This was Missy in her transport cage on her way to the sanctuary in 2008. This cage isn’t much different than the cages she had lived in for the previous 30 years.
We didn’t yet know Missy well on that day in 2008, but we would soon come to learn that she wants nothing more than to move her body. She is a natural athlete, packed to the brim with energy just waiting to be released in a sprint or leap or swing on the fire hose. It is almost impossible to imagine what those decades in cramped laboratory cages were like for her. She must have felt stifled and confined in the worst way.
Seeing her take advantage of the wide open spaces at the sanctuary these days never gets old. This morning, a tire swing way at the top of Young’s Hill caught my eye as it swayed back and forth, and I momentarily wondered what had set it in motion since it’s a rare windless day in Cle Elum. After a second I spotted Missy perched on the climbing structure, just a speck on the landscape.
wonderful to see!!
This post gave me such joy. There is nothing better than new freedom. I can’t help but be very fond of Missy.
What’s really remarkable is that Missy is not angry, broken, or bitter from her decades of cruel confinement. Humans hurt Missy and her family, yet she’s moved forward and is able to experience joy and love. She must have a beautiful soul.
Truly pulls at my heart strings!!! Missy, I am filled with joy for you! XO!
So wonderful to see Missy enjoying life!
I can only imagine what she felt the very first day she ventured out onto Young’s Hill. It takes my breath away to think about it. What did it feel like? What did she think when she was actually able to run, zoom, swish, climb, and swing —outside — after all those years in dark confinement?! Missy must recall those dark days, but luckily Missy is a resilient Super Woman. Oh Missy you are an inspiration. XOXO.
Thank you for giving her a nice life now.