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.
Like any good best friend, Jasper’s ready to ride out life with you, whether you want to hit the road to get away for a weekend or spend a Friday night on the couch decompressing.
Jasper is a 3-year-old Catahoula mix hound that has been at the shelter for more than four months. Jasper’s owner surrendered him in September because he didn’t get along with the other dog in the home and, due to personal circumstances, the owner wasn’t able to navigate the situation.
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Mass Street Mutts volunteers say Jasper is excitable and jumps when he’s first let out of the kennel due to his pent up energy, but he quickly levels out on outings. He’s so adaptable that volunteers report he’s the perfect companion for a run, a long stroll or a movie day buried under blankets.
“In fact, folks have noted how he calms down as soon as he gets in the car and is an excellent road trip companion!” LHS Chief Development Officer Elina Alterman wrote via email.
Some may say he’s a bit of a health nut with his penchant for peanut butter, frozen blueberries and peas, carrots, ice and cheese, but he doesn’t judge and will happily join you for snack time. Since Jasper is treat-motivated, he’s receptive to training.
Playtime with Jasper often entails tug-of-war, hide and seek or even splashing in some water.
“He’ll also try to eat water straight from a hose!” Alterman wrote. “He is just a funny, happy guy who needs someone to delight in him the way that he delights in people.”
Jasper needs to be the only dog in the home, and shelter staff don’t know how he handles cats. Although he’s been friendly with children, he might jump on a younger child out of excitement.
In addition to being potty-trained and kennel-trained, Jasper is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $150, but shelter staff would also love to place him with a foster family if possible.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
These Pet of the Week stars have taken to new stages recently:
• Sweet bean Adzuki was adopted, and now he has a home to laze in forever.
• Unflappable Cardi B. is not the drama — she’s finding some peace in a new foster home, but is still looking for an adopter.
More pups in the shelter or foster homes are still waiting for adoption.
We’re highlighting Brutus, as shelter staff say they’re getting desperate to find him a foster or adopter for his wellness. This sweet boy is a gentle giant and staff describe him as “a gentle shoulder for kids to lean on.”
These furry friends could also use a foster home while waiting for adoption:
• Flycatcher, the shepherd mix who lives up to his name, is waiting to be adopted. The shelter would love to find a foster for him in the meantime.
• Ruby and her speckled tongue are waiting for a foster home or adopter.
These pups are living it up in foster care and hope to find their forever families soon:
• “Some pig” Maylene is recovering from a cold in foster care. She’s not available for adoption at the moment, but will be ready once she’s healed up.
• Fritz isn’t interested in being a government employee, but he is equipped to be the perfect family dog.
• Kiba has been thriving in foster care, where he is waiting for an adopter.
Those interested in adopting Jasper 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.
