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.
Guzma came to the shelter dehydrated, tick- and flea-ridden and with several wounds on his back. Now, he’s the picture of health and ready to be adopted.
A 6-year-old Pyrenees and shepherd mix, Guzma came to the shelter a month ago as a stray and hasn’t been claimed.
“As someone who has a Pyrenees, I can say with full confidence that there’s a lot of Pyr in him!” said Elina Alterman, chief development officer at the humane society.
Guzma may share a name with a Pokémon villain, but the only thing he’s focused on catching is hugs.
“He will gently jump up, wrap his paws around your waist, and just stand there, hugging you,” Alterman said.
He is a certified 85-pound lap dog who is ready to be a family’s favorite good boy. He’s gentle with small children when they feed him treats and pet him. If he gets overwhelmed by a tot, he steps away to find his own space in a masterclass of emotional regulation.
Guzma is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $50 through Wednesday, Nov. 26, as adoption fees are discounted for all adult dogs through that date. His adoption fee would typically be $150.
The Lawrence Humane Society will be closed Thursday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving. They will be open regular hours all other days. See below for more information on adopting Guzma.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
These Pet of the Week stars have moved around recently:
• Last week’s Pet of the Week, Hamburger Mary, has found a foster family. She’s still waiting for permanent adopters who want to gobble up her cuteness.
• After being adopted, Eanid was returned through no fault of her own, as it wasn’t a good fit. She is in foster care and ready to meet her Wednesday Addams.
• Spray cheese-loving Ricky Ricardo is back in the shelter after being in foster care. He’s waiting for another foster home or adopter.
• Ruby and her speckled tongue are no longer in a foster home. Back at the shelter, she’s waiting for a foster home or adopter.
These furry friends are still waiting for their next steps in life:
• Snoozy Susie is waiting in foster care for an adopter who she can take naps alongside forevermore.
• Buddy, a bit of a wallflower, is kicking it in foster care while waiting for a forever family.
• Flycatcher, the shepherd mix who lives up to his name, is waiting to be fostered or adopted.
• Brutus, valiant protector of small children, is in a foster home, waiting for adoption.
• Kiba has been living it up in foster care, where he is waiting for an adopter.
Those interested in adopting Guzma 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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