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.
Shaka Khan, a 6-year-old pit bull, is shaping up to be a loving and undemanding nanny dog for a family with kids of any age.
“In fact, one family that took her for an outing (with Mass Street Mutts) had two young daughters, the youngest of whom had some fear of dogs,” said Elina Alterman, director of development and communications at LHS. “Shaka was so calm and gentle with the kids that it helped the little girl start to get over her fear of dogs!”
In the four months that Shaka has been at the shelter, she’s become a known Lucky Dog Pet Bakery favorite and a riverside hiking fan. Mass Street Mutts volunteers have called her friendly, mellow, smart and cuddly, among other glowing accolades.
Shaka is a dog who can do both: take a long, meandering walk or vibe on the couch at home. She is superb on a leash and in the car. Though she isn’t fazed by running into other dogs while out and about, she does need to be the only pet in a home.
A certified good dog, Shaka is house-trained, and shelter staff think she’ll settle in quickly to a family’s pre-existing daily patterns.
Shaka is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $150.
Past pup update
Marley and Kiba are patiently waiting for their people to whisk them away to homes full of love.
Those interested in adopting Shaka Khan 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. People can also sign up for the Mass Street Mutts program to get to a know a dog before adopting.
Potential foster parents can email the Foster Coordinator at foster@lawrencehumane.org and fill out an application here. The Lawrence Humane Society provides foster parents with all necessary supplies and food, and they cover bills for medical care, behavioral support and more.
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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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