Joe Retriever & Shepherd Mix Oswego, IL

Meet Joe
Male
Estimated DOB: 2/15/2025
25 lbs as of 6/17/2025

Joe is an affectionate, playful, and curious pup who’s ready to find a forever home full of love, structure, and maybe even a furry sibling to show him the ropes!

Joe is part of our adorable coffee-themed litter who made their way from Tennessee to a safe, loving foster home in Illinois with their sweet momma, Nespresso. Now he’s on the hunt for a forever family to call his own!

He’s doing great with house training, especially overnight, and just needs a consistent potty schedule to stay on track. Joe is crate trained and sleeps quietly through the night — he’ll only bark if he needs a potty break. He’s still learning the command “kennel,” but he’s catching on quickly!

Joe’s energy level is moderate — he loves to play (especially fetch!) but once he’s had his fun, he wants to curl up right at your feet or beside you for a snuggle. He lives with young kids (ages 1-7) and is very sweet with them, though he’s still working on not jumping up when he’s excited.

He gets along well with other dogs and would truly thrive in a home with a playful pup to help boost his confidence and keep him company. He hasn’t been tested with cats.

Joe’s favorite things include balls, rope toys, and sticks, and he’s a fetch superstar — always bringing the ball back for more. He’s also very food-motivated (there’s not a treat he doesn’t love!) and has already mastered “sit” and “down.” On walks, he’s curious and can pull a bit, but he’s getting better every day. Fun fact: if you stop on a walk, he’ll sit or lie down right at your feet like your little bodyguard!

Joe is:
• Affectionate & loyal
• Smart & eager to learn
• Playful & goofy
• Snuggly & sweet
• Curious & brave (even if he’s still a little unsure about garages and rain)

He’s working on a few puppy basics like perfecting house training, learning “stay,” and keeping all four paws on the floor when greeting people — but he’s a quick learner and thrives with gentle guidance and positive reinforcement.

Joe would make a wonderful addition to a loving family, especially one with another friendly dog to show him the ropes and join in the fun. He’s the full package — just waiting to share his big heart and goofy charm with his forever people!

We’ve also included a photo of his lovely mom, Nespresso. She’s a petite sweetheart, under 40 pounds, and while dad is a bit of a mystery, we expect Joe and his siblings to stay around her size.

If you’re looking for a bold, bouncy, and endlessly entertaining pup, Joe is your guy!


Adopters will receive a voucher valid at participating vets for his neuter when age appropriate.

Interested in adopting? Submit an adoption application on our website rescuedrascalsil.org!

We will review your application at our earliest convenience. If your application is selected, we will contact you for a phone interview. From there, we’d schedule a meet and greet with the dog to make sure it is a great fit for adoption for the whole family and any other dogs in your home.

Questions about adoption? Email us at adoptarascal@gmail.com!