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.
Buddy is small, shy, loves relaxing at home and has puppy dog eyes that rival even the most endearing mopey pooches.
A 40-pound and 6-year-old Lab mix, Buddy came to the humane society six months ago as a transfer from another facility where he was at risk of euthanasia.
A wallflower who does best in stress-free environments, the shelter is not his bag. Staff say his anxiety and frustration are on the rise, and he imminently needs a home for his health, either through foster care or a forever family.
Buddy is the shy one in the friend group who sticks to the sidelines but enjoys being there nonetheless. He doesn’t play during daily doggy playgroups, but enjoys relaxing quietly alongside his companions. He can live with other dogs, but should meet them first, which shelter staff can facilitate.
Mass Street Mutts volunteers report that, as a nervous Nellie, he’s slow to trust but opens up through meandering walks and pup cups. Volunteers say he’s chill, sweet and curious.
Since Buddy is reserved, he ideally shouldn’t live with young children who don’t understand his boundaries.
Buddy neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $150.
Past pup update
Here’s the rundown on recent Pet of the Week stars and where they are now:
• Coraline, who loves sweaters and snow, has received special training because she’s deaf.
• Flycatcher, the shepherd mix who lives up to his name, is waiting to be adopted.
• Ricky Ricardo went to a foster home after being featured but through no fault of his own, recently ended up back at the shelter. This spray cheese-loving guy still needs an adopter or foster.
• Much like Ricky, Brutus went to a foster home but was returned to the shelter through no fault of his own. This gentle giant still needs an adopter or foster.
• Ruby and her speckled tongue are thriving in a foster home, waiting for a forever family.
• Noni, née Shaka Khan, is a certified good dog who is ready to be adopted.
• Kiba has been living it up in foster care, where he has been able to play with other dogs. He should still be the sole dog in the home, but has increased comfort levels with his fellow canines. He is looking for an adopter.
Those interested in adopting Buddy 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 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.
If community coverage like this matters to you, please support The Lawrence Times.
Click here to subscribe.
Don’t miss a beat … Click here to sign up for our email newsletters
Click here to learn more about our newsletters first
Wulfe Wulfemeyer (they/them), community reporter, 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.
More Pets of the Week:
Latest Lawrence news:
August Rudisell/Lawrence Times
