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.
Brutus, a 3-year-old black pit bull, is struggling at the shelter. Although Lawrence Humane staff are doing their best to care for him, they are concerned about his deterioration and hope that a hero comes to the rescue.
Brutus is as darling as they come. This pup is a great adventure buddy, as he adores car rides, splashing in the water and going camping. Staff say that he is “a gentle shoulder for kids to lean on.” His past foster parent called him the loving “protector” of their 6-year-old.
“Brutus is an absolute joy to have in our home!” the foster parent wrote. “He is a big boy, but he is sweet as can be and is a fun dog to play with … He enjoys being a lap dog and having a good snuggle!”
He’s potty-trained and kennel-trained, and can roam around for a whole day without incident, as long as tasty food isn’t left on the counter.
Brutus first arrived at the shelter in February of this year. His owners, who inherited Brutus from their child, were aging and felt that they couldn’t continue to take care of him. Brutus started out in the shelter and moved to foster care, but has recently returned to the shelter due to general life events in the foster parent’s world.
During his first shelter tenure, Brutus lost significant weight due to the stress. This time around, shelter staff say, “We need to get him out ASAP!” for his own health.
Brutus is a good playmate to other pooches, but prefers to be the only canine in the home. He can live happily with cats.
Brutus is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $150. While shelter staff hope he finds his forever home, they’re also encouraging potential foster parents to reach out.
Past pup update
The clever gentleman Marley was adopted by one of his Mass Street Mutts fans this past weekend. While potato-shaped Ruby is still waiting for her adopters, she’s found a lovely home with a foster parent.
Kiba, a gentle giant and certified good boy, is still looking for a forever home.
Those interested in adopting Brutus 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. 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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