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.
Graycie is a tabby queen navigating grief with poise — and the aid of cotton ball toys during her evening zoomies.
It’s only fitting that Pet of the Week’s first-ever feline star is a Lawrence Humane darling. Now 3 years old, she first arrived at the shelter as a sick, 2-month-old stray kitten. She had panleukopenia, the kitty version of parvo, but she made a full recovery.
She was adopted by a human who doted on her for 2.5 years, but the owner is facing their own health issues and sadly needed to surrender her in March.
“Graycie was VERY upset to be at the shelter, which is understandable,” said Elina Alterman, LHS’ chief development officer. “She had lost her home and her person, whom she had loved very much and spent a lot of time with. Her grief was expressed through anger (animals and humans really aren’t that different) and she was almost unapproachable in her kennel at the shelter.”
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But thanks to the help of two foster parents extraordinaire, Susan and Darrell Schmitz, Graycie’s hisses and swats have turned to cuddles full of kitty cat chirps and purrs.
“The transformation was almost immediate, once she acclimated to her foster ‘apartment’ here,” Susan wrote. “These days, sweet Graycie begs for attention (and Churru!), plays with abandon, adores being brushed, monitors bird activity outside the window, hangs out with the dogs, thrives with routine and quiet, and is just a darn good cat!!!”
Susan also wrote that Graycie is a “tree-dweller” who likes to be on shelves, ledges and platforms, especially by a window. She appreciates gentle attention and letting the hours pass listening to music or being read to.
“She goes to town when the sun goes down, though, and that’s when she plays with lots of toys,” Susan wrote.
With Churu treats at her side, Susan reports that Graycie goes into her carrier for excursions to the shelter, vet or elsewhere.
She prefers to be the only cat in a home, although she’s coexisting with Susan and Darrell’s geriatric cat who leaves her alone. She’s also tolerating two dogs — particularly the calmer one — which means she could live in a home with dogs.
Graycie has zones where she does and doesn’t like to be petted, but she teaches her humans what’s best with her body language.
“Graycie is just a laid back, lovely girl who is just so appreciative of a quiet home where she can feel safe and experience life at her own pace without too many demands,” Susan wrote. “She is very special.”
This sweet tabby cat is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $60.
Potential adopters can email to [email protected] or call the shelter at 785-843-6835 to arrange a meeting.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
These furry friends could use a foster or forever home:
• Cowboy is fixin’ to find his partner for the road.
These pups are living it up in foster care and hope to find their forever families soon:
• Elf the dog-shark loves going belly-up for tummy rubs.
• Happy-go-lucky Sammy needs someone to raise his spirits.
• Big-hearted Axel knows he’s the best boy.
• Dynamic doggy duo Charli and Bo share one soul.
• Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is not the drama.
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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.
