Generally speaking, animals awaiting adoption at the Wisconsin Humane Society don't have to wait very long. In fact, puppies are typically adopted within 24 hours of being made available for adoption.

Then there are exceptions. (Yes, I will attempt to tug at your heartstrings. You've been warned.) One current exception is Romeo.

Romeo has been at the Wisconsin Humane Society for a long time, and no one can figure out why. As you can see from the photo, he's a beautiful Siberian Husky mix. Volunteers and staff who've interacted with him say he's gentle, medium-energy, engaged, fun, affectionate and cuddly. You couldn't choose better adjectives to describe the ideal companion dog.

Yet, he's still waiting.

Perhaps the rolly-polly puppies divert people's attention. Romeo is four-and-a-half years old and 80 pounds. (But who would you rather have around the house when the sounds of a spring storm are creeping you out? Or when you feel like taking a run as the days get longer and warmer?)

Perhaps it's Romeo's eyes. One is brown, the other is blue. I have to admit, I did a double-take and furrowed my brow. Then I thought, "One icy eye, one warm. How cool is that?" And isn't it the things that are different about us that make us interesting? Frankly, as I've gotten older, I've discovered I gravitate toward people -- and animals -- who have quirks and compelling "back-stories." Life is too short for normalcy.