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.
Whether she’s got a little side eye or is taking her best 0.5 selfie, Bailey is learning how to work a crowd with her cuteness.
A 4-year-old pit bull, Bailey is known to humane society volunteers as a silly, sweet, happy and loving gal. However, she wasn’t so open when she arrived at the shelter five months ago after her owner surrendered her due to housing challenges.
“She can still be a bit shy and wary of strangers (shouldn’t we all be?), but once she’s had a chance to slowly meet them and get comfortable with them without any pressure, she opens up and shows what a goofy girl she really is,” Elina Alterman, the shelter’s chief development officer, said via email.
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Treats, Alterman said, are the way to Bailey’s heart — and to her belly for rubs.
Her favorite Mass Street Mutts outings always include cuddling on the couch. She’s even been known to turn down fetch or tug-of-war for a snuggle, but can get down with shopping at pet stores, exploring downtown, relaxing on a patio or taking a long walk.
“Towards the end of our day her personality really began to shine through,” one Mass Street Mutts volunteer wrote. “She was really funny to watch. She loves pets and to get kisses. She’s very playful and loved to run around with toys. She pulls on the leash but just because she’s excited, she loves going to the car.”
Bailey can still be shy when introduced to new people, so she should meet all members of a potential adopter’s household. She hasn’t lived with children before, and some kiddos can make her nervous and bark.
She also needs to meet potential canine siblings, as she can be picky about her companions.
“She does best with male dogs of a similar size who also like to play rough and rowdy, but listen to her when she tells them she’s done and is ready to take a break,” Alterman said.
Shelter staff don’t know how she handles cats, but could support an adopter with that transition.
Bailey is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Her adoption fee is permanently waived until she finds her people.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is hanging out at the shelter while her foster family is out of town, so now is a good time to meet her.
These furry friends at the shelter could use a foster or forever home:
• Scientists are unsure if Waylon is a canine or a snuggle bug.
• Moilie is seeking her knight in shining armor.
• Cowboy is fixin’ to find his partner for the road.
• Happy-go-lucky Sammy needs someone to raise his spirits.
• 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:
• Elf the dog-shark loves going belly-up for tummy rubs.
• Big-hearted Axel knows he’s the best boy.
• Dynamic doggy duo Charli and Bo share one soul.
The shelter currently has an adoption special through 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 4. All adult dogs 6 months or older have $50 adoption fees, and puppies are $100.
Those interested in adopting Bailey 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 her. 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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