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.
Dudley, a yellow lab, has all the makings of a great en plein air painter — if only he had opposable thumbs.
At 6 years old, Dudley is still a high-energy boy who does best when he’s romping about outside.
He arrived at the shelter as a stray in December and was never claimed. Although one month at LHS may sound like a short time, “all dogs’ resiliency is different when it comes to handling shelter stress and Dudley is REALLY struggling” because being cooped up in a kennel is not his style, according to Elina Alterman, chief development officer at the shelter.
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Several volunteers in the Mass Street Mutts program have taken Dudley on outings, and they describe him as sweet, gentle, curious and loving. Alterman said that although he’s more of an alfresco animal, he does revel in a good couch nap from time to time.
“He would thrive in a home where he could enjoy the best of both worlds — the ability to spend some time inside on the couch with his people and enjoy a treat-dispensing toy, but spend the majority of the time in a safe outdoor space where he has room to run,” she wrote.
Since Dudley has been at the shelter since his arrival, staff aren’t sure if he’s kennel- or house-trained, but Alterman said labs are generally smart cookies.
Dudley is discerning about his fellow canines at the shelter. Some dogs he doesn’t enjoy, and some he loves playing with, so shelter staff would need to facilitate a meeting with any potential pup siblings. Staff doesn’t know how he handles cats, but he has done well interacting with children on Mass Street Mutts outings.
Since his stress and anxiety at the shelter is increasing daily, Alterman said, “(We) are desperate to get him to an adoptive home or foster home. And there absolutely could be a stressful transition period because of how high his anxiety has been here, but our behavior team would work with the foster/adopter and offer every support possible.”
Dudley is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $150.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
These furry friends could use a foster or forever home:
• Zissou is a loverboy looking to stave off his first shelter anniversary.
• 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.
Those interested in adopting Dudley 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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