LEARN

22/02/2025

Join us on March 15th at the Animal Rescue Expo in Rockford, Illinois.
First time event. Let's help to make it a success!!!

Send a message to learn more

12/02/2025

Hi, friends. It’s Pound here, checking in with an update. I’ve been laying low and not feeling my best lately, but my foster family is taking good care of me while I heal.

The vet found out a lot about what’s been going on with me. I’ve been diagnosed with spondylosis, which means my spine is developing extra bone growth that can make moving around stiff and painful. On top of that, I have hookworms again, pneumonia, thickening of my esophagus, arthritis in my elbows, and a parasite that has a really complicated name. We are also keeping an eye on my kidney function. Oh, and as if that isn’t enough, I’m also going through a false pregnancy. My body sure is keeping everyone on their toes!

Even with all of this, I’m still keeping my appetite (because, priorities) and soaking up all the soft couch time and warm blankets while I rest. I’m on multiple antibiotics now, responding well to my arthritis medication, and getting treated for those pesky hookworms again. It’s a lot, but I’m a fighter.

Through it all, I still love my foster dad the most—I stick to him like glue.

For now, I’m just taking things one cozy nap at a time. Thank you all for your love and support—it means so much to this recovering girl!

08/02/2025

Come say hi and take a picture in the kissing booth at Nature's Feed: Natural Pet Products, Pet Food, and Pet Supplies for a small donation, today 11-2

01/02/2025

Come on out to the Great Lakes Pet Expo from 9-5. Visit alumni Callie and Grizzley, shop and help save some labs!
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29/01/2025

How can anyone resist this face? This gorgeous girl is still looking for her forever home. Read all about Cresant here:
https://www.labadoption.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=20984342

27/01/2025

Seems it's the day to announce adoptions!

Miss Maple, now known as Mabel was adopted last week!

Maple joined the L.E.A.R.N. family on October 31st as part of the breeder releases. We knew she was expecting, but certainly did not expect her to deliver within 36 hours after arriving! Like many of the other breeder releases, she had her share of fears - cars, doorways, stairs - and everything in the house was brand new to her.

Maple has made fantastic progress in building her trust. She was adopted last week by Denise and Mark, and has two doggy brothers to help her continue to learn the ropes. Looks like she's settling in nicely and is a hit with the grandkids!

Thank you Ken for doing the reference check that found her home!
All of our volunteers that do reference checks behind the scenes deserve so much credit! THANK YOU!
And THANK YOU Karen, you should be commended for keeping everything straight with 30 dogs to match!

Happy life Miss Mabel! You will be missed.

27/01/2025

More adoption news!
Dally was adopted last week by Regan and Renee. She is the only dog and will become Queen of the house. She shut down after we left her, but they are committed to helping her adjust. She made small strides this past week. Her safe space has become the blanket I brought with her in front of the fireplace.

There have been many tears here, and I miss her. These Breeder releases are really special. I hope all these adopters realize the same.
Congratulations Dally!

27/01/2025

Good evening! Another adoption announcement!!

Amelia was adopted today!! Her new Mama lives in Manitowoc, WI with her parents, their 2 dogs & a kitty! She was very excited to see her Mama & new Grandpa again when they came to pick her up today!

Curt & I were sad to see her go, but are very happy for her! Her new Mama is going to train her to be a duck hunter! Curt & I think she she’ll be great at it, since she has a high prey drive & is extremely smart.

She got a new name…Ivy! Her new family are huge Cubs fans!

Thank your Mary Lynn & Karen for helping us along the way & for matching us with Maddie! It was a match made in heaven!

27/01/2025

Olive has been adopted!

 Olive hit the jackpot! She was adopted Friday by Mike and Tami. She joins another former L.E.A.R.N. dog, Ryder in her new home in N IL where she has a 1/2 acre fenced yard to run around in. She also will get to visit their lake home up north. Olive immediately found the softest places in the house to lay on.

Thanks to Karen for all her efforts in looking for the right match for Olive. She wasn’t the easiest dog to place and was here for 4 months. Plus we had Comet for part of that time as well. My pack and I are ready for a break now.

Congratulations Olive!

26/01/2025

Medical Hold!
Hello there! My name is Chloe, and I'm a 5ish-year-old pup who's just been rescued by L.E.A.R.N. I’m currently staying with my amazing foster mom, and I cherish every moment snuggling with her and my grandma. I'm pretty relaxed at home, and my foster mom says I know a few commands. Since I love being outside, she is working on my leash skills.

I have a furry dog sister and a black cat who I like to think of as my brother, and I'm getting along well with both. Life here is warm and comforting, quite a contrast to my past. You see, for the first five years of my life, the vet suspects that I was used to have puppies, more than my fragile body could manage. This has left me with over 30 skin tags/tumors, that the vet feels are benign. I am in for at least 3 surgeries to remove all the growths. I'm also battling double ear infections that foster mom is working hard to treat. L.E.A.R.N. is doing everything possible to care for me, but I could really use some extra support to get me back on my paws.

If you can help, even a little, it would mean the world to me and my journey to recovery. Your kindness can make a big difference in my life. Thank you so much for considering supporting me on this path to better health. With your help, I know I can overcome these challenges and one day be the happy, playful pup I was meant to be!

26/01/2025

Adoption news!!
Dancer is now in the arms of her new mom and dad! They are a sweet retired couple who LOVE labbies. She has an older brother black labbie, Winston, to show her the ropes and to help her continue to learn how to be a dog.

The photos are not quite the same as the other adoption photos as Dancer was still very timid and used me as her "emotional support person", but Mark and Gail are experienced dog parents and have a support network of other dog parents. I am certain Dancer will settle well. She will be able to spend her time lounging on the dog couch (Yes they have a human sized couch for the dogs!) while watching out the panoramic windows at the birds in the wooded back yard. ❤️

Congratulations Dancer! And tank you Mark and Gail for being willing to continue Dancers journey.

22/01/2025

Adoption news!
Saturday was a day of very mixed feelings as Chica (and her ducky) left to be with Sarah and David, her new family. Sarah and David are retired so Chica will have lots of love and attention. Chica’s new home is on a 10 acre wooded lot for her to explore and a second home up north on a lake.

Chica will be missed, not only by me, but by Katie and Shaun and their LEARN pack, Lambeau, Cooper and Charlie. Chica will always have a very special place in our hearts.

Sarah sent me the below picture, looks like Chica is settling in with a new squeaky!

Congratulations Chica!

14/01/2025

We're overjoyed to announce that Thunder, one of the breeder rescues, has found his perfect match with Robyn, Matt, Riley, and Cooper, and their two dogs: Russell (an energetic 8 month old golden retriever) and Violet (a gentle 10.5 year old black lab). He's settled in beautifully, enthusiastically playing with his bigger little bro! This sweet and silly boy has blossomed from the scared, shy pup who first came to us just months ago. We wish him and his forever family all the best! Happy trails!

14/01/2025

Cupid has been adopted!

Sunday was a hard day for our family...a piece of our family left to be with her new family.

Cupid is now living the life with Jodi, Mark and 4 legged brother Toby, an 11 yo Border Collie mix. She will enjoy a fenced yard and multiple walks per day with her new family. Jodi and Mark are newly retired and can't imagine a vacation without their four legged companions.

We loved every minute with you over the last several months. You have come a long way from that first day.

Cupid aka "Underbaked", your "Overbaked" Chocolate foster sister Bella misses you already 🙂

Live the good life!
Love ya,
Julie, Martin, Jakob, Nathan and Bella🐾

11/01/2025

Exciting news… Sunny is adopted! ☀️

Today Sunny went to her forever home with John, Stephanie, and Gabriel. They have been patiently waiting for the right dog to come along since buying their home a few months ago and when they met Sunny it was love at first sight. John is a former CVT, so has the perfect background to manage Sunny’s megaesophagus. They live 4 blocks from a dog park and have a friend with a lab whom they dog sit for often.

Six months ago I could not have imagined the journey I was about to embark on when I volunteered to foster Sunny. Lots of worry and lost sleep as we navigated her surgery, aspiration pneumonia, and finding the right regimen for managing her megaesophagus. But it was all so worth it to see her happy and thriving and getting to be a normal lab. Her new family is already totally in love with her, and she and Gabriel are going to be best buddies!

Thank you to my husband, Rick, for supporting me in taking on a foster dog with high needs, and to Mocha and Latte for being patient big sisters as Sunny commanded a lot of my attention. Thank you Emily for coming along with me to Sunny’s appointments at UW, Mary Lynn for your support and always being available to answer questions, and Karen for all your efforts in finding the best match for Sunny. And a huge thank you to LEARN for providing the medical care Sunny needed to give her the best chance at a long, happy life.

08/01/2025

Hi everyone, it’s Cresant checking in again!

I’m still here, full of hope and eagerly waiting for my forever home! In the meantime, I keep myself busy by showering my foster mom with all the love and affection I can give. I might be a little shy around new people at first, but once I get to know you, I promise to be your best friend! Just ask my foster mom; she’ll tell you all about it!

I'm a bit on the shy side, but when I’m with my foster brother, it’s a whole different story! We run around the yard, sniffing out every little scent, and discovering hidden treasures. I’d really like a playmate in my forever home! Also, despite my initial shyness, I’ve worked up the courage to befriend the resident cat too. I love to give him gentle kisses while he rubs against me.

As much as I love the backyard, walking in the neighborhood still presents some challenges for me. There are these intimidating metal rings with nets on tall poles that I just cannot bring myself to walk past. And when it comes to cars, well, let’s just say they are a definite source of anxiety for me. I see how excited my foster brother gets when Foster Mom says, “let’s go for a ride,” but I haven’t quite come around to that idea yet. Car rides feel overwhelming, and I’m still trying to understand why they’re such a fun adventure for others.

My foster mom reassures me that, despite my challenges, it’s my capacity to love that shines through the most. She often says that she has never met a dog as affectionate as I am, and that must mean something special. I will need a patient adopter and possibly more than one meeting to help me feel comfortable with you, but if you choose to take a chance on me, I promise you won’t regret it. I will fill your life with love, loyalty, and moments of pure happiness. A little patience and understanding will go a long way as we navigate this journey together. I’m ready to find my forever family and share my heart with you!

You can read my entire bio: https://www.labadoption.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=20984342

And apply here!!! https://www.labadoption.org/info/adoption

03/01/2025

Hey there, friends! Chica checking in! Hope you all had a fantastic holiday season! I sure did! So many thrilling new adventures!

First off, my fabulous foster mom whisked me away to Tractor Supply, and guess what? I totally rocked it! No fear here - just tails wagging and a whole lot of "oohs" and "aahs" from everyone who met me! They all agreed I’m the sweetest pup around!

But the real excitement? A super long car ride to meet my human foster sister and her pack, which includes three pawsome male yellow labs! We hit up a dog park, and oh boy, it was a playground for my nose! I zoomed around, sniffing every corner. I tried to play fetch, but Lambeau (resident dog) was like a furry rocket—way too fast for me! Once we got to their house, it was a bit of a wild party—louder than I’m used to, but I adapted in no time. Watching all the dogs play was so much fun! I even tried to snag their toys, but look out—I learned quickly that they weren't giving them up without a fight! Plus, I think Charlie has a little crush on me. He followed my every move! Who knew having a brother or sister to romp around with could be so much fun?

Recently, for the first time, I noticed the squirrels in the back yard and wanted to go play with them, unfortunately my foster mom was at the other end of the lead so I didn’t get very far.

I’m becoming quite the stair master, although I tread carefully. And let’s talk about playtime! My eyes light up when I get to wrestle with my stuffies. Currently, I’ve got a ducky, a bunny, and a squirrel thanks to my foster sister. You should see me go! Once, I was so pumped I leaped over the couch instead of going around it—foster mom was half-scolding, half-laughing!

My crate is still my chill zone, but honestly, I prefer snuggling on the soft spots my foster mom claims as her own. She even lets me roam around when she leaves for a bit—such trust!

My foster sister’s family has had lots of labs, and they all agree—I'm the sweetest of them all! I’m a big fan of snuggles and love showering my affection on everyone around. If you think you could be my forever home and you’re already approved, send a note to [email protected] so we can meet! If you haven’t gotten approved yet, no worries—start the process here: www.labadoption.org
Remember, I’m CHICA, and I can’t wait to meet my family!

Read my full bio here: https://www.labadoption.org/animals/detail?AnimalID=21033907