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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

06/07/2025

www.labadoption.org

28/06/2025

Hello Everyone,

Coco was adopted today by Roger. Roger is retired and has plenty of time to spend with Coco who loves to cuddle and get attention. Roger has 2 adorable granddaughters who met Coco and fell in love with her too. I know 2 little girls that will be spending more time with grandpa. Roger says the girls have big plans for her already. Coco has been a sweet and wonderful foster. She will now have the home that she deserves.

28/06/2025

Adoption news!!

Colby "cheese" has gone with the Tomasiewicz couple back into WI to roam 20 acres, learn bee-keeping, and mushroom hunting. They lost their 95lb Lab this past spring and so are well familiar with working with a hunka-hunka burning love of Labrador. Colby showed them his enthusiasm and his chill side.

He hopped into their pickup with no trouble but I have already received a text that said he was happily exploring his new digs.

Colby had a great temperament, he just needed an authoritative person to tell him the rules and make them stick.

26/06/2025

Adoption news!! Benny, fka Biscuit went to his forever home on Saturday with Kate and Charlie from Madison, Wi.
Enjoy the good life Benny!!

21/06/2025

Hey'ya - I'm back, your main moose Colby and it is time for me to find a new fam for my very own! I'll just love ya' to pieces if you let me, plenty of kisses, although Foster Mom (FM) says not to her face, so I've learned pretty well that arms, legs, and feet are ok here.

I learn pretty well, FM says I just need an authority figure who makes the rules and makes 'em stick. I no longer automatically jump on the furniture - I accidentally thumped a big owie on FM that caused everyone to yell, so I haven't done it since, and I haven't been on any type of furniture at all. Counter surfing I'm told is also a big no-no, but I can still be a bit sneaky about it - I just try to get away with it when they can't see me now, but she almost always catches me. I give her the pathetic puppy-dog eyes, but it doesn't give me a pass. I've improved though, because it's not everywhere I go and not automatic anymore. Sadly, there is no garbage to dive here, they keep it put away and one time I did try during food prep, I was told in no uncertain terms to keep my big schnoz out, so I haven't done that again either.
I am a big boy, so no accidents for me. FM says that I'm not really aware of how big I am, so I could easily knock over any littles and I've sat on my fur-siblings - they didn't appreciate my greatness. I'm not so certain of the smallest fur-sibling, she is determined that she will be top dog, but I'm the biggest, so we've just been at a stand-off so to speak, FM calls it posturing. FM says the girls don't really want my special "affections" which is why the smallest one has told me off and the other one walks away from me.
While I didn't seem to have any leash manners when I arrived here and I tried to walk FM, she just wasn't having it, so I walk like a gentleman now with a Gentle Leader about 98% of the time. FM says over time and consistency with training I won't need it all eventually. I'll tell ya though, when I gotta' "go #2" on a walk, I am making it to the grass to go, FM learned pretty quick what my indicators were.
Good long walks and hikes are good for me and makes it so I conk out for hours so FM can work - she doesn't think I got much exercise before as I need to lighten the load a little. I will happily follow you wherever you go in the house, but sometimes I will entertain myself. I don't want you to feel lonely.
FM thinks that once I'm fully bonded to my new fam that I'll be really trust-worthy when out and about and I just love to lay next to you when you sit on the floor with me. I'm not real interested in playing fetch, but I do enjoy a variety of toys, of course, stuffies are the best. I haven't chewed on anything that wasn't doggy-approved. And I do like my crate, I'm a complete champ about going in when needed, and sometimes I go in there just because I want to. I sleep in my crate with the door open, it's my spot. My paperwork told L.E.A.R.N. that I was trained for pheasant hunting and that I love to do it, but I haven't been tested for it here - maybe you will give me a go?
Check me out on our website to see all my videos:
https://www.labadoption.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=21585476

20/06/2025

Hi again friends! Buffie checking in!
I'm 8 years old and I've been in my foster home for a almost 3 weeks now and I am getting so comfortable! Have I mentioned what a great cuddler I am? Snoozing in your lap (yes I can fit) is my favorite but I love just being next to you too! I've been trying to get my foster sister's to play with me but they're still a bit unsure. I know they'll come around eventually and we'll be friends. We do all get along great when we're playing with toys and getting treats (yum!). I don't mind being around other pups at all but I prefer to have you all to myself! I love looking for birds and bunnies in the backyard, I think I probably would have been a great hunting dog! Walks are super fun too, but I get a little excited at first and can pull a bit too much. I guess I don't know my own strength. Foster mom is working on that and I take redirection really well. If you're looking for a silly, lovable best friend that can snooze on the couch next to you but also go on lots of adventures (I am SO good in the car), then I'm your girl!

18/06/2025

Hi everyone!
Boone has been adopted!!!!
Jason & Kelly, repeat LEARN adopters, have expanded their pack! Boone, renamed Ziggy, is the lucky new pup who just joined the family, and he’s already dreaming of backyard zoomies with his big brother Rowley (adopted in 2020), cozy camping trips, and showing off his best bark-cheers for Laney at her softball games. Boone hit the jackpot, and I am so happy for him and his new family! 🐾❤️

Below are pictures of Boone (black) with his new family and him watching softball on the iPad

13/06/2025

Hallooooooo! Colby has arrived! My powerful good looks and robust physique may be intimidating, but never fear, I will just lick you clean!

I was raised to hunt pheasant and my foster Mom says that she was told I love to do it. Right now my foster family is learning more about me, so stay tuned for updates - but I can tell you that I am a lovable, happy-go-lucky boy that will give you plenty of sloppy kisses. Foster Mom says I'm oblivious to my size (bull in a china shop) and I am too big not to have gentlemanly manners so she says I'm going to bootcamp - whatever that is.

As a typical Labrador, so far, I eat every piece of food I've gotten and what can I say, I do love my food so I'm not really tasting anything anyways. F.M. (foster Mom) says I've got to slow down and so keeps putting toys in my bowl so I have to eat around it - ANNOYING! I'm not allowed to check things out on the counters or garbage either, what a buzzkill.

I've already been taken on a perusal of my new neighborhood, but I gotta' tell ya' that F.M. wasn't letting me have any fun - she put this contraption on me called a Gentle Leader, because she said, "danged if she was going to get walked by a big moose" - its the other way around and besides I've got to think of the fact that my 2 foster fur-siblings are with too. She says I'm a bit on the tubby side, so the walks will do me good - I don't know what she is talking about, I'm just robust and I can take the stairs 3 at a time, so what's the problem?

My foster fur-siblings are both smaller than me, but the smallest one - well, she isn't putting up with my shenanigans. I mean, c'mon, she's little, she's female you'd think I would be boss and all, but nope.

A lot can change in a short period of time, so stay tuned…

06/06/2025

Hey there, friends! I'm Javi, and I'm looking for a running partner!

I’ve got a lot of energy, and I’m ready to put it to good use! Whether it’s going for long runs, chasing my furry pals, or just zooming around in a big yard, I’m all in! You know what they say: a tired dog is a happy dog, and I’m here for all the belly rubs after a good workout!

I do bark a little when I’m first kenneled, but hey, I settle down quickly. I promise I’m not grumpy or anything like that. I’m all about fun and making people happy! With a bit of patience and tons of playtime, I can be the best companion you’ve ever had!

I’m on a mission to master my commands, and I’m nailing the basics like “sit,” “stay,” and even “leave it.” Sometimes, I get a little too excited when I see other dogs on walks, but I’m learning to stay cool. With your help and some more adventures, I’ll get there in no time!

So, what do you say? Can you be my forever home? I promise to fill your days with lots of exercise, wagging tails and endless love! 🐾❤️

06/06/2025

Hi friends, I'm Buffie! My face may show some age but I've got lots of s***k! I was found as a stray but I must have had a family because I have great manners and love people! The shelter I came from thinks I'm around 8 years old but the vet guesses I could be 5-6. All I know is that I've got lots of energy and love to give!

I'm settling into my foster home well and have already gotten pretty comfortable. I'm a huge cuddle bug and love to curl up in foster mom's lap. I go into my kennel with no issues but do get a little sad when the humans leave.

Did I mention how much I love to play ball? I'm an excellent retriever and will even give the ball a little push in your direction if it's too far for you to reach! I know my basic commands like 'sit', 'down', and 'lay'. Walks are my favorite too! I will pull a bit when we first get going but only because I'm so excited for all the sniffs. Foster mom got me a harness that is helping with that.

When I was in the shelter, I was able to go in play groups with other dogs and did very well, although I tend to prefer to play with male dogs over females. There are two other female dogs here in my foster home and I get along with them for the most part but it would be awesome if I had a home all to myself or with a male dog.

I'm so ready to find my forever home and show you what a loveable girl I am! Could that be you?

04/06/2025

**Calling All Senior Lovers!**

Hi, I'm Emma, an almost 14-year-old black lab mix, and I’m proud to be a new member of the LEARN family. At 14, I have quite a bit of white on my face and paws, as well as scattered throughout my fur, but what can I do at my age?

I've only been with my foster mom for a few days, but I'm adjusting to her routine quite well. I spend a lot of time wandering around the house, sniffing everything. I haven't gotten into any mischief yet, but I have started eyeing some sticks in a rack. When my foster mom came home after leaving me alone for a short while today, she was really happy to see me and gave me lots of attention, calling me a good girl.

At my age, I do a lot of sleeping, mostly close to where my foster mom is working. At night, I’ve been sleeping in my kennel next to her. I think tonight she might leave the door open so I can wander if I want to. When I'm asleep, I do make some noise—yep, I'm a snorer and a dreamer!

During our walks, my nose is to the ground, taking in all the new smells, but I'm really good on a leash; I have years of experience.

I need a little help getting in and out of the car, but I can manage a couple of steps in and out of the house without assistance.

Could you be the family that offers me a soft place to land in the time I have left? I promise to return the favor with love.

04/06/2025

Hey friends, I'm Beans, an eight month-old black lab mix, and happy to meet you! Mostly, I’m happy just being me!

Now, let's talk about my favorite thing in the world: balls! Big balls, small balls, squeaky balls, bouncy balls – I love them all! I'm perfectly happy entertaining myself, tossing a ball around, chasing it, and pouncing on it. It's a great way to burn off some energy, and honestly, it's just plain fun! Sometimes I get a little rowdy, but I'm told I have high self-regulation skills, which basically means I'm pretty good at managing my own energy and behavior. In other words, I read the room! If the foster humans insist on doing things humans do, I know how to relax and do my own thing. For example, I'm a big fan of a good chew toy. I have been known to pick up a slipper or door stop and chew it … whoops! No pup is perfect! But I’m easily redirected to my own chews.

I absolutely love my crate. It's my cozy little den, my safe space where I can relax. When the foster humans leave me home alone while they go out for short periods (I want to think they’re going on supply runs to get me more treats and chews!), I’m perfectly happy to relax in my crate. When nighttime rolls around, I'm happy to sleep on my own bed – no fuss, just sweet dreams. Oh, and I'm totally housebroken, so you don't have to worry about any accidents inside!

I love walks, and my humans say I’m a good leash walker. But when I see potential pals, I really really want to say hello and play. I’m learning the concept of manners, and that it’s polite to ask for permission before wrestling! Though I’m told I have good play skills. I also love hiking; the sniffs are so delicious! I’m also told that I’m a fast learner, especially where yummy treats are involved. My sit is solid, and my recall is pretty good, as long as I know you’re talking to me (and I don’t pretend that you’re not!).

I know there is lots more to learn and more of the world to explore, and I can’t wait to see what life has to offer with my forever family! Note: Beans will be available for adoption once his neuter surgery is complete. In the meantime, don’t hesitate to submit your application.

Address

Telephone

+18472897387

Website

http://www.labadoption.org/

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