In Lawrence, as elsewhere across the country, residents have been stepping up in big numbers to care for animals in the community.
The stay-at-home order issued by Douglas County to curb the coronavirus pandemic has led to unprecedented hardships, to be sure, but also has created a uniquely comforting circumstance for animals who need care and for people who long to feel useful.
“A lot of people are at home,” said Shannon Wells, executive director of the Lawrence Humane Society, and taking care of an animal “has given them a sense of purpose,” as well as some companionship.
The Lawrence Humane Society, which has been open to the public only by appointment recently, currently has 90% of its animals in foster homes.
That’s more than 140 dogs, cats, rabbits and one 150-pound pig that residents have agreed to house to alleviate the stress on the shelter at 1805 E. 19th St., which has been deemed an essential business under the county’s pandemic order.