Founders: Carmen Linda Conklin & Wanda L. Orric
Written by: Carmen Linda
C & W Rustic Shelter simply evolved over the years. It was never our intention, nor did we wake up one day and say, "Hey, let's start an animal sanctuary today." My career was in music education and I taught for quite a few years. Wanda's career was in business and she worked 25 years for Social Security Administration.
In 1980 Wanda and I moved to Iowa and built a log home on my home farm-we came to care for my parents who were elderly. In 1981, my father had a massive stroke and I went into the business of 'in-home health care provider" for both of my parents for the next eleven years. Our Rustic Inne is now home for very senior kitties and kitties in need of hospice care.... rather a 'retirement' house for kitties and myself and Wanda as well.
During the early 80's....'because we lived on a 'farm,' we were sought out to take in stray cats, injured cats, cats of all kinds. So, it was in 1985 when we decided we needed to become responsible pet caregivers. We started the slow process of altering and vaccinating each cat, and giving them proper shelter and veterinary care.
In 1989, we started the process of remodeling The Kat Barn, the 1913 barn on the Conklin farm. The Kat Barn now has central air/heat, linoleum, air purifiers and lots of creature comforts as all of our buildings have. Several volunteers took an interest and those with carpentry skills helped us improve the building by adding bunks & shelves and an outdoor enclosed screen 'catio.' Then the 2-story 'over a century old' farm house was next in line for remodeling to become a real 'cat house', The Kitty Kottage. Volunteers added screened walls and doors, an outdoor enclosed playroom and window boxes on the upper level in all rooms.
That two story farm house was my childhood home. I was an only child, and on the farm I learned to love nature, do my part of chores and inherited my father's love of music. I followed in my father's footsteps.... in my family-between my father, his sister and myself we had over 45 years of teaching. That old farmhouse is where my father was also raised. O.K. Conklin (Keith) was born and died in the same room in that house that is now The Kitty Kottage. Many memories & spirits reside within its walls.
In the summer of 2004, thanks to an estate, we brought in a fourth building, Apollo's House, which houses FIV+ kitties and other blind and disabled felines. It also has one of our laundry facilities.
A very special fifth building was built in the fall of 2007 by a supporter who wanted a place for her felines to live after her passing-Sandy's Kitty Haven (The Sandra McIntire Building) was built and paid for by Sandy and her kitties are living out their lives together as she wished.
In 2009, a sixth building began to emerge. Bradley's House-in memory of Bradley d.Katt, has a large storage bay to store food in a temperature controlled environment. It also has a laundry area, a medical area/prep room where our vet techs and veterinarians come on site regularly to tend to the felines medical needs. And it also has a large open upper level where monthly birthday parties are held, as well as board meetings. And a bedroom with shower and bath in case any of our staff need to stay over in bad winter weather. It is also home to a couple senior cats.
In 2017, an addition was added onto the north end of Bradley's House. It is called "JODIE'S ROOM" in honor of the kitty of the couple who donated the room. We appreciate our supporters who help us with major projects, estate giving, remodeling efforts and adding rooms like this one. Eight special cats moved into Jodie's Room in August. Ranging from ages 5 to 19, they were displaced at the death of their guardian and had no place to go. Thanks to a niece who, with the help of R.H., raised enough funds to bring them to our sanctuary.
From here......the sanctuary continues to grow and expand and receive more recognition in our efforts to fill the gap for those felines who are deemed 'adoption challenged' or 'unadoptable' for so many different reasons. We give them a 'chance at a lifetime' that most would not have had. The future? The possibilities are endless.... perhaps a separate clinic....a Bed & Breakfast....
Time...
Will......
Tell
Note: The Co-Founders have made provisions for the shelter to continue long after they are both gone. It is then the Executive Director's decision if they want to continue to intake cats in need regularly as room allows; to intake only emergency situation cats in need; or to simply close intakes and maintain and care for the residents that are here at the time. They also will always honor those who have planned for their felines in their estate planning. Those estates will also ensure that Rustic Hollow continues it's work into the future. For inquiries on our Safety Net Program, contact Keisha at rustichollowshelter@gmail.com
THE KITTY KOTTAGE
The 2-Story 'over a century old' farm house has been the birth place of several generations of Conklins (and Coates). It is an over a century old farm house (oer 150 years old) with a rich history and many stories it could share. There were no trees on this farm land that for years has been known as Willow Echo Farm. My forefathers planted every tree and my own father continued to plant trees throughout his lifetime.
Wanda and I continued to plant new trees when we moved from Minneapolis to the farm in 1980. My grandfather lived on this property and farmed. My father, O.K (Keith) Conklin, a music educator and musician, moved into this home (now the Kitty Kottage) when I was a baby. I was born in 1946 to Keith and Nellie (Hardin) Conklin. My father was born in this house, and he died in the same room he was born in. I was his caregiver and mother’s caregiver for over 11 years. I gave up my teaching career to care for them in their home those 11+ years.
So this farm has been in our care for over 150+ years. It was named a Century Farm in the 1980’s. In the 1800’s it was a Coates farm (my grandmother was a Coates), and then it became a Conklin farm and owned by Carmen Linda Conklin. At the passing of both founders, Carmen Linda and Wanda L. Orric, the sanctuary will continue to operate under the established guidance of Keisha L Stough, current Executive Director. It is my firm belief that we do now ‘own’ this property….we are simply the caregivers that will take it into the next generation.
The original barn was rebuilt in 1913 and was known as The Kat Barn and in 2018 named The Anne Marie and Francis Hoffman Kitty Cabin. It was renamed in memory of two wonderful cat lovers whose relatives donated money in their memory to help with the remodeling after a flood that damaged it. We are pleased to honor their names.
The ‘spirits of The Kitty Kottage’ could tell you many stories of life within these walls over the centuries. But the spirits are usually quiet, content in the knowledge that their ‘home’ will not be torn down, but continue to have life (and cats) within its walls. The spirits were always friendly, but only make their presence known to those who have tuned in to the special characters of old homes, like the Kitty Kottage. I know for a fact that there are spirits who walk through the house, gently and quietly, keeping a watchful eye on their home and I also know that one of those same spirits came through to me years ago when I was alerted to a fire that would have gone unnoticed by me if not for ‘something’ getting my attention suddenly. Fire was already up the wall in the TV room burning the valance and heading to the second story in Kitty Kottage. I was able to get the fire out and staff called the fire department and helped haul out bedding that had some fire on it. Cats were evacuated to safety and the fire did not rekindle. I attribute my being able to save the old house to the special spirits that reside within this house. And, I am not the only one aware of those spirits. Many caregivers who have worked in this building have had their own special encounters as well. The ‘spirits of The Kitty Kottage’ could tell you many stories of life within these walls over the centuries. But the spirits are usually quiet, content in the knowledge that their ‘home’ will not be torn down, but continue to have life (and cats) within its walls. The spirits were always friendly, but only make their presence known to those who have tuned in to the special characters of old homes, like the Kitty Kottage.
“This ‘ole house’ is very special and rich with history. All of it adds to the gentle and comfy atmosphere that makes the cats so content in The Kitty Kottage.
MORE History of Willow Echo Farm and The 'ole two story farmhouse'.
The Kitty Kottage has been the birth place of several generations of Conklins (and Coates). It is an over a century old farm house with a rich history and many stories it could share. There were no trees on this farm land that for years has been known as Willow Echo Farm. My forefathers planted every tree and my own father continued to plant trees throughout his lifetime.
Wanda and I continued to plant new trees when we moved from Minneapolis to the farm in 1980. My grandfather lived on this property and farmed. My father, O.K (Keith) Conklin, a music educator and musician, moved into this home (now the Kitty Kottage) when I was a baby. I was born in 1946 to Keith and Nellie (Hardin) Conklin. My father was born in this house, and he died in the same room he was born in. I was his caregiver and mother’s caregiver for over 11 years. I gave up my teaching career to care for them in their home those 11+ years.
So this farm has been in our care for over 150+ years. It was named a Century Farm in the 1980’s. In the 1800’s it was a Coates farm (my grandmother was a Coates), and then it became a Conklin farm and owned by Carmen Linda Conklin. At the passing of both founders, Carmen Linda and Wanda L. Orric, the sanctuary will belong to C & WS Rustic Hollow Shelter. It is my firm belief that we do ‘own’ this property….we are simply the caregivers that will take it into the next generation.
“This ‘ole house’ is very special and rich with history. All of it adds to the gentle and comfy atmosphere that makes the cats so content in The Kitty Kottage.
Written by: Carmen Linda
C & W Rustic Shelter simply evolved over the years. It was never our intention, nor did we wake up one day and say, "Hey, let's start an animal sanctuary today." My career was in music education and I taught for quite a few years. Wanda's career was in business and she worked 25 years for Social Security Administration.
In 1980 Wanda and I moved to Iowa and built a log home on my home farm-we came to care for my parents who were elderly. In 1981, my father had a massive stroke and I went into the business of 'in-home health care provider" for both of my parents for the next eleven years. Our Rustic Inne is now home for very senior kitties and kitties in need of hospice care.... rather a 'retirement' house for kitties and myself and Wanda as well.
During the early 80's....'because we lived on a 'farm,' we were sought out to take in stray cats, injured cats, cats of all kinds. So, it was in 1985 when we decided we needed to become responsible pet caregivers. We started the slow process of altering and vaccinating each cat, and giving them proper shelter and veterinary care.
In 1989, we started the process of remodeling The Kat Barn, the 1913 barn on the Conklin farm. The Kat Barn now has central air/heat, linoleum, air purifiers and lots of creature comforts as all of our buildings have. Several volunteers took an interest and those with carpentry skills helped us improve the building by adding bunks & shelves and an outdoor enclosed screen 'catio.' Then the 2-story 'over a century old' farm house was next in line for remodeling to become a real 'cat house', The Kitty Kottage. Volunteers added screened walls and doors, an outdoor enclosed playroom and window boxes on the upper level in all rooms.
That two story farm house was my childhood home. I was an only child, and on the farm I learned to love nature, do my part of chores and inherited my father's love of music. I followed in my father's footsteps.... in my family-between my father, his sister and myself we had over 45 years of teaching. That old farmhouse is where my father was also raised. O.K. Conklin (Keith) was born and died in the same room in that house that is now The Kitty Kottage. Many memories & spirits reside within its walls.
In the summer of 2004, thanks to an estate, we brought in a fourth building, Apollo's House, which houses FIV+ kitties and other blind and disabled felines. It also has one of our laundry facilities.
A very special fifth building was built in the fall of 2007 by a supporter who wanted a place for her felines to live after her passing-Sandy's Kitty Haven (The Sandra McIntire Building) was built and paid for by Sandy and her kitties are living out their lives together as she wished.
In 2009, a sixth building began to emerge. Bradley's House-in memory of Bradley d.Katt, has a large storage bay to store food in a temperature controlled environment. It also has a laundry area, a medical area/prep room where our vet techs and veterinarians come on site regularly to tend to the felines medical needs. And it also has a large open upper level where monthly birthday parties are held, as well as board meetings. And a bedroom with shower and bath in case any of our staff need to stay over in bad winter weather. It is also home to a couple senior cats.
In 2017, an addition was added onto the north end of Bradley's House. It is called "JODIE'S ROOM" in honor of the kitty of the couple who donated the room. We appreciate our supporters who help us with major projects, estate giving, remodeling efforts and adding rooms like this one. Eight special cats moved into Jodie's Room in August. Ranging from ages 5 to 19, they were displaced at the death of their guardian and had no place to go. Thanks to a niece who, with the help of R.H., raised enough funds to bring them to our sanctuary.
From here......the sanctuary continues to grow and expand and receive more recognition in our efforts to fill the gap for those felines who are deemed 'adoption challenged' or 'unadoptable' for so many different reasons. We give them a 'chance at a lifetime' that most would not have had. The future? The possibilities are endless.... perhaps a separate clinic....a Bed & Breakfast....
Time...
Will......
Tell
Note: The Co-Founders have made provisions for the shelter to continue long after they are both gone. It is then the Executive Director's decision if they want to continue to intake cats in need regularly as room allows; to intake only emergency situation cats in need; or to simply close intakes and maintain and care for the residents that are here at the time. They also will always honor those who have planned for their felines in their estate planning. Those estates will also ensure that Rustic Hollow continues it's work into the future. For inquiries on our Safety Net Program, contact Keisha at rustichollowshelter@gmail.com
THE KITTY KOTTAGE
The 2-Story 'over a century old' farm house has been the birth place of several generations of Conklins (and Coates). It is an over a century old farm house (oer 150 years old) with a rich history and many stories it could share. There were no trees on this farm land that for years has been known as Willow Echo Farm. My forefathers planted every tree and my own father continued to plant trees throughout his lifetime.
Wanda and I continued to plant new trees when we moved from Minneapolis to the farm in 1980. My grandfather lived on this property and farmed. My father, O.K (Keith) Conklin, a music educator and musician, moved into this home (now the Kitty Kottage) when I was a baby. I was born in 1946 to Keith and Nellie (Hardin) Conklin. My father was born in this house, and he died in the same room he was born in. I was his caregiver and mother’s caregiver for over 11 years. I gave up my teaching career to care for them in their home those 11+ years.
So this farm has been in our care for over 150+ years. It was named a Century Farm in the 1980’s. In the 1800’s it was a Coates farm (my grandmother was a Coates), and then it became a Conklin farm and owned by Carmen Linda Conklin. At the passing of both founders, Carmen Linda and Wanda L. Orric, the sanctuary will continue to operate under the established guidance of Keisha L Stough, current Executive Director. It is my firm belief that we do now ‘own’ this property….we are simply the caregivers that will take it into the next generation.
The original barn was rebuilt in 1913 and was known as The Kat Barn and in 2018 named The Anne Marie and Francis Hoffman Kitty Cabin. It was renamed in memory of two wonderful cat lovers whose relatives donated money in their memory to help with the remodeling after a flood that damaged it. We are pleased to honor their names.
The ‘spirits of The Kitty Kottage’ could tell you many stories of life within these walls over the centuries. But the spirits are usually quiet, content in the knowledge that their ‘home’ will not be torn down, but continue to have life (and cats) within its walls. The spirits were always friendly, but only make their presence known to those who have tuned in to the special characters of old homes, like the Kitty Kottage. I know for a fact that there are spirits who walk through the house, gently and quietly, keeping a watchful eye on their home and I also know that one of those same spirits came through to me years ago when I was alerted to a fire that would have gone unnoticed by me if not for ‘something’ getting my attention suddenly. Fire was already up the wall in the TV room burning the valance and heading to the second story in Kitty Kottage. I was able to get the fire out and staff called the fire department and helped haul out bedding that had some fire on it. Cats were evacuated to safety and the fire did not rekindle. I attribute my being able to save the old house to the special spirits that reside within this house. And, I am not the only one aware of those spirits. Many caregivers who have worked in this building have had their own special encounters as well. The ‘spirits of The Kitty Kottage’ could tell you many stories of life within these walls over the centuries. But the spirits are usually quiet, content in the knowledge that their ‘home’ will not be torn down, but continue to have life (and cats) within its walls. The spirits were always friendly, but only make their presence known to those who have tuned in to the special characters of old homes, like the Kitty Kottage.
“This ‘ole house’ is very special and rich with history. All of it adds to the gentle and comfy atmosphere that makes the cats so content in The Kitty Kottage.
MORE History of Willow Echo Farm and The 'ole two story farmhouse'.
The Kitty Kottage has been the birth place of several generations of Conklins (and Coates). It is an over a century old farm house with a rich history and many stories it could share. There were no trees on this farm land that for years has been known as Willow Echo Farm. My forefathers planted every tree and my own father continued to plant trees throughout his lifetime.
Wanda and I continued to plant new trees when we moved from Minneapolis to the farm in 1980. My grandfather lived on this property and farmed. My father, O.K (Keith) Conklin, a music educator and musician, moved into this home (now the Kitty Kottage) when I was a baby. I was born in 1946 to Keith and Nellie (Hardin) Conklin. My father was born in this house, and he died in the same room he was born in. I was his caregiver and mother’s caregiver for over 11 years. I gave up my teaching career to care for them in their home those 11+ years.
So this farm has been in our care for over 150+ years. It was named a Century Farm in the 1980’s. In the 1800’s it was a Coates farm (my grandmother was a Coates), and then it became a Conklin farm and owned by Carmen Linda Conklin. At the passing of both founders, Carmen Linda and Wanda L. Orric, the sanctuary will belong to C & WS Rustic Hollow Shelter. It is my firm belief that we do ‘own’ this property….we are simply the caregivers that will take it into the next generation.
“This ‘ole house’ is very special and rich with history. All of it adds to the gentle and comfy atmosphere that makes the cats so content in The Kitty Kottage.
THE ANNE MARIE & FRANCIS HOFFMAN KITTY KABIN
Originally named, The Kat Barn, this 1913 building served as our very first 'sanctaury building'. .. back when we adopted out a few cats as well. It has had many upgrades over the years including a completely new flooring and remodeling when we received a grant and a large donation from a supporter in memory of Anne Marie & Francis Hoffman, two lifelong cat lovers who she wanted to honor. Hence the new name for our Kitty Kabin. We still have some remodeling to do in this building, but it is always a 'work in progress.'
These were the original two buildings at Rustic Hollow and over the years, we have grown to six buildings and in 2019 there are 298 furry residents.
C & W Rustic Hollow Shelter is a life care, cage-free sanctuary for special needs felines with chronic medical, physical, neurological or behavioral issues; those with Feline Leukemia or FIV; senior ’kit’izens; and felines displaced at the death of their guardian. We are one of a very few sanctuaries in the U.S. to give Feline Leukemia and other ‘adoption challenged’ felines a ‘chance at a lifetime’. Our caregiver employee team of 14 and 15-20 volunteers care for the 340 felines and several very senior dogs that call C & W their forever home. We offer an ‘alternative to euthanasia’ as many of the felines that come to us are at the ‘end of their lives’ without a sanctuary to welcome them. Our sanctuary residents come from over 30+ state and from all across Iowa. We do not take in people’s pets (exception: death of guardian) or strays, but we DO OFFER a rehoming and networking program for these animals. None of these reside at the sanctuary..we simply act as a ‘matchmaker’ for these companion animals. We offer behavioral counseling as well as a subsidized pay/neuter program for barn cats, ferals and strays. The sanctuary rests on 65 acres of (sanctuary owned) land in a scenic, peaceful valley, known as Willow Echo Farm. Conservation is a prime concern as well. The sanctuary is also a release site for rehabilitated wildlife who enjoythe creeks, marshland, and wooded areas. The sanctuary currently has six main buildings, each with an outdoor screened in ‘catio’ the felines can go out in 3 seasons of the year. Every building has central air/heat. Each area has TV’s with
Catnip (Catsitter) Videos playing for the residents
indoor enjoyment. C & W is supported solely by donations, sponsorships of the furballs, grants & estate
giving & many fund raisers! We receive no city, county, state or federal monies.
If you would like to visit, sponsor one of the feline residents, or make a tax deductible donation, it would be purrfectly appreciated.
You are invited to visit us and spend a day or an hour sitting under furballs. Call us at 641-435-2036 for an appointment to visit or volunteer!
Originally named, The Kat Barn, this 1913 building served as our very first 'sanctaury building'. .. back when we adopted out a few cats as well. It has had many upgrades over the years including a completely new flooring and remodeling when we received a grant and a large donation from a supporter in memory of Anne Marie & Francis Hoffman, two lifelong cat lovers who she wanted to honor. Hence the new name for our Kitty Kabin. We still have some remodeling to do in this building, but it is always a 'work in progress.'
These were the original two buildings at Rustic Hollow and over the years, we have grown to six buildings and in 2019 there are 298 furry residents.
C & W Rustic Hollow Shelter is a life care, cage-free sanctuary for special needs felines with chronic medical, physical, neurological or behavioral issues; those with Feline Leukemia or FIV; senior ’kit’izens; and felines displaced at the death of their guardian. We are one of a very few sanctuaries in the U.S. to give Feline Leukemia and other ‘adoption challenged’ felines a ‘chance at a lifetime’. Our caregiver employee team of 14 and 15-20 volunteers care for the 340 felines and several very senior dogs that call C & W their forever home. We offer an ‘alternative to euthanasia’ as many of the felines that come to us are at the ‘end of their lives’ without a sanctuary to welcome them. Our sanctuary residents come from over 30+ state and from all across Iowa. We do not take in people’s pets (exception: death of guardian) or strays, but we DO OFFER a rehoming and networking program for these animals. None of these reside at the sanctuary..we simply act as a ‘matchmaker’ for these companion animals. We offer behavioral counseling as well as a subsidized pay/neuter program for barn cats, ferals and strays. The sanctuary rests on 65 acres of (sanctuary owned) land in a scenic, peaceful valley, known as Willow Echo Farm. Conservation is a prime concern as well. The sanctuary is also a release site for rehabilitated wildlife who enjoythe creeks, marshland, and wooded areas. The sanctuary currently has six main buildings, each with an outdoor screened in ‘catio’ the felines can go out in 3 seasons of the year. Every building has central air/heat. Each area has TV’s with
Catnip (Catsitter) Videos playing for the residents
indoor enjoyment. C & W is supported solely by donations, sponsorships of the furballs, grants & estate
giving & many fund raisers! We receive no city, county, state or federal monies.
If you would like to visit, sponsor one of the feline residents, or make a tax deductible donation, it would be purrfectly appreciated.
You are invited to visit us and spend a day or an hour sitting under furballs. Call us at 641-435-2036 for an appointment to visit or volunteer!