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.
Chip, who sometimes has a nervous disposition toward men, defied the odds during a day out with 11 KU football players.
Shelter staff said this 2-year-old hound mix was previously adopted by a family but returned after a few days because he was scared of the husband and two teenage boys.
“It’s possible that Chip would prefer a female household, but it’s definitely not a requirement,” wrote Elina Alterman, chief development officer at the humane society.
The other day, 11 KU football players took Chip on a Mass Street Mutts outing, and he did fantastically.
“But they were very calm and patient with him, which is exactly what he needs,” Alterman said.
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She said Chip is the type of dog that would have been adopted in a New York second if not for the low rates of dog adoptions the shelter is currently experiencing.
“The challenges that he presents aren’t insurmountable (and honestly, compared to many other dogs, they really aren’t a huge deal at all),” Alterman said. “Yet he has gotten zero interest.”
Chip has been at the Lawrence Humane Society for six months now. Before that, he was at a rural, low-resourced shelter and at risk of euthanasia.
Volunteers describe him as curious, chill, cuddly and well-trained. He does great on walks — no leash-pulling, and he’s cool as a cucumber when he runs into other dogs.
Chip is house- and kennel-trained. He needs to meet all members of a potential adopter’s family since he can be shy and nervous, as well as any potential doggy siblings. He’s currently in the “Gentle and Dainty” playgroup at the shelter, as he’s still learning how to play with other dogs.
Shelter staff don’t know how Chip handles cats and kids, although he adored the teenage daughter in his former adoptive family. He has run into younger tots on outings and done well, Alterman said.
Chip is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is generally $150, but thanks to an adoption special, all animals at the humane society have $25 adoption fees through 6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11.
Pet of the Week stars and where they are now
These furry friends at the shelter could use a foster or forever home:
• Don’t talk to Bailey until she’s had her cuddles.
• 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.
• Unflappable brindle shepherd mix Cardi B. is not the drama.
Those interested in adopting Chip 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].
Read their complete bio here. Read their work for the Times here.
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