We have said it before and will continue to thank everyone for the outpouring of messages honoring Jody and our shared grieving.
Today’s sponsor-a-day is also in memory of Jody, but not by someone who has been following the sanctuary for a long time. Here is the message from Cheryl Davis:
In memory of sweet Jody. Until two days ago I did not know about Jody or the sanctuary. Thank you for caring for her, loving her and all the other chimps.
Thank you, Cheryl, for taking the time to learn about Jody and the sanctuary and for being moved to make a donation dedicated to her. I can’t seem to find the words to articulate how heartening it is to know that Jody continues, in her passing, to capture the hearts of caring people.
I keep thinking back to these two photos we took of Jody the very first day she first arrived at the sanctuary when she was 33 years old.
The first one shows why we described Jody and everyone in her group as “aging in reverse” these last 15 years.
The second one really moves me, because Jody became known for her GIANT nests, and was not afraid of taking up space, but on that first day, she took just two blankets and made the tightest little nest around her.
What a privilege to have been able to watch and share as Jody embraced her sanctuary life and lived each day to the fullest. Thank you again, Cheryl, for being moved enough to sponsor this day in her honor and memory.
Cheryl Davis says
Jody, you and the sanctuary continue to be in my thoughts and prayers. This veouggt me ro teara this morning. what a sweet girl, and character, she was. my heart is full.
?:broken_heart::cry:
Cheryl Davis says
sorry for those spelling mistakes. I cannot see for the tears.
Linda C says
Thank you, Cheryl, and welcome to the blog!
There are plenty of blogs and videos to catch up on. I’ve been here a few years, and haven’t been through the blogs completely yet
Melissa Marcus says
I loved Jody and cried when I read that she had died. I love and cherish all the chimp people and thank you at the sanctuary for all that you do.
tomaustin says
love those blankets, babygirl………………….?
Martine Simmons says
Omg! poor baby looked so terrible and down when you first brought her home. and then she became the fierce young beautiful chimp we all came to know. thank God she was able to enjoy some of her life. like they say, it’s not how you start that matters, but how you end. i miss her and her cute antics.
Kristine says
Those ‘before’ pictures hurt my heart. Thank you for giving her so much love and joy in the last 15 years.
Deb says
What an astounding difference from her first day in sanctuary to her last. Thanks to everyone for making her life so much better!?
Mary Garripoli says
What a loving, thoughtful tribute you have given to Jody. Every life matters, yes, and Jody’s was no exception. Ms. Davis has been kind and generous; she is a good human being. I thank her and all of you for restoring my faith in humanity.
Kathleen says
Thank you, Cheryl, for sponsoring today in memory of Jody.
I am always shocked when I see the “first day of arrival” photos. Look how pale Jody is! (Proving how inhumane it is to force someone to live in a dark windowless basement.) And Jody’s expression is flat. The healthy happy photos of Jody are a treat to see. Her body is so flexible and fluid! The queen of relaxation. Dear girl.
Jody did age in reverse! Sanctuary life is an elixir! I am so thankful for Jody’s 15 years in her Pacific NW home. It was a life well lived.
Tobin says
Thank you, Cheryl, for your gift and your words about your beloved new friend. It’s never too late to participate in acts of a Hebrew term (and mitzvah): Tikkun olam. Translated, that means “To heal and renew the world.”.
From my first encounter (via an online video of Burrito playing with one of his human friends) to the present, my love for the residents of the Sanctuary has grown each day. Don’t be surprised if that sentiment happens to you. That very love for Jody and her friends and neighbors is helping to guide me through my grief.
Jan says
Thankyou Cheryl for sponsoring the day in honour of Jody. Diana you are so right about the chimps ageing in reverse. In the photos of Jody on her arrival at the sanctuary she looks so fragile and in such bad condition. It just goes to show what good care, nutritious food , the company of chimp friends, a beautiful outdoor space and freedom of choice can achieve. You provided all this for Jody and I thank you for that. xx
Valerie B says
Jody’s nesting accomplishments have forever changed how I view going to bed. I will forever think of her as I make my nest at night…Thank you, Cheryl, for being so generous and sponsoring this day in Jody’s honor.
Linda C says
Just don’t shred your sheets and blankets 😉
Gaynell says
Thank you Cheryl for honoring Jody. And, thank you Diana for showing how enriching sanctuary life can be fir a chimp. Better be careful that someone doesn’t ask about reservations at the CSNW “aging in reverse” resort.
Marcie says
Thank you Cheryl, for your very kind gesture and message.
marianne says
I keep thinking of a video where the enrichment was hay…
And Jody made a nest, but it had to be Just Right, so she fiddled around and finally lay down but only after moving just 2 spriggs of hay onder her back she was satisfied. Yes that was it; Best Nest Ever!
And then there is the one where she made a 100-blancket nest on one of the shelves. De video was sped up because it took quit a while.
She finally lay down and J.B. said: ‘Night Jo’.
And Jody answered : ‘growl’
Nancy Duryea says
Marianne, that video is one of my favorites, 2 more pieces of hay made it perfect. I often rewatch it.:joy:
Susan Kathleen Feeley says
Beautiful photos of a much loved Jody. She was and is a little star and thank you for giving her the best years of her life and her rightful place with her friends at the sanctuary.
My thoughts are with you all at this sad time.