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

🌟 Meet Darth Vader! 🌟Darth Vader may share a name with one of the galaxy's most famous villains, but this handsome boy i...
21/06/2026

🌟 Meet Darth Vader! 🌟

Darth Vader may share a name with one of the galaxy's most famous villains, but this handsome boy is all heart. He's a sweet, affectionate pup who loves snuggles, giving kisses, and spending time with his people.

Like any young puppy, Vader is still learning the ropes. He occasionally thinks shoes are toys, has been known to help himself to the bird feeder buffet, and can be a little mouthy when he's excited. But he's eager to please, highly food-motivated, and already working hard on his basic commands.

Vader does wonderfully with his 3-year-old human foster brother and absolutely adores his two foster dog siblings. He loves to play and would thrive in a home with canine friends who enjoy an active playmate. He’s also interested in the resident cat, but his playful puppy energy is a bit much for the feline right now.

This energetic, loving boy is looking for a family that enjoys walks, outdoor adventures, and making memories together. If you're searching for a loyal companion with endless love, plenty of personality, and a heart as big as the galaxy, Darth Vader might be the perfect addition to your family.

šŸ’™ Vader is ready to find his forever home and become the hero of your story!

Another sweet bonded pair:Meet Nia, a sweet, petite 8-year-old black lab who proves that age is just a number! At a perf...
18/06/2026

Another sweet bonded pair:

Meet Nia, a sweet, petite 8-year-old black lab who proves that age is just a number! At a perfectly compact 48 pounds, she is the older—but every bit as energetic—half of a bonded pair with her companion, Lue (Lucifer).

Lovingly raised by a young family, Nia and Lue found their way to L.E.A.R.N. through unforeseeable and unfortunate circumstances.

Now, this wonderful girl is ready to bring her affection and joyful spirit into a forever home. Nia is both house trained and crate trained. She is a smart, cooperative companion who already knows her basic commands and walks nicely on a leash, even if she prefers a fun, zigzagging route to explore her surroundings! When she is in secure, protected areas, she enjoys off-leash freedom thanks to her highly reliable recall. Nia is also an excellent communicator; when she needs something, she will let you know with a gentle, polite whimper or whine. If you love playtime, Nia is your perfect match. Fetch is her absolute passion in life! She will happily bring the ball back and drop it right at your feet—or directly into your lap—patiently (and repeatedly) waiting for the next launch. She is also an avid swimmer!

But don't let her playful energy fool you; Nia has a wonderful, relaxed side too. When it is time to wind down after a fun game of fetch, she will often head right into her crate all on her own to curl up for a peaceful nap.

Nia and Lue are a package deal of pure love, ready to double the joy in a very lucky home.

Meet Lue (Lucifer), a handsome 5-year-old yellow lab with a gorgeous, unique reddish-tan coat! At a solid 60 pounds, he is the larger and younger half of the bonded pair with his companion, Nia.

Lue is a big, lovable boy with a heart of gold. Though he came to L.E.A.R.N. due to an unexpected change in his original family's circumstances, his resilient, joyful personality shines through every single day.

Lue is both house trained and crate trained and is a model citizen indoors—neither Lue nor Nia is at all destructive, so you can trust them completely with your home and belongings.

Fetch is his absolute favorite game, and he will happily chase after a ball for as long as you are willing to throw it! If he is not fetching, he is carrying a ball around in his mouth, always on the ready! He knows his basic commands and listens well, making him a wonderful companion who is eager to please.

Lue tends to bark to notify his family when he hears outside noises or sees strangers approaching the home.

At his core, Lue is a sweet, devoted dog who just wants to protect his pack and play fetch.

He and Nia are a package deal, ready to bring twice the loyalty, fun, and love to their future forever home.

Hi, I’m Nala!I’m a smart, sweet girl who settles into new places with surprising ease. When it was time for my trip to M...
17/06/2026

Hi, I’m Nala!

I’m a smart, sweet girl who settles into new places with surprising ease. When it was time for my trip to Madison, I hopped right into my crate without a second thought. Once I arrived at my foster home, I toured the yard, respected the fenced-off areas, and quickly made myself comfortable.

I’m curious and confident, always ready to explore. I even conquered a set of basement stairs that seemed a little intimidating at first! After a little guidance, I figured them out, and now I go up and down all by myself like a pro.

My foster family says I have great manners. When they put up a gate during breakfast, I politely respected the boundary instead of trying to push through. I’m learning quickly and love to please my people.

One of my favorite things in the world? Balls! At first, I thought the best game was collecting them all for myself, but I quickly learned that fetch is even more fun. Before long, I was bringing the ball right back and gently placing it in my foster’s hand. I’m a clever girl who loves learning new games and spending time with my humans.

After a good play session, I’m happy to curl up next to you on the couch for a nap. I’m cuddly, playful, and quiet, with a wonderful balance of energy and affection. Whether we’re playing fetch in the yard or relaxing together at home, I’ll be right by your side.

If you’re looking for a smart, loving companion who is ready to fit right into family life, I might be your perfect match!

Love,
Nala

More Adoption news!Moose(formerly Blue # 1) was adopted by Dave and Judi, and their dog, Marley. True to his nature, Moo...
13/06/2026

More Adoption news!
Moose(formerly Blue # 1) was adopted by Dave and Judi, and their dog, Marley.
True to his nature, Moose has settled in with above-average expectations. So far, he has been soaking in all the love, going to the dog park, playing with Marley, and bringing joy to his new family!!
Moose is a big sweetheart, and we couldn't be happier for him! Thank you to L.E.A.R.N. and to Suzanne in Louisiana for helping this boy!

Adoption news!!!!Ice found his forever home this Saturday, and our hearts couldn’t be fuller. He was adopted by John and...
11/06/2026

Adoption news!!!!
Ice found his forever home this Saturday, and our hearts couldn’t be fuller.

He was adopted by John and Stephanie, an extraordinary couple with a special place in their hearts for dogs who need a little extra care. They are the same wonderful people who adopted Sunny, the black lab with megaesophagus, in 2025. Seeing Sunny thriving and welcoming Ice into the family made the day even more meaningful. The dogs connected beautifully, and it quickly became clear that Ice had found exactly where he belonged.

When Ice first came to L.E.A.R.N., he was a very anxious boy. Looking back, we believe much of that anxiety was tied to the pain from his improperly healed leg injury. Since his amputation, he has transformed into a much more relaxed and joyful dog. He has adapted to life as a tripawd with incredible resilience and spirit. So much so that he was practically pulling me down the sidewalk because he was so excited to walk and explore again. According to John, Ice settled into his new home almost immediately and has become a calm, happy companion.

Stories like Ice’s remind us that healing doesn’t happen through surgery alone. It happens through patience, compassion, and people willing to see the beauty in a dog’s second chance.

A heartfelt thank-you to everyone who helped make this possible:
~ L.E.A.R.N. for taking Ice in and ensuring he received the surgery he desperately needed.
~ Amy for all of the training work and support that helped Ice navigate his anxiety.
~ Mary Lynn and Emily for always being available to answer questions and provide guidance.
~ And most of all, John and Stephanie, for opening your home and your hearts to another wonderfully unique lab.

The last photo was taken while Ice was still in foster care, but I love it because it captures something we had been hoping for all along: a dog who finally felt safe enough to relax.

Happy forever, Ice. You are deeply loved, and your new beginning is a beautiful reminder that some of the best stories start after the hardest chapters.

Come see us today at Pet Palooza in Greendale from 10-4.
06/06/2026

Come see us today at Pet Palooza in Greendale from 10-4.

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  #1 here!So far, I’ve been a stellar foster dog! I settled into my foster home quickly, even after a long r...
18/05/2026

Hi All! Blue #1 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 ā€œhome.ā€ šŸ¾ā¤ļøThey may have been a loud, rowdy crew, but it’s still bittersweet watching them l...
09/05/2026

The pups are officially all ā€œhome.ā€ šŸ¾ā¤ļø

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. ā¤ļø

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