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.
The shelter needs help solving a mystery: Why, oh why, has the perfect dog not been adopted? 107 days into his stay, and Phineas is still looking for his ride or die.
“I genuinely don’t understand how Phineas is still with us and no one has scooped him up,” said Elina Alterman, LHS chief development officer. “He’s such an easy, delightful dog and would fit into any household that includes dogs and kids!”
Phineas, a 6-year-old pit bull and bulldog mix, came to the shelter as a stray in March and was never claimed.
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“Phineas is so stinking cute that I can’t stand it!” Alterman said. “He has a very bulldog body – short, stocky legs with a nub of a tail, his ears permanently stand up at attention, and he has the biggest grin at all times. The younger (Mass Street Mutts) volunteers have said that ‘he has short king energy.’”
Phineas has drive when it comes to meeting doggy and human friends. As a 55-pounder, he loves playing with medium and large dogs. Shelter staff haven’t seen him play with small dogs, but it’s possible he loves them, too.
He starts to poop out when he’s on his little legs for long stretches.
“It’s been noted by staff and volunteers that Phineas ‘runs out of gas quickly’ so he’s not a dog that needs a long walk or would enjoy running with his person,” Alterman said. “He enjoys a short-to-medium walk and then is thrilled to plop down and hang out in the AC!”
But he can be tantalized with the promise of a Mass Street stroll, shopping for goodies at Petsmart and, of course, couch snuggles.
He’s been gentle with kids of many sizes and ages, sitting for pets without jumping on them — Phineas is just happy to be a part of the action. Alterman said she took him to a tabling event last week, and he was a perfect angel.
“He was so friendly and non-reactive to all the dogs who walked by, loved getting pets from every adult and child who wanted to meet him, and was happy to just chill on the sidewalk with us in between,” she said. “He would be such a great dog for someone who wants a dog that they can bring to social events, public spaces, etc!“
This short king isn’t just all looks. He’s got smarts, too. Phineas is great on car rides and knows commands like sit, lay down and stay. He even catches treats in the air.
Phineas is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is typically $150, but all adult animals at the shelter have lowered fees of $19 through 6 p.m. on Sunday, July 28.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
These stars have taken to biggen and better stages:
• Last week, the shelter put out the call to find Jasper a home as he bounced from foster to adopter, and returned each time through no fault of his own. It’s been just under a week since he was adopted again, and staff is celebrating as they think this one will stick.
• Scout, a Caramel deLite, also found her forever home, which Alterman said is almost too good to be true.
• Big Gulp and Dudley were both transferred to other shelters in hopes of finding better matches. It worked, and they’ve each been adopted.
These furry friends could also use a foster or forever home:
• Happy-go-lucky Sammy needs someone to raise his spirits.
• From feral to trusting, Lulu has the ultimate comeback story.
• Bob is a loving low rider and social butterfly.
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.
• 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 is Renaissance dog — recently, shelter staff have learned that he loves living with cats.
Those interested in adopting Phineas 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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