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.
Marley, a 3-year-old male pit bull, is stealing the spotlight this week.
A spry pup, he has been at the shelter for 210 days after being surrendered by his human, who encountered health issues that prevented them from caring for Marley.
According to an adoptions counselor with LHS, he is a bright boy who loves learning. He arrived at the shelter with no prior training but has been making rapid progress.
In particular, he has taken a particular shine to muzzle training. As a medium-energy canine who loves playing and going on walks as much as relaxing with his humans, he is not wearing a muzzle due to aggressive behavior.
“A common misconception is that muzzled dogs are bad dogs, but that’s simply not true,” a recent post from LHS reads. “… Muzzles are simply safety tools, designed to protect both the dog and those around them. Think of them as leashes.”
Marley loves being in the water and performs swimmingly with a leash. During his Mass Street Mutts adventures, he’s enjoyed outings on the town for pup cups as well as at-home snuggles.
Though Marley can’t cohabitate with cats or chickens, he has lived with children as young as 10 and done well.
LHS recommends that he have a facilitated meeting with any potential doggy siblings at the shelter, although he has successfully met other pooches on Mass Street Mutt outings and during shelter playgroups.
Currently, dogs weighing more than 25 pounds at LHS have a specially reduced adoption fee of $25. “All of the adoptable dogs are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccinations, are microchipped, and come with a starter bag of Hill’s Science Diet food,” according to LHS.
This special applies to Marley, as well as sweet gal Athena Bambina, last week’s Pet of the Week who is still searching for her forever home.
Those interested in adopting Marley 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 him. 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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