Last week Jodi Nickerson, a longtime volunteer and supporter of the Central Aroostook Humane Society, died. Shelter Director Betsy Hallett and all of us at the Central Aroostook Humane Society share a tribute.
Kindness, selflessness and compassion: three of the most beautiful qualities a person can have. They are only a few of the amazing qualities that Jodi possessed, but some that shined the brightest.
For roughly 15 years, we got to see Jodi’s smiling face many times a week at the Central Aroostook Humane Society. Jodi came to us with a passion for animals, and the biggest heart for kitties. Her kindness burst through immediately. There was never a person she was shy to have a conversation with, lend help to or show around the place.
We always found ourselves learning something new through Jodi’s stories, experiences and just everyday life she brought to the table.
Jodi’s selflessness and compassion began to shine so bright at the humane society when she began spending extra time with those kitties who didn’t want to be loved yet. She had such a way with the feral and not quite domesticated cats. It was apparent they all felt safe with her. Being able to exude that much calm, love and trust isn’t easy, but Jodi thrived on it.
We think she always had a special place in her heart for those who needed a little extra love, and she was never short in giving the love needed.
To passionately show up time and time again to volunteer at a place that can be so heartbreaking at times is nothing to take lightly. That type of dedication doesn’t go unnoticed, not by us and certainly not by the community she so heavily involved herself in. Jodi saw the good in everything, and maybe that’s why she always came back. She always knew there was more we can do even if we didn’t “win” every time.
Though we may not have Jodi’s smile in our halls, there’s no doubt she is continuing on loving those fur babies in heaven with just as much compassion as she did here with us.
Thank you, Jodi, for always choosing us to spend Satu
