Lemonade

Lemonade is an adoptable female Bullmastiff looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a young adult and medium in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Lemonade, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/25/2026 08/25/26 12:40 Canine is presenting with elevated reactivity and focus on other dogs during their time in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 8/30/26 to support ongoing behavioral evaluation and post-placement support. May be at risk for euthanasia 8/31/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/22/2026 Approached dog on outer portion; standing at front; gave treats; soft; started jumping up against door; attempted to leash; got paw through leash; scratched handler's arm; made leash loop smaller; placed over head; leashed; exited; immediately started fence fighting with neighbor; had to use hard leash pressure to pull away; continued to attempt to fence fight walking past neighboring kennels; once pulled away from building dog started to vocalize; walked past a yard with a dog in it; this dog continued to pull hard along fence; very vocal; used leash pressure continued walking; attempted to pull towards kennels when walking past; had to use hard leash pressure; dog continued to be vocal. In yard, dog explored; noticed dogs barking in distant approached yard fence; able to redirect attention with treats; scattered treats; dog went after treats; running back and forth in yard; tossed tennis ball; chased; picked up a toy; carried toy around in yard; played independently with toy; lost interest once dog heard dogs barking in surrounding area; briefly able to redirect attention; offered treats; demonstrated sit; allowed for petting; ran to end of yard; looking through fence; vocal; tried tossing treats; ate some treats; would go back to fence; lost interest in treats; began jumping up; dog would jump up; placing paws against fence trying to pull up; continued to leap high; unable to redirect attention; handler was able to pick leash up; walked away; vocal; added clip leash. Exited yard; hard pull; tried pulling towards kennels; vocal; used strong leash pressure to redirect away; walked past yard with a dog; again pulled hard towards yard while vocal. Assistant handler closed first two dogs in; handler walked past building while waiting for dogs to be closed in; walked back towards kennel; dog pulled towards empty kennels; dog then pulled towards neighbor to the right; vocal; used leash pressure to redirect away; walked into kennel; directly began fence fighting with neighbor; able to remove leash with clip leash. 8/20/2026 Dog approached handler with tense body and stiff wagging tail, panting heavily, jumped up towards neighbor, able to redirect with treats. Easy to leash, lunged and muzzle punched neighboring kennels, stiff body, growling, used firm leash pressure to redirect, became vocal, dog tried pulling back into building, used firm leash pressure to redirect again, continued to pull towards kenneled dogs on the way to yard. High energy in yard, interested in toys, followed along fence as staff and customers walked by, tense, stiff wagging tail, alarm barking, approached handler, softened with wagging tail, sat for treats, took gently, front paws on lap, leaned into handler, panting heavily, air snapped towards handler's face. Followed handler to gate, able to pick up leash, hard pull back to kennel, reactive towards neighboring dogs, difficult to redirect, erratic, handler stepped in kennel and used leash pressure to guide dog in, high-pitched vocalizing, able to reach in and remove leash by hand. 8/17/2026 Did not eat, sitting politely at front of kennel 8/12/2026 Came forward while having a soft body & relaxed tail wag. Would take treats gently & allowed petting without issues. Interested parties should be counseled on providing this dog with proper decompression time in a new home.  Allowing time to adjust is important for their comfort and well-being.  Adopters should be counseled on proper dog-to-dog introductions, which should only occur after the dog has fully decompressed. Based on kennel presence & intake notes, dog is behaviorally adoptable @ intake color. 8/10/2026 Dog was stiff body, wide eye, tail tucked, quickly warmed up, allowed petting/handling, walked on leash, allowed to carry into kennel with no issues 8/10/2026 Easy leashing, soft, dog walks on leash, allowed all petting, allowed all handling, allowed light restraint for vaccines, walked to kennel, easy leash removal. Name: Lemonade Animal ID: A5169757 Breed: GRAY/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER/MIX Sex: Spayed Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 49.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing A - 006 Intake Date: 8/10/2026 Deadline Date: 8/30/2026