Lawrence Humane Pet of the Week: Flycatcher is a true Renaissance dog who lives up to his name

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.

Many of the dogs featured on Pet of the Week struggle in the shelter environment but flourish when they’re in a home or on a Mass Street Mutts outing. Flycatcher is no different.

This 6-year-old male shepherd mix was brought to the shelter two and a half months ago as a stray, and he needs a foster or adoptive home sooner rather than later.

LHS staff call Flycatcher a Renaissance dog because he can do it all: a 2- to 3-mile hike, a car ride for a pup cup or a relaxed day on the couch. He even earned his name the hard way, cutting his teeth as a flycatcher in the play yards of the shelter. 

Despite his extraordinary range, Flycatcher remains a humble, well-behaved gentleman. He knows he has more to learn, and as a food-motivated pup, he responds well to rewards and patience during training and handling.

He does well on car rides, and although he may pull a bit on the leash when he gets excited, he quickly settles down. Mass Street Mutts volunteers have described him as cuddly, well-trained, spunky and sweet.

Flycatcher does well with humans but would prefer a home with older children who can respect his personal space. The shelter doesn’t know if he can live with cats, but he can be with other dogs. He needs to meet any potential caning siblings first, which shelter staff can facilitate.

This brilliant boy is neutered, vaccinated and microchipped. His adoption fee is $150, or folks can foster him with all care and supplies provided by LHS.

Past pup update

Here’s the rundown on recent Pet of the Week stars and where they are now:

• Ricky Ricardo went to a foster home after being featured but through no fault of his own, recently ended up back at the shelter. This spray cheese-loving guy still needs an adopter or foster.
• Much like Ricky, Brutus went to a foster home but was returned to the shelter through no fault of his own. This gentle giant still needs an adopter or foster.
• Ruby and her speckled tongue are thriving in a foster home, waiting for a forever family.
• Noni, née Shaka Khan, is a certified good dog who is ready to be adopted.
• Kiba has been living it up in foster care, where he has been able to play with other dogs. He should still be the sole dog in the home, but has increased comfort levels with his fellow canines. He is looking for an adopter.

Those interested in adopting Flycatcher 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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