The Lawrence Humane Society is above capacity and really needs help from community members who can foster and adopt some dogs.
Adoption fees that normally start at $150 are lowered to just $20 right now to encourage adopters to take the plunge, according to Elina Alterman, director of development and communications.
The shelter has 75 dog kennels, and as of Wednesday, all were full, Alterman said via email. Shelters across the region are experiencing the same problem, she said.
“Unfortunately, at this same time we’re also experiencing extremely high dog intakes. Between May 1 and this morning, we’ve taken in 23 dogs surrendered by owners and 57 dogs brought in as strays,” she said. “While our CPR (Crisis Pet Retention) program has done a great job of keeping animals in their homes and has prevented many animals from being surrendered, we are seeing a 34% increase in the number of strays entering our facility.”
The humane society provides food, supplies and vetting for foster families, and summer travel plans don’t have to be prohibitive, Alterman said. They often help families make other plans for care during travel.
“Fostering can be a great way to help a dog without making a permanent commitment,” she said. “For people working outside the home, it’s helpful to remember that most owned pets are left alone in the home while their owners are at work. Even if a foster pet has to be kenneled during an 8 to 9 hour work day, it’s less time than the pet would spend in a kennel at the shelter.”
Many medium and large dogs are available, she said, with a variety of personalities and energy levels.
“We also have a specific need for foster homes that don’t have other pets,” she said. “These foster homes are particularly helpful for dogs who feel more comfortable as the only pet, or for dogs who have medical concerns and need a quiet environment to recover in.”
To see animals available for adoption and to get more information about the process, visit this link.
“Not only will adopters be gaining a companion, but they’ll be helping two dogs: the one they’re adding to their family, and the one they’ll be making space for to enter the shelter!” Alterman said.
Find more information about fostering at this link.
Below are photos of Spunky, Nala, Mack, and Sage, all courtesy of the Lawrence Humane Society. All four doggos are among the many in need of families. Here’s some info about some of them, plus friend Charlee (not pictured):
“Spunky, a 1-year-old female mixed breed dog, came to the shelter, sadly, after her owner passed away. Spunky is every bit her name. Like an eternal puppy, this cherub-faced girl is ready to boldly meet every new person or situation with curiosity and overt optimism, including her next home. She’s ready to shed the shelter walls for a home where she can play, romp, and cuddle.”
“Nala, a 2-year-old female mixed breed dog, was surrendered to the shelter as an emaciated nursing mom with a litter of puppies in tow. Her puppies have since been adopted, Nala’s gained some weight, and she’s hoping it will be her turn to be in a home again soon. Nala loves a good game of fetch and rowdy play with other dogs. When home alone, she likes the comfort of her kennel and a soft bed.”
“Mack, a 2-year-old male mixed breed dog, has been waiting for a home longer than many of the other dogs at the shelter because he bonds strongly to people and prefers not to be left alone. His ideal home is with a multi-generational household where someone is typically home, or with someone who works from home, or with someone who wants a doggie co-pilot and can take Mack along on outings and excursions. One of his most admired qualities is that he is an exceptional car rider, so he’d be a great companion for an over the road trucker. Although Mack’s spent time in the company of other dogs while at the shelter, he’s shown us that he is much more at ease as the only pet. Because Mack needs a more specific home, he’s been waiting longer to find a match.”
“Sage, a 4-year-old female mixed breed dog, was transferred to Lawrence Humane, along with her housemate, from another shelter a couple of months ago and has been waiting for a home since. Sage is quite possibly the best kept secret in the shelter. Get her one-on-one and she reveals her charm and easygoing nature. She is so very different from what you might think when you see her in the kennel at the shelter where she’s anxious. Out of the kennel she reveals that someone was good to her in the past; they taught her things, like how to give love and also some cute little tricks. But someone was also neglectful, and her body shows some wear-and-tear for it. She’s smart, and curious, and generous. She’s easy and tolerant, the way former mama dogs usually are. She settles fast and snores loud. She would be so easy to take home and it would seem like she’d been there all along. Although she loves to play with her buddy at the shelter named Seal, she hasn’t been as comfortable with all the dogs she’s met and may be happier in a home where she is the only pup.”
“Charlee, a 3-year-old female mixed breed dog, has been in a foster home until recently but was unfortunately returned to the shelter because her foster mom was a student and was leaving Lawrence for the summer. While in a foster home Charlee blossomed. Charlee can be nervous with new people, but her foster mom helped her learn how to meet and quickly trust friends and family who visited the home. Together they also worked on her manners and leash walking skills. Charlee has gained so much confidence in the home since she first arrived at the shelter. We’re anxious to get her back into a home setting where she is most comfortable and confident. Charlee is a testament to how important foster homes are in helping animals feel safe and relaxed. Despite everything shelter staff and volunteers do for animals at the shelter to try to make them feel comfortable during their stay, a home setting is optimum and the end goal for every animal that enters the shelter.”
