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.
Sammy, a hound-spaniel mix, is a happy-go-lucky pup who is having a hard time keeping his cheer up at the shelter.
The 2-year-old was bouncing and energetic when he first arrived at the shelter in November.
Now, “he is terribly anxious, can’t settle, and is really struggling in the shelter setting,” according to LHS Chief Development Officer Elina Alterman. “We are now at the point where we are desperate for a foster or adopter for him.”
Sammy was surrendered to LHS in November for “just being a young dog that needed patience and training,” Alterman said. He was adopted from the shelter for three months, but was surrendered again because he and the resident dog didn’t mesh well.
In total, he’s been at the shelter for about four months.
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Sammy is at his best on Mass Street Mutts outings after he can shake off his kennel jitters. He pulls a bit on the leash initially because he’s excited to explore, but quickly settles down.
Mass Street Mutts volunteers describe him as handsome, eager, polite, calm and cuddly. He’s delighted in sampling a multitude of pup cups, and has enjoyed walks and hikes, patio lunches and hanging out at the park.
He’s a young, active dog, but he won’t turn up his snout at quality couch time.
“Many of his outings have concluded with snuggles on the couch and Sammy has really appreciated the opportunity to decompress from the stress of being in the overstimulating shelter environment,” Alterman wrote.
As a young dog without a consistent home, Sammy is still learning. He can’t be left alone and un-kenneled in a home, but he is kennel- and house-trained. He might have some accidents in the beginning at a new home, but Alterman said that’s to be expected for most dogs in a transitional period.
Sammy can live with other dogs, but should meet any of his potential canine siblings as he can be a bit selective.
Previous owners say he did fine with cats. He would occasionally chase them in a playful way, but tuck tail if he got a swipe or a hiss.
Sammy 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:
• Jasper is a pup who’s ready to take a roadtrip or a nap.
These pups are living it up in foster care and hope to find their forever families soon:
• This girl, Scout, is the only Caramel deLite you need.
• Ash is so over the shelter and ready for creature comforts.
• Big-hearted Axel knows he’s the best boy.
• Bob is a loving low rider and social butterfly.
• Pup cup fiend Miley is ready to be a KU tour guide.
• Dynamic doggy duo Charli and Bo share one soul. f
• Rocket is an out-of-this-world snuggler.
• Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is not the drama.
• Fly, formerly Flycatcher, is a shepherd mix who lives up to his name.
Those interested in adopting Sammy 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].
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