Affectionately nicknamed Noodles, a gentle and spirited pup with a powerful story. His Ojibwa name, meaning "Wind," beautifully reflects his calming but refreshing nature. Rescued from the Lake Traverse Reservation alongside his mother Alice and siblings, Noodin's life took a wonderful turn when Northern Lakes Rescue (NLR) recognized his exceptional potential as a therapy dog.
Even as a young pup, Noodin's sweet and charming personality is undeniable. His foster mom fell in love instantly, and his remarkably calm demeanor made him a perfect fit for a specialized therapy dog program.
Noodin thrived in his training, proving that his heritage as a "Rez Pit/Shep" mix is no obstacle to becoming an incredible ambassador for rescue dogs. His gentle presence and sweetness led to a heartwarming honor: he is now the official mascot of Northern Lakes Rescue.
Noodin's important role is to showcase the incredible potential of stray reservation dogs and challenge negative stereotypes surrounding breeds often labeled as Pit Bulls and Shepherd mixes. ​

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Malibu 's story began in South Dakota, where she and her siblings were the unsold remnants of a backyard breeding operation. Fortunately, fate intervened, and Malibu found her way into foster care. Little did she know, this was just the beginning of her journey to becoming a true hero to other pups and their families. It wasn't long before Malibu found her forever home – right alongside her dedicated foster mom.

Malibu's impact extends far beyond the comfort she brings to her family. Thanks to her perfect size and weight, she has become the primary blood donor for the veterinary clinic where her mom works. When other dogs in the community face critical illnesses or injuries requiring blood transfusions, Malibu is ready and willing to lend a paw.

With a calm demeanor and a wagging tail, Malibu selflessly contributes to saving the lives of her fellow canines. Her quiet heroism is a powerful reminder that even the most unassuming rescues can possess an extraordinary capacity to give back and make a life-saving difference in their community. Could your dog be a lifesaver too? Check with your local veterinarian to see if they are in need of blood donors and if your pup is a candidate. ​

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Imagine a pup so broken, so terrified, that the touch of a hand sent shivers of fear through her small body. This was Lily's reality when she was rescued from a devastating abuse situation in Big Stone, Minnesota. Thankfully, a reservation rescue stepped in, and a dedicated foster opened their heart and home to her. For months, Lily  began her journey of healing – slowly gaining weight, her patchy fur starting to grow back, and the deep-seated fear of men gradually softening. But the bond she formed with her foster mom was undeniable. So much so, that after a brief transport to NLR, her original foster mom couldn't bear to be apart and drove to NLR to make Lily a permanent member of her family. Today, the transformation is astounding. Lily is a picture of health and happiness, and her impact extends far beyond the walls of her loving home. This remarkable pittie is now a vital part of the local school community, where she helps her mom educate children about her breed and the importance of rescue. Lily's gentle nature and infectious spirit are breaking down misconceptions and fostering compassion. But her contributions don't stop there. Lily is also a registered Emotional Support Animal (ESA) at the school, offering comfort and a calming presence to students and staff alike. 

Apollo's journey to becoming a beloved therapy dog began in December 2022 when he was found as a stray puppy on a reservation in Minnesota. Thanks to the compassionate efforts of Red Lake Rosie's, Apollo was rescued and transferred to Northern Lakes Rescue. He entered a foster home and was later adopted by his loving foster family.

However, due to unforeseen circumstances, Apollo was sadly surrendered back to the rescue about seven months later. A new foster family was found, and Apollo understandably went through a difficult period of grief. He experienced intense separation anxiety, leading to self-injury, accidents, and destructive behaviors when left alone.

Through months of dedicated training, consistent routines, the comforting presence of the resident dog, and veterinary support including medication to ease his anxiety, Apollo gradually settled and found contentment in their home.

During this time, despite attending numerous adoption events, Apollo never found his forever match elsewhere. It became clear that he had chosen his new fosters as his permanent family. They recognized his special nature – a smart and intuitive boy who sought deep connections with every person he met and showed a remarkable empathy for their emotions.

This led his family to pursue therapy dog training. Apollo excelled, quickly passing every level of obedience class and earning his Canine Good Citizen Test certification. Following this, we completed an intensive eight-week therapy dog training program, and Apollo proudly passed his certification test in June 2024.

Since then, Apollo has been a source of immense joy throughout the Twin Cities. Every week, he visits with college students at the University of Minnesota as part of the "Pet Away Worry & Stress" program, providing much-needed comfort and support. He also volunteers in a hospice program, where he is matched with patients and their families to offer solace and companionship. Apollo clearly loves his work just as much as the people he helps.

"We are incredibly grateful that Apollo is a cherished member of our family and are immensely proud that he demonstrates daily that rescue dogs are not only capable of becoming loving companions but also exceptional therapy dogs. His story is a testament to the resilience and potential of rescued animals." - Gracia, Foster & Adoptive Mom