stay close to animals I volunteered with the Snoqualmie Valley Pet Food Bank, Conservation Northwest’s citizen wildlife monitoring program, and Seattle Humane.
I never imagined I’d care for chimpanzees but in 2016 I moved to Cle Elum and began volunteering at the sanctuary. I fell in love with the chimpanzees, the cattle, and the beautiful property and in 2024 joined the staff as a part-time caregiver.
During my time volunteering in the chimp house, I’ve also had opportunities to help with other projects. One year I made Easter baskets which our dearest Jody loved. I learned to wrap Christmas presents without using tape! I promoted the sanctuary at local farmer’s markets, helped build Ryan’s Lookout, the new outdoor perimeter fencing, and fire wised the property along with past resident Ellie the Elk (a.k.a. Buttons) who now safely lives at Woodland Park Zoo.
Volunteering brought so much purpose and joy to my life – if you are interested here’s how you can help!
As a part-time caregiver, my goal is to support the rest of the team where needed most – to give them days in the office for projects, time to do intros with George, precious vacations, and now assistance with writing the blog.
What will future blogs look like from me? Well . . . I think my co-workers would say I have a quirky sense of humor (hint, hint) especially after they found out I was behind the Human Enrichment Calendar caper, which they all blamed each other on for months (I enjoyed that very much). I hug new appliances, plan parties that include bananas on a stick which Willy B loved and Honey B not so much and The Rock cardboard cutout which Lucky eventually pushed over a cliff. And then there are the infamous spooky dolls – which will be a story for another time.
At the end of the day, I love the chimps and cattle with all my heart. And I look forward to sharing my view into the sanctuary with authenticity, creativity, and joy.
So fun and inspiring to learn more about your caregiver journey, Dusty! Thank you for all you do on behalf of CSNW.
Thank you, Dusty!
The calendar caper had them guessing for a while, huh? The Rock was hilarious! And part of me wants to hear about the creepy dolls, and another part tells me to be careful what I wish for. ….
The picture with Ellie is incredible! And Lucky loves you..which means you are lucky indeed.
Dusty,
Thank you for the Easter baskets that you weaved in 2019. I remember the blogposts.from that celebration and how happy our dear Jody looked carrying her basket on her forage. Thank you for being such a good friend to the residents at the Sanctuary.
Welcome, officially. Sounds like you already are part of the team, so lucky for all the critters, staff and loving supporters. Thanks for your generosity.
Thank you Dusty, Volunteers make the world go round !
The look on Jody’s face as she romps along Young’s Hill that Easter morning. So excited to be carrying your woven pink basket! That photo is priceless.
Looking forward to your posts and your wacky sense of humor. I recall these highlighted posts. Your enthusiasm and love for the chimps is infectious! Thanks for that. And I am thrilled to see you had a visit with Ellie. I know she’s in a safer place now but I have to admit, I miss seeing her. I think Ellie saw the sanctuary as home. And for a while, I guess it was.
Absolutely! I remember her drooping lower lip (always a good indication that our Jody was enjoying life) and her uplifted left foot, as if she was hopping along Young’s Hill.
Thank you, Dusty. this was a very enlightening blog post. The Human Enrichment caper was hilarious. If I were you i’d be careful to turn my back because you know what they say about payback. it comes when you least expect it.
Thank you for volunteering. I’ve been doing it since I was a teen and found that if I did something so different from my career that was a joy in and of itself, as well as giving back to others. Bravo!!
Welcome Dusty, to the blog rotation. Your love for the cmimpanzees and cattle shines through.
Thank you for all you do!
Keep up the great work, Dusty! Warm greetings from Hungary! :green_heart::cow2::monkey_face::hugging:
:green_heart: