Pet of the Week puts a spotlight on a furry friend who is available for adoption at the Lawrence Humane Society at the time of the article’s publication. According to ASPCA, dog adoption numbers are down nationwide, which adds additional strain on shelters that are already struggling to accommodate high volumes of animals. Lawrence Humane is no exception.
Through Pet of the Week, readers can learn about a pup before they visit the shelter. The featured furball is selected by shelter staff members, who provide all details on the animal’s personality and history.
The inaugural Pet of the Week is Athena Bambina, an 8-year-old female pit bull.
Athena Bambina first went to the shelter as a stray in 2024. She was adopted but then surrendered five months later “through no fault of her own,” according to the Humane Society.
As a senior dog, she has outgrown her puppy phase and approaches life with a loving, calm demeanor. While she appreciates attention as much as the next pooch, she isn’t known to have separation anxiety.
“I know that some people might be hesitant to adopt an 8 year old dog, but while she’s technically a senior, she still has plenty of good years left!” Elina Alterman, LHS director of development and communications, wrote in an email. “And frankly, there is no love like the love of a senior dog. They are so grateful and happy to be with you.”
Athena Bambina is a star of the Mass Street Mutts program, which allows community members to take shelter dogs out on adventures. Folks who have gone out with Athena Bambina have gushed about her demeanor, describing her as “sweet, calm, loving, smart, well-behaved, easy, friendly, patient, polite, and affectionate,” according to the shelter.
She is child- and cat-friendly, and although she is a bit pickier about her fellow canines, she has lived with other dogs in the past. Interested adopters who already have dogs can work with the Humane Society to organize a safe pup meeting to ensure Athena Bambina would get along with any possible siblings.
Shelter staff think she would be a perfect first dog or a great family dog.
Those interested in adopting Athena Bambina can email the Lawrence Humane Society’s adoptions team at adoptions@lawrencehumane.org or call 785-843-6835.
People can also go straight to the shelter at 1805 E. 19th St. to meet her. The Humane Society is open to potential adopters from noon to 6 p.m. every day.
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Wulfe Wulfemeyer (they/them), reporter and news editor, has worked with The Lawrence Times since May 2025. They can be reached at wulfe@lawrencekstimes.com.
Read their complete bio here. Read their work for the Times here.
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