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.
Each year, the Lawrence Humane Society accepts between 800 and 1,000 animal transfers from rural and low-capacity shelters, many of whom face euthanasia and housing insecurities.
Ruby, a 4-year-old lab and cattle dog mix, is one of those transfers.
She came to town in January from a shelter with fewer resources than LHS. Lawrence life was rocky at first for this pooch, who had high anxiety and only trusted a few members of staff to handle her.
Over many months, behavioral specialists at the humane society labored to broaden her horizons and show her that the world isn’t such a scary place after all.
Ruby’s ultimate lifesaver was the Mass Street Mutts program. Once she started going out on doggy adventures, from a patio lounge at Lawrence Beer Co. to a prance around the park, she flourished.
Now, Ruby takes to new human friends quickly, and they’ve described her as lovely, gentle and easy-going.
Ruby isn’t ruffled by feline companions. She can live with other dogs — and prefers smaller breeds — provided she meets them first. LHS staff can facilitate these introductions.
As a cattle dog mix, she has some herding instincts that can be difficult for young children.
This smiling pup is spayed, vaccinated and microchipped. Her adoption fee is $150.
Past pup update
Shaka Khan, Kiba and Marley are still looking for their forever homes. Shaka is the perfect a kid-friendly family dog; Kiba is a gentle giant and certified good boy; and Marley is a smart fellow with impressive muzzle training.
Those interested in adopting Ruby can email the Lawrence Humane Society’s adoptions team at adoptions@lawrencehumane.org 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 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.
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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.
Read their complete bio here. Read their work for the Times here.
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