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.
Sweet Jasper has become a star on Mass Street and lived it up on campus, but he’s ready — really, really ready — to be part of someone’s everyday routine.
Next week will mark five months since we first featured Jasper. The now-4-year-old Catahoula mix hound had already been at the shelter for more than four months then; now he’s been there so long he’s running out of toes to count the months.
But there is good news: His $150 adoption fee is now sponsored. He also checks key boxes, as he’s potty-trained, kennel-trained, neutered, vaccinated and microchipped.
Jasper originally came to the Lawrence Humane Society in September. His owner surrendered him because he didn’t get along with the other dog in the home and, due to personal circumstances, the owner wasn’t able to navigate the situation.
Jasper had some respite with stints at four different foster homes over the last several months, and he’s done especially well when he’s had long daily walks with his foster.
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Elina Alterman, development director for LHS, said his last foster would have kept him longer if she hadn’t been traveling.
“She reported that Jasper is house-trained and non-destructive when left alone – she and/or her roommates would give him a Kong or a bone when leaving and when they returned they’d often find him asleep on the couch,” Alterman said. “We also learned that Jasper does best when he’s on a schedule – much like a young child, he thrives with a routine!”
Jasper has also been adopted and returned twice in 48-hour periods over the last few months, Alterman said.
“In both cases it was because there were cats in the home and the decision to return him was made before any of the animals had a chance to adjust,” she said.
Understandably, all of the back-and-forths have been really hard on this guy, Alterman said.
“As a dog who thrives on routine, having to continually adjust to a new space is rough,” she said. “We are really desperate to find him a long-term foster home or an adopter.”
But Alterman said Mass Street Mutts outings have been vital to Jasper’s mental health.
“He’s been a regular fixture on Mass St, KU campus, the various sorority houses, Clinton Lake, and the many nature trails and parks in town,” she said. He was even recognized by a passer-by while dining on the patio at Minsky’s recently.
Jasper is ready to share a lucky someone’s home, couch and movie nights. He’ll also be more than happy to join you on car rides, road trips and any other adventures that await.
“As we noted back in January, Jasper does need to be the only dog in the home,” Alterman said. “However, he’s totally fine seeing dogs when he’s out and about and isn’t reactive to them.”
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
Shelter staff say happy-go-lucky Sammy needs someone to raise his spirits. He’s also pretty desperate for a foster or forever home.
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.
• 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.
• Rocket is an out-of-this-world snuggler.
• Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is not the drama.
• Fly, formerly Flycatcher, is Renaissance dog.
Those interested in adopting Jasper can email the Lawrence Humane Society’s adoptions team at [email protected] or call 785-843-6835. As noted above, his $150 adoption fee is now sponsored.
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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Mackenzie Clark (she/her), reporter/founder of The Lawrence Times filling in for this edition of Pet of the Week, can be reached at [email protected]. Read more of her work for the Times here. Check out her staff bio here.
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