Country Acres - April 6, 2024

Vintage vehicles turned food trucks hail from Minnesota

BY SARA EISINGER STAFF WRITER

NEW LONDON — Having traveled approximately 12,000 miles from Colfax Custom in New London, a red double-decker London tour bus, silver vintage Airstream and 35-foot 1947 Flxible bus sit atop The Perch at Capital One Center. Centered in the heart of Tysons, Virginia, The Perch’s 2.5-acre rooftop destination is complete with the three renovated vehicles turned

food trucks that hail from Minnesota. “Two years of blood, sweat and tears went into this build,” said Derek Otteson, owner of Colfax Custom. “The full restoration and conversion of two 70-year-old buses and a vintage Airstream is no small task. There were times when the boys and I were ready to pull the plug on these old girls, but we all dug deep and made it happen. It’s all worth it when the customer is blown away by how good they look.”

Going strong since 2018, nearly 40% of the vehicles restored by Colfax Custom become food trucks. Others are displayed at facilities like Legends Bay Casino in Nevada, where a red 1955 Ford Vanette and blue 1950 White 3000 service customers.

A black double-decker from England was transformed into a food truck in 2020 to service customers at Soaky Mountain Waterpark in Sevierville, Tennessee. A purple and white 1962

lowrider Volkswagen

services a coffee shop in Minneapolis.

“We do everything from food trucks and big bus renovations down to small repairs and restorations,” Otteson said.

In a single year, the Colfax Custom crew can fix up around two dozen collector cars, double-decker buses, trailers or large buses.

Colfax Custom page 2

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Chameleon Concessions owner Mark Palm (from left), Colfax Custom owner Derek Otteson, Jake Wangen, Luke Palm and Jason Gravley prepare to raise a 35-foot, 12,000-pound 1947 Flxible bus and red double-decker London tour bus 11 stories up to The Perch at Capital One Center in November 2020 in Tysons, Virginia. The vehicles are used as food trucks at the rooftop destination.

Saturday, April 6, 2024

NEWS STAFF

Sarah Colburn, Editor sarah.c@star-pub.com

Tiffany Klaphake, Assistant Editor tiffany.k@dairystar.com

Sara Eisinger, Writer sara.e@star-pub.com

Emily Breth, Writer emily.b@star-pub.com

Carol Moorman, Writer carol@melrosebeacon.com

Natasha Barber, Writer natasha@saukherald.com

Ben Sonnek, Writer ben.s@saukherald.com

Hans Lammeman, Writer hans.l@star-pubs.com

Alex Middendorf, Contributing Writer

Story ideas send to: sarah.c@star-pub.com SALES STAFF

Robin Brunette, 320-293-5911 robin@saukherald.com

Missy Traeger, 320-291-9899 missy@saukherald.com

Tim Vos, 320-845-2700 tim@albanyenterprise.com

Mike Schafer, 320-894-7825 mike.s@dairystar.com

Neil Maidl, 320-292-4454 neil.m@star-pub.com

Jaime Ostendorf, 320-309-1988 jaime@star-pub.com

Bob Leukam, 320-260-1248 bob.l@star-pub.com

PRODUCTION STAFF

Amanda Thooft

Nancy Powell

Maddy Peterson

Cheyenne Carlson

Karen Knoblach

Annika Gunderson

Nadiia Zalitach

Colfax Custom from front

“Every day can bring a challenge,” Otteson said. “It is always something new. We are never bored. There is no recipe book for renovating an old camper and bus or putting a double-decker bus up on a roof.”

It took Colfax Custom two years of collaborating with structural engineers to ensure the buses were structurally sound enough to park on The Perch. The project materialized in November 2021.

“We used a crane to raise the three rigs onto the roof in the Capital One project,” Otteson said.

For the installation, the Colfax Custom crew was assisted by Mark Palm, owner of Chameleon Concessions, and his son, Luke.

Six years ago, Otteson would not have guessed he would be involved in such a project. Then, he met Palm. Chameleon Concessions operates out of Minneapolis, manufacturing custom trucks, indoor

food halls, concession trailers, cars and custom builds.

“He had been building food trucks for more than 20 years, along with other projects,” Otteson said. “He had recently put a 1960s International truck in the Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport, along with an Airstream and other trucks. … He was looking for someone with fabrication and restoration skills. We did a few small projects with him, and it turned into a full-time business as well as a great friendship.”

Otteson quickly learned there was a

market for vehicle restoration, and he had the experience it took. Growing up, his dad was always building and fixing things.

“I spent my childhood learning how to take something that no one wanted and making it new,” Otteson said. “I grew up reading hot rod magazines and looking at beautiful vehicles. I have been doing it my whole life, whether welding or fabricating. I enjoy taking something no one sees beauty in and wowing people with it.”

Colfax Custom page 3

PHOTO SUBMITTED Sawyer Magnuson takes the driver’s seat of a 1972 Volkswagen lowrider with co-workers Jake Wangen (from left), Alex Wolff and Jason Gravely in 2018 at Colfax Custom in New London. Nearly 40% of the vehicles restored by Colfax Custom are renovated into food trucks.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

Sawyer Magnuson grinds on the metal frame of a rusty bus in summer 2021. Magnuson has learned about renovating vehicles from Derek Otteson, owner of Colfax Custom of New London.

PHOTO SUBMITTED

An approximately 35-foot 1947 Flxible bus soars 11 stories up in November 2020 to The Perch at Capital One Center in Tysons, Virginia. Colfax Custom was assisted by father and son Mark and Luke Palm, of Chameleon Concessions in Minneapolis.

Colfax Custom

from page 2

While the vehicle renovation business is lucrative, Otteson said money has never been his main drive.

“Promoting businesses is a huge part of it,” he said. “A lot of the trucks we build are for people who are just starting out. We build a lot of vintage-looking trailers from scratch. Most of them are for regular folks starting with a side business in hopes of making it full time and leaving their 9-to-5 jobs. It is a way for people to chase their dreams without spending millions on a restaurant, bar, or brick-and-mortar business. The best part for me is helping people who want to get started in business.”

Otteson strives to help business owners in his community however he is able.

“Everything we can get locally, we get locally,” Otteson said. “Small collectors could have parts or materials we can reuse. Maybe someone just bought some land and there is an old trailer or truck on it that we can turn into something great. We work with local suppliers for steel and get building materials from hometown lumber yards.”

Of course, not everything can be purchased from local suppliers, such as parts for a double-decker bus from England.

“Sometimes, we have to hunt down the right parts or materials online,” Otteson said. “I’ve met people all over the country, chasing down odd items that are hard to find or figuring out how to make something work. It’s a lot of fun finding folks doing projects like ours from around the country. We have a great network of people all over the country, but we have a ton of people locally. Our smaller projects are mostly local.”

Colfax Custom presently has vintage renovations scattered throughout the nation with many more to come.

PHOTO SUBMITTED A red doubledecker London tour bus is pictured in 2019 before its makeover. Now stationed at The Perch at Capital One Center in Tysons, Virginia, it functions as a food truck.

Dockendorf

from page 5

Besides raising tame, friendly animals her children can be around, Dockendorf receives pure enjoyment from owning the miniature cows.

“It’s a fun hobby for me,” Dockendorf said. “I like spending time with them, and they have so much personality. I have one that walked up next to me and tapped my leg with her hoof.”

The smallest cow Dockendorf has is her oldest, a 9-year-old that stands about 36 inches tall.

“When you go too big, you lose the ability to get hands on with them,” Dockendorf said. “I’ve been at some other places where you walk in and the cattle all scatter and go crazy. I don’t want that; I want people to be able to come in the pasture.”

a kid,” Dockendorf said. “I used to be a vet tech, and I worked on a dairy farm for quite a few years off and on. It was just always my thing.”

When Dockendorf moved to the farm her fiancé, Matt Krueger, owned, they had one dog.

Dockendorf accomplishes this by interacting with the animals daily. She also halter breaks all of the cows so they are easier to work with and easier for others to handle.

In addition to cows, the farm includes ducks, turkeys, chickens, horses, a peafowl and a mule.

“I have loved animals since I was

“I was told I wasn’t going to have horses or anything, but then it escalated,” Dockendorf said. “I convinced him to let me get a puppy. Then, I convinced him to let me get chickens.”

Dockendorf page 9

PHOTO BY EMILY BRETH A calf named Ice Cream stands in the barn Feb. 12 at Our Funny Farm near Watkins. The birth of this calf was the first Harper Krueger witnessed.

PHOTO SU B MITTED A group of miniature cows eat grain Nov. 1, 2023, at Our Funny Farm near Watkins. The smallest cow found in the herd stands 36 inches tall.

Farming through the eyes of a child

Raising a family on a farm may have its challenges, but those are easily outweighed by the benefits.

Although our toddlers usually are excited to go to the barn, keeping an eye on them while getting chores done is a challenge. At this age, they tend to get excited when a cat appears, and they immediately chase the cat in an attempt to pet it. All of our cats are pretty skittish, so this always results in the cat running and hiding in the calf barn or going in the hayloft. Sometimes, they get bored watching Jason milk cows and wander off to find something more interesting to watch. When it is colder, our daughter tends to get colder faster and wants to go back to the house sooner than our son.

By Tiffany Klaphake

In the house, the kids become excited when I am baking and sometimes argue over whose turn it is to put the next ingredient into the bowl. They enthusiastically help me when I am folding their laundry in the living room. When they see their clothing, they pick it up regardless if it is folded or not and run off to their room where they promptly drop it on the floor and ask for another article of clothing that is theirs. At least their clothes made it to the correct room.

Outside, with the warmer temperatures, we have opened up the big barn doors, including the one on the side that leads to the lean-to where the overflow cows are housed. Our 2- and 3-year-old are fascinated with walking into the lean-to and seeing yet more cows. Even though they have done it dozens of times, it generates a reaction. They have learned to check the water tank and let us know if the cows need more water.

On a regular basis, our kids walk in circles, going around and around through the lean-to then back into the barn only to turn and walk back through the lean-to. It is simpler now when both side doors are

open, and they can walk through on their own. Unlike in winter, when they come get me to open the side doors so they can walk through. Not knowing how many times it will take of them circling before they are content, and so the cold air doesn’t get in the barn more than it has to, I follow them, opening and closing each door each time we pass through. I follow them, trying not to complain about going out in the cold again and again.

Now that it is spring, I don’t mind following them about the farm looking at the cows and tractors. It fascinates me how in awe the kids are each time we walk through the barn and the machine sheds. To them, the cows are big animals that they get to see and touch in person instead of just reading about in all of their books. To them, the tractors are huge, actual machines that are almost as tall as some buildings; plus, they get to ride along in them. Then again, seeing the things that we read about in books in real life must be pretty exciting when you are 2 years old.

Last week, when we were taking our walk through the barn, circling through the lean-to several times before heading off to the machine shed, it occurred to me how exciting life would be if we all saw the world through the eyes of a child. Everything would be so exciting and wonderous.

I enjoy my job as a writer as well as helping Jason on the farm, and I know Jason wouldn’t trade farming for any other career. But, if we all lived with the joy and enthusiasm of a young child, life would be so much more interesting. Most farmers I know love their job and wouldn’t want to do anything else, but I know there are lots of other people out there who do not love their job. If our everyday chores, work and tasks were looked at with the eyes of a child, life would be an adventure.

Faith, family, farming

Town: Willmar | Grade: 12

Parents: Kurt & Heidi Olson

Willmar FFA Chapter

Tell us about your involvement in FFA.

I’ve competed in the small animal contest at Ridgewater College. I’m competing in general livestock April 15. I’ve done road ditch cleanup and participated in Ag Day at the elementary schools. We bring farm animals and teach the kids about what the animals are, what they eat and how they grow. I’ve also done butter making at the Kennedy, Roosevelt and Lakeland elementary schools. I went to the National FFA Convention last year, which was so much fun. I’m also a finalist for the agricultural sales proficiency award. I work at Runnings and have for about two years, and normally, I cashier. I also work in the farm department with chicks, feeding and caring for them and helping customers find the feed they need. I stock shelves and help in the pet department with feed and supplies for small animals.

What has FFA taught you so far? It has taught me a lot of leadership skills. I used to be very shy. It has definitely helped me open myself up more, and I’ve been able to learn from others and teach other people and kids about what we do in FFA.

How do you intend to stay involved in agriculture after your FFA career? After high school, I want to be a veterinarian technician. I am accepted to the Ridgewater College two-year vet tech program. After that, I’m thinking I’d like to work as a veterinarian for large or small animals.

What are you involved in outside of FFA? I’ve been involved with the trapshooting team for four years. I love to go fishing, and I’m very involved with my church. I help my grandparents on their farm with their horses, and I help a friend with their farm and their cattle.

What is something you believe people need to know about agriculture? You don’t have to grow up in it to be good at it. I didn’t completely grow up in it. I wasn’t raised on a farm, but I have outside relations — people who have agricultural experience. FFA has taught me so much about agriculture and the importance of it.

Paynesville 320-243-3938

www.feedcomn.com

Dockendorf from page 6

After a short while, Dockendorf moved her horse to the farm and bought another horse.

“I bought her in October and found out she was pregnant,” Dockendorf said. “Then, in November, I

found out I was pregnant with Harper.”

Dockendorf said the children she and Krueger have, Harper and Kayce, inspired her to have animals on the farm.

“I wanted something my kids could get into,” Dockendorf said. “I didn’t have this when I was a kid. I would have loved to have grown up on a farm with all this.”

Harper spends time with the animals, even playing in mud puddles with them. She recently saw the birth of a calf.

“I still have pictures of (Harper and a calf) playing in mud puddles,” Dockendorf said. “(Kayce) is obsessed with the cows too.”

Dockendorf said she has met people through her involvement with the mini cows. There is a community

of people who raise minis, she said, and they talk about all the different breeds, combinations and colors of the animals.

“I’ve had people stop and ask if they could bring their grandkids out to see the animals,” Dockendorf said. “A lot of people really don’t know about them. When you dive into it and see, there is a whole world.”

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PHOTO SUBMITTED

Horses graze in a pasture in September 2022 at Our Funny Farm near Watkins. Tina Dockendorf enjoys spending time with all of her animals and getting to learn their personalities.

Dairy princess programs provide a way to get young women involved in the dairy community and also creates dairy advocates. Dairy princesses represent dairy farmers in their respective counties and attend numerous events with the goal of connecting with consumers.

The crown and sash worn by a dairy princess make it easy for the public to identify who she is and what she represents.

Learn more about the princess programs supported by Midwest Dairy Association in Iowa and Minnesota.

Information provided by: https://www.midwestdairy. com/young-dairy-leaders/dairy-princesses/

Dairy Princess

The future of agriculture depends on our hard work today. That’s why we’re proud to support the National FFA Organization and help inspire the next generation of agriculture dreams.

us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I live on our family farm, but upon selling our milking cows last summer, my dad and I have been staying busy at Scherping Farms, which is owned by close family friends. I plan to attend Central Lakes College-Brainerd for general studies this fall and will be competing for Princess Kay of the Milk Way in May.

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I grew up on a dairy farm just outside of Upsala. This January, we sold our cows, and it was one of the hardest experiences in my life thus far. I wanted to run for dairy princess again to advocate and promote the community that raised me and gave so much to me throughout my childhood. Prior to selling our cows, my job was daily milking and helping my youngest brother, Lucas, with the youngstock. Without our cows, my duties are pulling hay and rock wagons along with raking hay. My future plans consist of finishing my bachelor’s degree in social work degree at Minnesota State University-Mankato and then moving home to work within one of our local counties in Child Protection Services.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? My passion and respect for the dairy industry makes me a successful dairy princess.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? My role in promoting dairy consumption to contribute to a healthy lifestyle would be to promote the sheer goodness of dairy and all it provides: from 13 essential nutrients in every glass of milk to the sweet taste of chocolate ice cream.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have many qualities that make me a good dairy princess, and the biggest ones are my love for the dairy community and my outspokenness. I am always willing to share my dairy experience and listen to someone else’s. This is very important in being a dairy princess, because we need to advocate for dairy regardless of if we are wearing our crown and sash.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? As a dairy princess, my role in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle is to simply share the wonders of dairy and what they can do for the consumer. I share facts about dairy’s nutrition and health benefits to anyone I speak with. I cannot wait to see what this year holds for me, my fellow princesses and our dairy community.

The young woman who serves as Minnesota’s dairy princess wears the title of Princess Kay of the Milky Way, a name selected in a Minnesota Department of Agriculture contest almost 60 years ago. Princess Kay serves as the goodwill ambassador for Minnesota’s dairy farmers. She is selected through a three-phase process. Information provided

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior and am involved in 4-H and the Minnesota Honor Society. I am also the president of the LPGE FFA Chapter and the secretary for the Todd County 4-H Leaders Council. I will be attending the University of Minnesota-Crookston where I will major in animal science and complete the pre-veterinary program. After that, I am hoping to transfer to the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities to go to veterinary school. My family and I own show heifers, which we raise from calves and sell as replacement springer heifers to other farms.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Qualities that I

Haylie Alexis

Parents: Mike Wielenberg and Sarah Maland

possess that would make me a good dairy princess are my dairy farming background, my willingness to learn, my public speaking skills and my passion for teaching the younger generation about the dairy industry.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? As a dairy princess, one of our most important roles is teaching the younger generation about how adding dairy to their lifestyle benefits them. Teaching them about the dairy industry as a whole could really help promote us, because they are influenced by a lot of the negative things they may see online. Teaching them that the things they might see are wrong and showing them what the dairy industry really is can help neutralize all the bad things they may see.

Parents: Tim and Ammy Woeste

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am involved in the dairy industry by raising dairy heifers on my family’s hobby farm for showing. We raise from when they are born until they are about ready to calve. They then go to a farm to be milked. I enjoy showing dairy cattle and am a member of the Todd County 4-H program where I am my club secretary and the county Leaders Council president. I am in the Minnesota Holstein Association, Minnesota Junior Holstein Association, and Minnesota Red and White Association. I enjoy playing basketball and softball, spending time with friends, and reading a book here and there. My future plans are to go to the University of Wisconsin-River Falls to major in agriculture business. After college, I hope to work for an agriculture-based Fortune 500

business and have a hobby farm of my own.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I come into the princess program with a bit of a different perspective than most people considering I didn’t grow up on a dairy farm. I am passionate about the dairy industry and am willing to talk to anyone who has questions. I love to talk about my experiences and share my love for cows with everyone around me.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? As a dairy princess, I can encourage the public to consume dairy products by sharing my love for dairy products and how it has personally helped me. By encouraging the youth in our communities to consume dairy and explaining the benefits and versatility of dairy, they will be able to incorporate dairy into the rest of their lives.

DAIRY PRINCESS

Krohnfeldt

Parents: Brian Krohnfeldt and Elizabeth Paul

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans.

My family owns a 70-cow dairy north of Alexandria. My favorite part about the farm is taking care of the calves and youngstock. The farm has greatly impacted the activities I have participated in. One of these activities includes 4-H, where I’m involved in projects such as crafts/fine arts, dairy, goat, sheep, rabbit and dog. I also involve myself in county leadership such as secretary and treasurer. I also am a Minnesota 4-H state ambassador. I am involved in FFA, AAHS ambassadors, National Honor Society and band. My future plans include attend-

Emma Douglas Meeker

ing South Dakota State University and majoring in agriculture education with a minor in animal science and agricultural business. I hope to find a job in a high school as an agriculture teacher.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? Leadership, public speaking skills, general knowledge of the dairy industry and a passion for the dairy industry.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? As a dairy princess, you are a spokesmodel for the dairy industry, which in turn encourages people to choose dairy products for their healthy lifestyle.

County County

Frenchick

Parents: Josh Frenchick and Melissa Tessmer

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am a senior and am involved in cross-country, track, National Honor Society, FFA, dairy judging and 4-H. I live on a registered Jersey farm near Manannah, where we milk 28 head in a tiestall barn and care for 30-35 head of youngstock. My plans include attending the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where I will be majoring in life biology/genetics as well as getting my teaching license.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I love talking and

connecting with people. I am able to hold a conversation with anyone, whether it is a first grader, a fair-goer who does not know about cattle or a first-generation farmer. I have worked hard to learn all about dairy and everything that comes with it, so I am able to answer any questions someone may have for me.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? The role I play in encouraging consumers to buy dairy products is being a voice for farmers and those involved in the dairy industry who may not have the time or ability to be their own advocate.

DAIRY PRINCESS

18 | Kerkhoven

Bethel University

Parents: Matt and Brenda Thompson

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/ or work on, and your future plans. I am finishing my freshman year at Bethel University as a chemistry major with minors in biology and political science. When home, I worked on Rod and Naomi Lindquist’s dairy farm. I am considering a career in optometry.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have a passion for promoting both the dairy industry and the knowledge of where our food comes from. I love to meet new people and grew up spending lots of time at my grandparents’ dairy farm. I love the dairy in-

dustry and strongly desire to share the benefits of consuming and promoting dairy with others.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? I first must start my role of encouraging dairy consumption with myself and will make sure to model a lifestyle in which I practice what I preach. I remind others of how many servings of dairy are part of a healthy diet. I attend dairy events that are put on throughout the summer where I inform people about the dairy industry, which is super fun. This summer, I’m hoping to serve chocolate milk at races with the American Dairy Association of Kandiyohi County, which will be another way to promote the benefits of dairy.

DAIRY PRINCESS

County County Kandiyohi Pope Thompson Walter

Parents: Nate and Angie Walter

Tell us about yourself, the farm you live and/or work on, and your future plans. I am the fourth generation on my family’s 100 crossbred-cow dairy farm. The farm was started in 1935 by my great-grandpa Kenneth, taken over by my grandpa Fred and is now farmed by my parents. In 2013, we transitioned to organic and sell our milk to Organic Valley. I help by milking the cows, while my brother does more of the jobs that require equipment. Growing up on a dairy farm led to my involvement in 4-H and FFA. I graduated from Osakis High School in 2022. I decided to further my education at South Dakota State University. I have been involved in Sigma Alpha and dairy club. I will be graduating in May with a degree in agricultural business and a minor in economics. I will move home to complete my internship and help on the farm. My internship is with Hurley & Associates, and I am excited for what the future will bring.

What qualities do you possess that make you a good dairy princess? I have many leader-

19 | Westport

South Dakota State University

ship skills that will help me in my role as a dairy princess. Growing up on a dairy farm definitely gave me a strong work ethic. It also gave me a passion for the dairy industry and all of agriculture, which drives me to be an advocate for agriculture. I am a strong communicator and can share about all of the good in the dairy industry. I am a problem-solver and am determined, and I have a positive outlook.

As a dairy princess, what role do you play in encouraging dairy consumption as part of a healthy lifestyle? As a dairy princess, I encourage dairy consumption by being a role model. I consume a lot of dairy, and in college, I have two specific products that are my favorites. For a snack, I reach for a cheese stick, and for a latenight treat, you will definitely find me eating ice cream. Dairy products are a great way to get your protein in, which is important for a healthy lifestyle. Dairy also contains many vitamins and minerals that you cannot find in most other products. Dairy is great because it is nutritious and delicious.

don@dghomes-remodeling.com

320.251.9416

P.O. Box 608, Sauk Rapids, MN dghomes-remodeling.com

Rowe

from page 20

“I can take pigs, goats, sheep and pretty much anything,” Rowe said.

Rowe cares for six foster dogs and numerous cats, along with the horses she has adopted.

Accompanied by a force of certified veterinary technicians and behaviorists, Rowe and her daughter, Kari Jo Ruth, love the unloved.

the dogs are loving and playful.

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Animals receive food, shelter, training and health care. Current veterinarian bills can average up to $1,000 per month for all the animals in Rowe’s care, while an estimated $250 is spent on food. There are miscellaneous costs as well.

“Most funds come out of my husband’s pocket and whatever I have,” Rowe said. “We do fundraisers too. … I am not going to give up because these animals need me.”

Rowe is planning a yard sale in May and is setting up an online store to help fund the rescue. She sells printed logo wear and mugs. She is also in the process of applying for a grant to cover spaying and neutering.

Rowe grew up on a dirt road within city limits.

“I fell in love with animals at a young age,” she said. “We would see animals all of the time. I would make sure they were healthy. I would find homes for them.”

“They keep me preoccupied,” she said. “I don’t think of anything else when working with animals, only on training them and providing care. It makes it easier for me to keep my mind off things.”

Rowe knew her purpose the day her father retired from operating a hobby farm.

sweep the state to TNR as many cats as possible.”

Like her mother, Ruth shares a strong bond with animals.

While horses gently ate apples and carrots from Ruth’s hand, Rowe explained her daughter’s relationship with pets.

“My 27-year-old daughter has some disabilities, and animals love her,” Rowe said.

“When she was still in high school, we got a call about an 18-monthold horse with a leaky bladder,” Rowe said. “We picked her up, and she just held her head over my daughter. I told my daughter that if she got her homework done and finished school, we could adopt her.”

In the alternate hand, Ruth held the leash of a 3-month-old Husky.

“We spayed and neutered every cat that my dad had on his farm,” Rowe said. “We returned them to his farm. Then, a neighbor had a female cat that kept having babies. The cat kept bringing them to me, like she wanted me to take them. So, I sought veterinary care and found them all homes. A friend told me to start a public rescue in our area, and a local veterinarian recommended it too.”

They named the horse Delilah. Today, Delilah grazes in a large pasture with three companion horses at Forever Furry Friends Rescue. In return, the chocolate-colored horse graces Rowe and Ruth’s lives.

Rowe does not like turning animals away from the rescue, even when aggressive or ill.

“My daughter is more motivated again now that we have a puppy,” Rowe said. “She always could connect with animals and be comfortable around them. Around 75% of the animals we rescue end up being emotional support or service animals. With my PTSD and daughter’s disabilities, I can say people learn from animals.”

A cres C ountry

Relating to many abandoned and abused pets, Rowe reminisced on past hardships. She overcame domestic violence and has learned to cope with post-traumatic stress disorder.

Today, Rowe networks with animal rescuers across the state and into Wisconsin.

“I work with people who trap, neuter and release,” she said. “I want to

Ruth, her mother said, struggled to build relationships with the majority of her peers and teachers throughout school.

“I will take the ones that no one else will,” Rowe said. “Sometimes, shelters in the cities will call to ask me if I will take a dog they don’t want to put down.”

Rowe page 26

PHOTO BY SARA EISINGER

Linda Rowe plays with a rescue dog March 4 on her property near Bertha. Rowe said many of

$85,500

Rowe from page 24

Sota serves as a golden example, often acting out aggressively by growling and barking.

“It’s not his fault,” Rowe said. “It’s mostly anxiety because he was never socialized properly.”

Sota has a fenced-in perimeter at Forever Furry Friends Rescue, complete with a couch, straw bed, food, water and toys.

Rowe said she takes precautions when cleaning this

feeding him. Ruth is not allowed to get within proximity of the dog.

Smiling, Rowe explained how Sota has changed.

“He is getting a lot better,” Rowe said. “One girl, who is a certified behaviorist, wants to work with him. We might end up keeping him. I don’t know that I would trust him (to be adopted out).”

The hope is that most pets are adopted by families who meet their needs and vice-versa. Rowe has a special place in her heart for the bond that can form between the aging population and their furry chums.

“I am loyally devoted to seniors,” Rowe said. “We will get pets vetted, cover food and veterinarian costs to give them to the elderly.”

Rowe believes an unbreakable bond can form and flourish between an owner and their pet.

“They are living beings with emotions that they feel,” she said. “Emotions are an important part of life. Animals will cry if they lose a human.”

Animals can also serve their humans. She told stories of dogs and cats who played heroic roles in medical situations, one of a cat and its owner.

“The cat went to her son’s room to let him know that his mom was slipping into a coma,” Rowe said. “The son was able to call the paramedics in time. They certified the cat as a service animal.”

Rowe said people can call Forever Furry Friends Rescue if they find a stray animal, know of an abusive or neglectful pet situation, or have a pet they can no longer care for.

“I will do anything to help,” Rowe said

This dog, pictured March 4 at Forever Furry Friends Rescue near Bertha, is known for his energy and his want to run around. Forever Furry Friends Rescue takes in a variety of animals.

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