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.
If there were to be a live-action remake of A Goofy Movie, silly and laid-back Big Gulp could have a shot at a starring role.
A 2-year-old and 55-pound pit bull mix, Big Gulp is known around the shelter for his goofy and lovable nature. He joined the cast and crew of Lawrence Humane Society in April and was recently returned after a short period of adoption, putting his total time at the shelter around four months.
While Big Gulp hasn’t made his on-screen debut, he is a regular star of Mass Street Mutt outings. He’s an old hand at devouring drive-thru burgers and cookies at Lucky Dog. LHS staff report that he’s especially fond of a cold pint on the patio at Lucia. On his outings, he’s been described as “sociable, adorable, sweet, well behaved, smart, and outgoing,” according to the shelter.
Big Gulp will not be rushed when exploring Lawrence. He loves to meander and, despite being an excellent leash walker, tends to go a little slow.
“But he just likes to live in the moment and not rush through a walk!” said Elina Alterman, director of development and communications at Lawrence Humane Society. “He doesn’t pull and is an easy dog to handle for someone that isn’t used to walking a dog his size.”
Big Gulp enjoys coexisting with other pups during doggy playgroups, as opposed to rough-housing. He can live with dogs, but would like to meet his potential siblings first through a shelter-facilitated sniff test. He cannot live with cats or small animals, but has enjoyed pets from older children.
This pooch is spayed, vaccinated, microchipped and ready to enjoy life in the slow lane with his forever family for a $25 adoption fee.
Past pup update
Lawrence Humane Society staff members are thrilled that Whisky was adopted over the weekend.
Marley and Kiba are still waiting for the right folks to come along, and their adoption fees are $25.
Those interested in adopting Big Gulp can email the Lawrence Humane Society’s adoptions team at adoptions@lawrencehumane.org or call 785-843-6835.
Potential foster parents can email the Foster Coordinator at foster@lawrencehumane.org 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.
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.
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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 wulfe@lawrencekstimes.com.
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