LEARN

LEARN Labrador Retriever rescue serving mainly Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. Wis Lic. #269144 events. L.E.A.R.N. does not have an adoption facility.

Labrador Education And Rescue Network (L.E.A.R.N.), an ALL VOLUNTEER non-profit 501(c)3 organization, serves Northern Illinois and Southern Wisconsin. A network of foster homes and volunteers connect through the Internet and at L.E.A.R.N. We take in and foster Labradors of ALL ages, from adolescent to geriatric (rarely puppies). We are not breeders. began rescuing Labs in 1999. As of July 2021, LE

ARN has found forever homes for 2,280 Labs. places abandoned Labrador Retrievers or those who need homes for a variety of reasons in new forever homes. educates adopters and the public on the importance of spaying/neutering, training, and the humane treatment of dogs. Wisconsin License # 269144

Adoption news! Dixie was adopted by Dave and Tracy and their two adult kids Casey and Emily.Dixie came to us as a stray ...
31/05/2026

Adoption news!
Dixie was adopted by Dave and Tracy and their two adult kids Casey and Emily.

Dixie came to us as a stray with extremely itchy skin, thinning hair, and a secondary skin infection from her constant scratching. With good food, supplements, our care, & LEARN’s willingness to get several opinions, her skin continued to heal. Once she decompressed from her past, we saw the wonderful, energetic, sweet lab she deserved to be.

Dixie was not the easiest foster dog Dan, the kids, and I have had, but she certainly left a huge imprint on our hearts.

Thank you to LEARN for all that you do and for taking a chance on her. This rescue village turned her young life in the right direction. Your mission is dear to our hearts. Also, thank you to Karen (lab match) for being really patient with me through all of her applications and for finding the perfect match. We miss her, but we are confident she is home for the rest of her life!

Here is an update on Dixie girl from her forever family:
She’s doing great! Lots of running, playing with toys, meeting the neighborhood dogs, learning which houses to stop at for treats, boat rides, and is starting to swim. Dixie had no problems settling in. She is amazing. We use a crate when we leave her alone. No accidents. She has so much energy. I have been taking her for 4-mile runs with my bike. Skin is good, no excessive scratching. We’re very lucky to find a dog like Dixie. Thank you for being a part of it!!

Hi All! Blue here!So far, I’ve been a stellar foster dog! I settled into my foster home quickly, even after a long road ...
18/05/2026

Hi All! Blue here!

So far, I’ve been a stellar foster dog! I settled into my foster home quickly, even after a long road trip to get here. Right now, I’m living with two other dogs (Ruth and Oakley), foster Mom and Dad, two teenage girls, two rabbits, and some outdoor chickens. I’ve loved everyone I’ve met so far — both dogs and people! I leave the rabbits alone, and I’ve only sniffed the baby chicks. Foster Mom says I’m friendly, affectionate, and playful with toys, other dogs, and people. I haven’t met little kids yet, but she thinks I’d likely do well with them, too.

I’m calm and mellow for my age, but not a couch potato. I love being near my people and will happily follow you around before settling nearby for a nap. I don’t bark much, except to join in with Ruth and Oakley or when I’m excited to see you come home!

Foster Mom says I’m part superhero! I’m a super leaper, mostly over the other dogs while playing, and I’m also a sneaky little thief. So far, I’ve relocated things like a sponge, a belt, a butter knife, and an electric razor. I didn’t chew them, just moved them! I can also zip out a door very quickly, but the good news is I come right back when called. And watch out for my happy tail, it’s strong and fast!

I’ve done great free roaming the main level of the house while everyone is gone, with my current record being 7 hours. I had a bad crate experience at my Louisiana foster and injured my face, so foster Mom hasn’t crate trained me here. I’m mostly house-trained with only one accident so far. I’m still learning leash manners and do best with a harness. I was previously mistreated with a shock collar, so those are a no for me, and certain beeping sounds can make me nervous.

I love food, treats, and chew bones! I sleep on a dog bed at night, but occasionally sneak onto the bed, especially to wake you up with my head next to yours in the morning.

I’m a super good boy and can’t wait to meet my forever family!!
Check out my full bio here: https://labadoption.org/dog/blue-2/

The pups are officially all “home.” 🐾❤️They may have been a loud, rowdy crew, but it’s still bittersweet watching them l...
09/05/2026

The pups are officially all “home.” 🐾❤️

They may have been a loud, rowdy crew, but it’s still bittersweet watching them leave. We’re so happy knowing each one found a wonderful home where they’ll be loved and spoiled the way they deserve.

A huge thank you to L.E.A.R.N. for taking these babies in and giving them the chance at the lives they deserved. Rescue truly takes a team.

And speaking of teams… huge thanks (again) to the hubby for going all in… even though this time I asked for forgiveness instead of permission. 🤣

An extra special thank you to Kelly for once again being my wingwoman, and for stepping up in such a big way while I was down with the flu at literally the worst possible time. I honestly don’t know what I would’ve done without you.

Thank you to Dawn for helping with the vet visit… even though we probably should’ve brought ear plugs. 🐾🤣

And thank you to all of our amazing reference checkers who helped make sure these pups landed with the perfect families. Finding the right homes matters so much, and we couldn’t do it without all of you.

It truly takes a village, and I’m beyond grateful for mine. ❤️

Hi friends… Ice here again with another update. ❤️I saw the specialist on Wednesday, and it's been confirmed why I've be...
08/05/2026

Hi friends… Ice here again with another update. ❤️

I saw the specialist on Wednesday, and it's been confirmed why I've been hurting and limping again. Unfortunately, the plate in my leg has broken once more. The doctor explained that because my leg has been broken for so long without being able to fully heal, my body is struggling to repair it.
After a lot of discussion, the specialist and the wonderful people at L.E.A.R.N. believe the kindest and best option for me is to amputate my leg, to give me the best quality of life.

I won’t lie… it’s scary. It’s a big change, and everyone wishes things could have turned out differently for me. But the most important thing is that I can finally live without pain and have the happy, playful life every dog deserves. ❤️

The good news is that I’ve been told tripods adapt amazingly well. Dogs don’t dwell on what they’ve lost, they just keep loving, playing, and living life to the fullest. I’ve come this far, and I’m not giving up now.

Right now, I could really use your prayers, positive thoughts, and good vibes as I prepare for surgery and recovery. Please keep cheering me on. Knowing so many people care about me means more than you know.

I promise I’ll keep everyone updated along the way.

Love,
Ice 🐾

Hi everyone! I’m Miss Oakley and I just turned 11 yrs old. I lived in Missouri with my family until they gave me to som...
04/05/2026

Hi everyone! I’m Miss Oakley and I just turned 11 yrs old. I lived in Missouri with my family until they gave me to someone else. I don’t know why they gave me away. Then the new person put my picture on facebook and said “free to a good home”. Luckily a neighbor found out what was going on and could tell I wasn’t being fed properly so they called a rescue group in Illinois. The rescue group picked me up and took care of me until I could be transported to L.E.A.R.N. in Wisconsin. I’m so glad I’m here! I get plenty of food, treats, love and I get to play with the lab who lives here!

I went to the vet because one of my dew claws was torn. She removed it and bandaged it up. I was a very good patient and the bandage doesn’t bother me so I just leave it alone. The vet said I look really good for an 11 yr old! So far all test results are good! I just need to gain a little weight.

I’ve only been here a week so my foster family is still getting to know me. So far they said I’m very sweet and I have beautiful eyes and fox red coat! I’m house and crate trained. I ride great in the car. I like to chase the tennis ball and run around the yard.

Stay tuned for updates!

Hanging outside while foster dad cuts the lawn. They are unsure about the lawnmower.And the resident puppy whisperer wat...
03/05/2026

Hanging outside while foster dad cuts the lawn. They are unsure about the lawnmower.

And the resident puppy whisperer watching over them.

All the puppies now have pending adoptions. 🥰

02/05/2026

Morning shenanigans….7 weeks old today.

Hey everyone…Camaro here!I’m the last of the American Muscle Gang still waiting for a meet-and-greet. All my siblings ar...
30/04/2026

Hey everyone…Camaro here!

I’m the last of the American Muscle Gang still waiting for a meet-and-greet. All my siblings are getting ready to head off to their new homes, and I’d really love not to be the one left watching them go.

I may not look like your typical Lab mix, but I’ve got plenty of charm, love, and personality packed into this handsome face. I promise I’ll bring smiles, snuggles, and a whole lot of heart into the right home.

Is there someone out there willing to give me a chance? I’d love to meet you. 🐾

Don’t wait! Visit LEARN‘s website at www.labadoption.org to fill out an application today!

Hi… It’s me, Star 💫My foster says I should tell you a little more about myself… not just the happy, tail-wagging parts, ...
27/04/2026

Hi… It’s me, Star 💫
My foster says I should tell you a little more about myself… not just the happy, tail-wagging parts, but the real story too.

Today I went to the vet because I sit a little funny and walk a bit differently. They took X-rays and found something no one knew before… I’ve been hurt… a lot.

The vet thinks that several months ago, something really scary must have happened to me… maybe I was hit by a car. My lower right leg was broken, and the left side of my pelvis was fractured in multiple places. No one was there to help me. My body just… healed the best it could on its own. Not only did I heal on my own, but I also gave birth to 6 healthy puppies and took amazing care of them until I was rescued.

I also have a little scar on my eye and some chipped teeth…tiny reminders of a past I don’t even remember.

Here’s the amazing part… the vet says that despite everything my body has been through and the fact that I raised healthy puppies, I’m doing remarkably well. I’ve adapted. I’ve learned how to move through the world in my own way.

I don’t dwell on any of it. I still wag my tail. I still get excited to learn new things, especially what it feels like to be safe… and loved.

My foster says I’m pretty special. I’m quiet, easygoing, and full of love. The kind of dog who just wants to be near you…to belong.

All I need now is a family who understands that my body has a past and wants to help me have the healthiest, happiest future possible.

Keeping me lean will be important for my joints, and my foster mom is already starting me on supplements to help me feel my best. Someday, I might need injections for arthritis, but with the right care, I can keep living a comfortable, love-filled life.

I didn’t get the help I needed when it mattered most… but now I’m hoping for someone who will see me not for the way I walk, but for the way I love.

I’m not broken. I’m just a little… pieced back together. And I think that makes me pretty special💛

Love, Star ⭐

27/04/2026

The puppies got a new toy!
Handsome Camero is still looking for a family to meet and fall in love with him!

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