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.

Puppies do not linger long at the Lawrence Humane Society, but Hamburger Mary can’t get adopted, and it’s not her fault.

If this 3-month-old pitbull has committed any crimes, they are being too cute, too snuggly and too perfect for a family with cats and kids.

Hamburger Mary and her three siblings were part of an unplanned litter that was surrendered to the shelter a month ago. Her siblings have found forever homes.

“It absolutely breaks our hearts when a puppy is the last of their litter to be adopted and is essentially growing up in the shelter,” said Elina Alterman, chief development officer for the humane society. “And there’s truly no reason for Hamburger Mary to not be scooped up! She is just a perfect puppy!”

Hamburger Mary is not potty-trained, but she’s smart and will learn quickly. Shelter staff say she will learn faster if she’s adopted into a home with another potty-trained dog. She’d also serve as a prime playmate for a resident dog.

The same goes for living with cats and kids. Cats in an adoptive household will keep her in line so they can coexist, and any human children will make memories by growing up with her.

Hamburger Mary will also provide top-notch cuddles.

“She loves to be held and just melts into you as soon as you pick her up,” Alterman said. “She would love to have a family that will love and dote on her, play with her, and snuggle her!”

Hamburger Mary is spayed, microchipped and vaccinated. Her adoption fee is $300.

Pet of the Week stars and where they are now

• Snoozy Susie is ready to take naps alongside an adopter on couch forevermore.
• Shelter staff say Buddy, a bit of a wallflower, is still in a desperate situation waiting for adoption or fostering while at the shelter.
• Spray cheese-loving Ricky Ricardo and gentle giant Brutus have both moved from the shelter foster homes, where they are waiting for their soulmates.
• Flycatcher, the shepherd mix who lives up to his name, is waiting to be adopted at the shelter.
• Ruby and her speckled tongue are in a foster home, waiting for a forever family.
• 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 Hamburger Mary 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.

If community coverage like this matters to you, please support The Lawrence Times.
Click here to subscribe.

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.

More Pets of the Week:

MORE …

Latest Lawrence news:

MORE …