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.
Despite being with the humane society for three months, 2-year-old Sparky has not had any adoption inquiries, and shelter staff hope that will change for Valentine’s Day.
Sparky is a pit bull/retriever mix that arrived as a stray in mid-November but was never reclaimed.
He’s been in a foster home for two of those months, where it’s become clear that he’s a real dog’s dog. In fact, he’d prefer a home with another dog or two to play, wrestle and snuggle with.
“Sparky has been the happiest, most loving dog,” his foster mom told the shelter. “He became instant best friends with our dog as well as every human he’s met … He loves a good rowdy play session outside as well as snuggling with his humans on the couch. He is a real love bug and loves to curl up as close as possible for a good cuddle.”
She said he’s also house- and kennel-trained and knows the command “sit.” She hasn’t heard him bark once.
Mass Street Mutts volunteers describe him as both loving and lovable, patient and cuddly. He’s great on a leash and doesn’t bolt when the door opens. This talented boy even knows his own name.
The shelter doesn’t know how Sparky handles cats or children. They guess that he may do better with older kids because he’s young and jumps when excited, which can knock over smaller tots.
Sparky is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is usually $150, however, the shelter is having a Valentine’s adoption special from Friday to Sunday. Adoption fees for all adult dogs 6 months and older will drop to $30.
As Sparky 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
Zissou the loverboy successfully staved off his first shelter anniversary with a happy adoption match.
These furry friends could use a foster or forever home:
• Dudley is built for the out-of-doors.
• Jasper is a pup who’s ready to take a roadtrip or a nap.
• “Some pig” Maylene has recovered from her cold and is back at the shelter.
These pups are living it up in foster care and hope to find their forever families soon:
• Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is not the drama.
• Flycatcher is a shepherd mix who lives up to his name.
• Ruby and her speckled tongue have gained confidence with a behavioral specialist.
• 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: Sparky, looking for Valentine’s love, likes long naps and thoughtful wrestling with other dogs
Latest Lawrence news:
Lawrence Humane Pet of the Week: Sparky, looking for Valentine’s love, likes long naps and thoughtful wrestling with other dogs
Molly Adams / Lawrence Times
