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.
Ricky Ricardo, a pit bull who is 1 year and 9 months old, escaped euthanasia after being transferred to LHS from a rural shelter, but is declining after 10 months without a consistent home.
“Ricky Ricardo is having a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad time at the shelter and needs your help!” LHS wrote in a social post. “We are looking for a foster home or permanent placement for our silly boy. As soon as he leaves the shelter, his eyes light up and he’s seriously as happy as can be …”
In addition to having a superb blep face, Ricky has proved himself a potty-trained expert with a kennel and leash. He has spent four of his 10 months with LHS in foster care, and he is a fantastic car-rider and road trip buddy.
On Mass Street Mutts walks downtown or hikes around Clinton Lake and the levee trail, Ricky has proved his love for squirrels, but he isn’t reactive with other dogs. Program volunteers have described him as curious, goofy and relaxed.
As a moderate-energy dog, he can work himself up to rowdy play, but mostly prefers to coexist with his humans — while eating spray cheese, of course. He is a proven couch potato and snuggle-bug.
Ricky would need to meet any potential canine siblings before adoption, which can be facilitated by LHS staff. He can’t live with cats or small, handheld animals because he lives for the chase and will tail them.
Ricky Ricardo is neutered, vaccinated, microchipped and available for adoption for $150. If someone wants to foster him, the humane society provides medical care, food, treats and any other supplies in return for a safe, loving environment while Ricky waits for his forever family.
Past pup update
Last week’s featured pet, Lilya, was snatched up in a heartbeat once folks learned of her love of humans and pup cups.
These sweeties are still waiting to be adopted:
• Brutus is a valiant protector of children, but needs his own hero;
• Potato-shaped Ruby has found a foster home but is waiting for her forever family;
• Kiba is a gentle giant and certified good boy; and
• Shaka Khan is ready to love a family with kids.
Those interested in adopting Ricky Ricardo 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 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 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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