Every Dog Should Have Its Day, Say Humane Society Handlers

Puppies – they're easy. Almost every one, almost any breed.

"They fly out the door," said Lorraine Sweeney, animal care manager at the Elmbrook Humane Society.

But older animals, those with some issues, perhaps, those that haven't been treated or trained as well as some – they can languish awhile waiting for a home.

And then there are the breeds some consider less desirable as family pets – none more so than the pit bull.

The debate rages in the general public, Sweeny knows, and she understands that in some cases a difficult pit bull with a difficult upbringing can be a challenge for anyone to accept.

And then there's Captain.

It really does come down to the individual animal, Sweeney says, and she would like people to know that Captain, a pit bull mix, is one of the nicer animals she's had around, friendly, fun and well-behaved.

But Captain has the look and form he was born with, and because of that, the 3-year-old – very much in his prime as a potential long-time companion – has been waiting for two months to find a home.

"It's a matter of perception," Sweeny said. "But it's hard on him, staying here so long. We exercise him twice a day, but it's still stressful."

Sweeney said that any breed of dog can be a "good dog" or a "bad dog" based on how it's been handled.

"Even Labs," she said, "with their reputation as having the sweetest of dispositions, will bite if they aren't properly raised. I have this thing about Chihuahua's, and even they can be a handful.

"But Captain here – I think he's a good dog."