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.
No kennel bars will hold Ash, a Labrador/Great Pyrenees mix, but that’s OK because he’s a gentle giant who won’t tear up a home if he’s roaming alone.
Ash’s owner had health challenges that led to them surrendering the 5-year-old dog to the shelter 5 weeks ago. Some dogs linger in kennel shelters much longer and still keep their spirits up. However, “Pyrenees famously hate kennels and struggle in shelter settings,” according to Elina Alterman, LHS’ chief development officer.
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Ash has mounting anxiety and stress at the shelter and Alterman said it’s imperative that he get a foster or adopter soon.
“Ash was very much loved by his previous owners,” Alterman said. “… And he’s a big fan of snuggling on furniture and he slept in his owners’ bed at night.”
He’s potty trained, and enjoys a game of chase, or playing with plush toys and hard plastic bones. Ash is a clever boy that knows the commands sit, down, come, stay and shake.
Mass Street Mutts volunteers have described him as a calm, loving and friendly gentle giant. He’s enjoyed the delights of Mad Greek, Lucky Dog and a tasteful Sonic pup cup. At 95 pounds, Ash isn’t overweight, it’s just his Pyrenees shining through.
The shelter doesn’t know how Ash does with cats. He handles dog encounters while out and about wonderfully, but would do best as the only dog in a home. One of his former owners was a teacher so although he hasn’t lived with children, he’s socialized with them and does great with tots on Mass Street Mutts adventures.
Ash is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $150.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
Another gentle giant, Kiba, who faced housing insecurity due to his size, has been adopted by his foster parents.
These furry friends could use a foster or forever home:
• Bob is a loving low rider and social butterfly.
• Trigonometry is a “pocket pittie” with a Hollywood smile.
• Dynamic doggy duo Charli and Bo share one soul.
• Squishy-faced Azalea blooms when she’s not cooped up in a kennel.
• Flycatcher is a shepherd mix who lives up to his name.
These pups are living it up in foster care and hope to find their forever families soon:
• Big-hearted Axel knows he’s the best boy.
• Pup cup fiend Miley is ready to be a KU tour guide.
• Rocket is an out-of-this-world snuggler.
• Jasper is a pup who’s ready to take a roadtrip or a nap.
• Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is not the drama.
Those interested in adopting Ash can email the Lawrence Humane Society’s adoptions team at [email protected] 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 [email protected] 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 [email protected].
Read their complete bio here. Read their work for the Times here.
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