Giving working dogs a second chance.
Placing Belgian and Dutch Shepherds into working homes across the Midwest
Adopting is one of the best things you can do.
Belgian and Dutch Shepherds end up in rescues and shelters for being themselves: high energy, driven dogs looking for a job, any job to do. We have successfully placed dogs in working homes of all kinds: Search and Rescue, Law Enforcement, Corrections, Sport, and Service Work.
Meet Our Adoptable Dogs
Fennec
Fennec
Dutch Shepherd

Fennec is a 4year old spayed female Dutch Shepherd. She's a people dog, only has eye for her person, and is very focused on her handler. She's not that into other dogs, she can share space with male dogs but play with other dogs really isn't her thing. She's doesn't have to be an only dog, just know that she's going to ignore the other dog(s). No females, she's not a fan.

She can be crated, but hates it. When left loose she chooses to lie by the door she saw her person leave from. She doesn't have a lot of obedience skills but does have good manners.

She is unperturbed by the city sights, sounds, and smells. Does want to chase squirrels and critters. She been introduced to cats behind a barrier and she shows fixation. We are going to say no to cat or homes with small critters.

Dani
Dani
Belgian Malinois

Meet Dani, a loving and resilient pup looking for a forever home. Found emaciated on the streets of Chicago. Dani has been thriving in foster care and has shown just how sweet, loyal, and affectionate she can be. Whether it's cuddling on the couch, going for walks, doing nosework or simply being close to people, Dani loves companionship and is ready to become part of a family.

Dani is energetic but has a nice off switch and gets along well with dogs, cats, and children. She enjoys long walks, nosework, and would do well in agility. She is making great progress with obedience and house training.

Like many rescue dogs, Dani just needs a patient and caring home where she can continue to feel safe and loved. In return, you'll gain a devoted companion who will bring joy, comfort, and unconditional love every day.

If you're looking to open your heart and home to a deserving dog, Dani may be the perfect fit.

Aria - Adoption Pending
Aria - Adoption Pending
Belgian Malinois

Aria is now available for adoption!

She has come a long way since coming into rescue. She is enjoying life, is housebroken, crate trained and has learned basic commands. From near starvation, under medical supervision she's slowly gained weight, and could still gain a little more.

Aria is a sweet and loving Malinois. She is active and enjoys a good run. She is good with other dogs; she currently lives with 4 other male dogs (both large and small). She has a nice off switch (relaxing mode) and likes playing with toys but needs to be supervised (sometimes she likes to chew them). Aria has been around children on occasion and has done well.

If you are interested in adopting Aria, please fill out our application!

Tyler - Adopted
Tyler - Adopted
Belgian Malinois

Very friendly, did well with other dogs and had no issues with handling. Knows sit.

Very treat motivated. Prefers food over a ball.
 

Kira - Adopted
Kira - Adopted
Belgian Malinois

Kira is a high-energy young girl!  She is very food-motivated.  With adequate exercise, she settles down and loves to cuddle.

Adoption Application
Courtesy Posts
(dogs available from other organizations or individuals)
Maisie
Maisie
Belgian Malinois

Wow, Maisie is stunning! She's estimated to be about 3 years old and weighs 48 pounds.

Meet Maisie, a gorgeous girl with a soft, gentle personality who's hoping to find her forever companion. She's affectionate, eager to please, and incredibly smart -- her herding and working‑breed traits shine through in the best ways. Maisie is attentive, responsive, and has an impressive natural focus. She already knows some basic commands and has a lovely, gentle mouth when playing fetch with her favorite tennis ball. She's also a pro at "drop," showing off her great manners.

Maisie will thrive with an adopter who can give her the mental stimulation and regular exercise she needs to stay happy and balanced. She can be a little submissive, and quick movements may make her hesitate, so continued confidence‑building will help her blossom even more. With her sweet spirit and loyal nature, she'll be an incredible companion for someone experienced with working breeds.

Maisie can't wait to meet her forever family. She will need a home where any children are at least 13 years old.

For more information about Maisie, please contact:
    k9strayrescue@yahoo.com

Willa
Willa
German Shepherd

They call me Willa and tell me that I'm a special girl who deserves the world, but my troubled past makes me doubt that's true. I was on my own for at least 2.5 weeks before getting trapped and brought to the shelter; it's hard to go through something like that and not have trust issues.

Getting to the adoption floor has been a long time coming and I'm thankful for the staff who got me here but I'm ready for bigger and better things with someone who's love is true and won't give up when the going gets tough. I love wide open spaces, water, fetch, jolly balls and the wind in my fur. Once I know and trust you, you'll see the side of me that gets lost in the stress of the shelter and the uncertainty of a constantly changing environment. I don't love other dogs and I don't give my heart away easily but I promise I'm worth the time and the energy. (Oh and breed experience is a big plus in my book!)

For more information about Willa, please contact:

    The Humane Society of Marathon County
    info@catsndogs.org

Marvin
Marvin
GSD/Malinois Mix

Marvin is an adult Shepherd/Malinois mix who has been with our shelter for just over a year. He is a very intelligent, high-drive dog with a strong work ethic and excels in structured environments. Marvin knows sit, down, wait, speak, drop, and leave it; he has a high ball drive, enjoys nose work, and has fairly reliable recall (though he can become distracted). He works well with familiar handlers and shelter staff.

Marvin does struggle with strangers and requires time and proper introductions. He has shown a tendency to fixate on people or objects (standing and staring without immediate reaction), and we are actively working with trainers to redirect his behavior before escalation. His primary challenge is reactivity to sudden or unexpected movement from unfamiliar people. The shelter continues Marvin's behavior modification training.

We believe Marvin would be best suited for an experienced, adult-only home or a professional placement with someone familiar with working or protection-type breeds who is comfortable managing stranger sensitivity and reactivity.

For more info about Marvin please contact Angela at:
     amalinowski@lakecountysheriff.com

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