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.
It’s natural to reflect on love and relationships with Valentine’s Day on the horizon, but Zissou the pit bull is looking to stave off a major anniversary.
Zissou, 1 year and 10 months old, has been with the Lawrence Humane Society since March 2025 — almost a full year. He’s been fortunate to have the same, loving foster home for 8 months, but the shelter would like to place him with a forever family before he hits his anniversary with them.
“This 50-lb lovebug is equal parts social butterfly and snuggle buddy,” his foster wrote about him. “He could romp with another dog all day, but will also curl up at your feet and be the BEST behaved boy on your work-from-home days.”
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This talented pup knows commands like “sit” and “stay,” is kennel-trained and 99% of the way to being house-trained, per his foster. He gets on famously with other dogs and people, and loves a classic tennis ball and a kiddie pool on a hot day.
His foster said that he is an endless source of smiles, silliness and affection.
“Zissou is a go-with-the-flow, highly adaptable pup and will infuse joy into just about any environment, but he would absolutely thrive in a forever home with a yard, another playful dog, and a family ready for daily adventures and cuddles,” his foster wrote.
Zissou is still learning to not pull on the leash if a rabbit is near. He loves a daily walk, but his human should stick to quiet parks, trails or neighborhoods and high traffic stresses him out. Like many humans and canines, he “Thinks vacuums are evil robots,” his foster wrote.
This loverboy would need to meet any dog siblings, which the shelter can facilitate. An adopter with cats should do slow, careful introductions since he hasn’t been around felines and has demonstrated a prey drive with rabbits and squirrels.
Zissou’s foster thinks he would do well with kids, but he has a tendency to jump to say hi and could knock over smaller kids by accident while playing.
Zissou is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $150.
As Zissou is in foster care, interested adopters can arrange a meeting by emailing LHS’s adoptions team at adoptions@lawrencehumane.org or by calling 785-843-6835.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
Fritz wasn’t particularly interested in attending Douglas County staff meetings on Mass Street Mutts outings, but he’s living out his dream of being a low-energy buddy for his forever human after getting adopted.
These furry friends could use a foster or forever home:
• Jasper is a pup who’s ready to take a roadtrip or a nap.
• Brutus is a valiant protector of small children.
• Flycatcher is a shepherd mix who lives up to his name.
• Ruby and her speckled tongue have gained confidence with a behavioral specialist.
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.
• Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is not the drama.
• Kiba is a gentle giant thriving in foster care while waiting for an adopter.
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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.
More Pets of the Week:
Lawrence Humane Pet of the Week: Loverboy Zissou seeks adopter to prevent his first shelter anniversary
Latest Lawrence news:
Lawrence Humane Pet of the Week: Loverboy Zissou seeks adopter to prevent his first shelter anniversary
Nathan Kramer / Lawrence Times
