Kalani

Kalani is an adoptable female German Shepherd looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. She is fully grown and medium in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Kalani, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/26/2026 08/26/26 12:43 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for handling and other concerning behaviors during their time in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 8/31/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/1/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/23/2026 Dog was laying in front half of kennel, handler approached back, tossed treats, dog would not move, handler went around to front, by then dog had moved to back of kennel, looked through divider with wide eyes, came through divider and laid in same spot up against wall, softly panting, v shaped lip, no interest in treats, dog cam to front as handler opened door, sniffing at leash and open door, would back up and lower to ground as handler draped leash over head, remained frozen in place as handler secured leash, then slowly stood up and followed handler out of building, only had to pass an empty kennel, darted out of kennel building, then slowly followed handler to yard, low posture, stop and go, hesitant and pulled away while trying to enter yard, slowly came in as handler moved further into yard, wary of movements over/around her, followed handler to bench and laid down at their feet, panting, trembling, tolerated petting, heard a dog approaching and stood at corner of fence, as dog walked by this dog would follow along fence, interested, once dog out of sight this dog wld pace fence briefly, then went to catch pen, pawing at gate, pushing head under gate, handler called to dog and she stopped, came back and laid next to handler, no interest in treats, panting, would tolerate some touch again before alerting to other sounds and movement outside yard, would stand facing person passing, weight back, low tail, moving back further in yard, would remain hyper vigilant, then went back to catch pen, pushing head and front paws under gate, handler approached, dog backed away from gate and postured low, handler led dg back to bench, dog would lay next to them, handler would pet and speak softly, dog was still trembling, panting with tight lip, dog would remain next to handler as a multitude of stimuli passed by (volunteers with dogs, laundry baskets, train passing) all within a short period, dog would watch with wide eyes, started panting heavier, handler ended evaluation, picked up leash, dog slowly followed to catch pen, darting out of yard, then stop and go back kennel, walked into kennel easily, shook off, laid down, allowed leash removal by hand. 8/22/2026 Handler approached kennel back and closed guillotine; Dog was neutral bodied; timid; shaking; pancaked to ground; Handler spoke softly and unlocked door; dog remained laying down and allowed handler to place leash over head; dog remained pancaked; Handler tried to coax dog out with treats; Dog wasn't interested in treats; Handler tried opened up door fully; dog stood up and walked out once handler went around corner; dogs continued to bark and dog retreated back into kennel and pancaked; handler went in and did light petting for a few minutes; dog remained still; handler gave dog time; Handler pet along back and picked up back end to encourage her up; picked up and walked a few feet; handler opened door and dog walked out following handler; stop n go; sniffed around; Another handler was in passing; dog was unsure; began to pull away; defecating walking; handler allowed dog to steer passage way; allowed her to decompress; Handler pet dog gently and waited; once dog became comfortable again handler walked ahead and dog followed to yard; once in yard handler added drag line and dropped leash; dog walked yard briefly and stayed near handlers vicinity; Handler pet gently and dog would allow; remained laying down; Handler stood up and walked yard; dog followed handler became more comfortable with time; walked yard ok with handler near by; sought out comfort from handler; handler would pet from time to time; tried initiating play; dog wasn't interested; ears would perk up but didn't chase; Handler spoke softly and pet every time dog ventured out on own and explored; dog was more relaxed but still wary of environment; when time to go handler grabbed leash and opened catch pen; dog followed into catch pin; followed behind handler all the way to kennel; at kennel front dog was unsure; handler had to lift up slightly towards kennel and dog went in rest of way; unleashed by hand; gave treats to end on positve interaction; 8/21/2026 Dog was laying in front side of kennel when approached; trembling; furrowed brow; retreated to back side of kennel when approached with behavior taxi; closed to back side. Dog was laying pressed against side of kennel; stoic; not interested in treat offered. At sight of leash, dog would turn away from handler completely; head resting flat on ground between front two paws; able to drape leash over head easily; positioned bucket in front of kennel; dog would attempt to retreat away on leash. Handler used light leash pressure to guide dog into taxi; would not move. Handler waited a few moments to see if dog would enter taxi with coaxing and spatial pressure before attempting to muzzle wrap. Dog would allow muzzle wrap but remain extremely tense on ground; front nails dug into kennel floor; handler was able to lift half way into taxi; placed hand under rear to lift fully and dog defecated all over handler's arm and side of taxi; tipped taxi horizontal and dog would act as if wanting to jump out; handler decided to end evaluation attempt; tipped taxi back down and dog leaped out of taxi back into kennel; defecating with loose stool all over kennel; removed leash using clip leash. 8/18/2026 carried to kennel, allow some dog handling, very nervous, muzzle wrap, pancaked to the floor 8/18/2026 K9 came in in bucket, exit seeking, tail tucked, skin crawl when touched, vaccinated using precautionary muzzle wrap, lip licking, taken to kennel in bucket. Name: Kalani Animal ID: A5170158 Breed: BROWN/TRICOLOR GERM SHEPHERD/MIX Sex: Female Age: 3Y 0M Weight: 51.8 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing C - 234 Intake Date: 8/18/2026 Deadline Date: 8/31/2026