Linus’s Legacy
Linus’s Legacy is a nonprofit animal rescue based in Crookston, MN. The mission of Linus’s Legacy is to provide rescue, fostering, medical care, and adoption services for animals in need while educating the public on responsible animal care and advocating for the humane treatment of all animals.
Linus’s Legacy was founded with the ideal that even the most helpless animals deserve a fighting chance. It was created to help dogs and cats receive the veterinarian care and love they need to thrive, and find their forever homes. Linus’s Legacy was founded by animal lovers who are passionate about all animals getting the love and care they need.
Linus’s Legacy is named after a small day-old orphan puppy who was rejected by his mother. He was a special needs puppy who was born with a congenital condition called Cerebellar Hypoplasia. This condition is not painful, and he was able to thrive. Linus lived his best life for four and a half years.
We are an official incorporated organization, and you can read more about us on our “about” page. We have applied for 5013c status. Animals in our care receive necessary vet care before being adopted out (vaccinations, wellness, any necessary testing, and spay/neuter if age appropriate), as well as microchip for dogs.
About Us. Our People.
Our team came together out of shared concern for the welfare of primarily dogs and cats in the area that have no place to call home. We are all committed an loving rescue dog and cat owners, and have diverse background in animal welfare, fostering, adoption, founding nonprofits, working alongside or serving on various nonprofit boards and committees, basic dog training, grooming, fundraising, and forming community connections. We value strong partnerships with our vets, foster families, and volunteers.
Joan Darco, President
Joan is a long-time resident of Crookston, MN, where she teaches at Red River Valley Juvenile Center. Known for her deep passion and dedication to animals, Joan has spent nearly a decade fostering animals for various organizations and rescuing many on her own. Through Linus’s Legacy, Joan hopes to meet the needs of the Crookston community and surrounding areas by offering a safe haven for vulnerable pets, promoting adoption, and providing valuable resources to local residents.
Cassandra Torkelson, Director
Cassandra is a fear-free dog/cat groomer in Crookston, with pet CPR/first aid certification. She is an experienced neonatal foster and has about ten years of experience as an independent animal rescuer. Cassandra was a volunteer with The Retrievers lost dog team. She has experience in lost dog prevention and humane capture of dogs. Cassandra has experience with shy/feral dogs. She is a huge animal advocate and believes that rescue is a team effort.
Brandon Lee
Animal welfare has always been a passion of Brandon’s, and he has been a lifelong supporter of shelters and rescues. Every pet he has ever had has been adopted, including his current companions – Millie, whom he rescued in 2024, and Casper, whom he has been with since 2012 after he adopted him in South Dakota.
As the treasurer of Linus’s Legacy, Brandon is dedicated to ensuring that our rescue has the resources needed to provide care and support to animals in need. He believes every animal deserves a loving home, and he is proud to be part of a team working to make that a reality.
Lori Carlson, Secrectary
All of Lori’s cats and dogs have been rescues and wonderful friends. She teaches in Crookston and is also a freelance musician and artist. Through her work in education, she has leadership experience serving on many local and state committees and task forces, working alongside nonprofit boards and fundraising, A creative, visionary, and detail oriented person, she was one of the founders of “Handmade Neighborhood”, a local artisan fair that has been running in Winona since 2008. Her newest dog is a doberman that was adopted as a singleton puppy and has grown to be a sweet and smart girt that really enjoys long sniffy walks and rally classes. She has pushed Lori to become a smarter trainer in terms of puppy socialization and overall dog skills training, including tricks. Lori is excited to be part of a committed group of animal rescuers.
Cassandra is a fear-free dog/cat groomer in Crookston, with pet CPR/first aid certification. She is an experienced neonatal foster and has about ten years of experience as an independent animal rescuer. Cassandra was a volunteer with The Retrievers lost dog team. She has experience in lost dog prevention and humane capture of dogs. Cassandra has experience with shy/feral dogs. She is a huge animal advocate and believes that rescue is a team effort.
Kari R. Trudeau
Kari served in the MN National Guard for 10 years. She started college with a veterinarian tech background and changed careers to cosmetologist. As a local business owner, she has owned her salon for 23 years. She has done hair care for residents of the nursing home for 25 years. She has also been active in the community serving on a youth sports board and volunteering at fundraising events.
Kari has rescued many small animals from the elements and has adopted several of her last few pets. She has experience in animals with daily health issues, and one of her current dogs is a tripod. She has experience training dogs basic commands in classes and with private dog trainers. She has many years experience caring for reptiles and amphibians such as iguanas, turtles, frogs, and geckos, including a rare breed known as the Caledonia giant gecko.
Brian Torkelson
Our Values
