Amadeus

Amadeus is an adoptable male Belgian Shepherd Malinois looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is a young adult and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Amadeus, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/26/2026 08/26/26 11:49 Canine has shown over-arousal and is difficult to manage safely while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 8/31/26 to allow for behavioral support and assessment in a different setting. 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 at back kennel door, standing upright with front paws on door, neutral body, began whining and demand barking as handler unlocked door, handler tossed treats, dog would retrieve them then resume jumping up and barking, dilated pupils, dog would repeatedly jump up as handler attempted to place leash, getting front paws looped through, handler dropped leash, tossed treats, and pulled leash back out. Dog would resume jumping up, whining, v shaped lip, eventually handler able to leash with smaller loop, dog exited kennel quickly, jumping up on handler, open panting mouth, no contact, dog would repeatedly turn and jump at handler or the leash while walking to yard and while in catch pen, handler would continue to hold leash while entering the yard, using the leash and tossing treats to the ground, dog would turn away to sniff out treats, neutral, still or softly wagging tail, would continue to jump up for a few minutes, gradually decreasing frequency and dog could be redirected with treats, handler dropped leash and dog would wander yard, still running up to handler and jumping but handler would toss treats before dog attempted to jump, dog would also demonstrate \"sit\" when asked, would gently mouth at handlers hand or arm when they attempted to pet. Dog showed no interest in a tennis ball but chased after a stuffed toy, briefly self entertained, then dropped toy and walked away, sniffing yard, when handler would pick up toy again dog would run up and jump for toy in their hand, chasing after it when thrown, then dropping and losing interest after a few throws. Handler sat on bench, dog would approach, demonstrating \"sit\" and \"down,\" still briefly mouthy when petting but started to relax, soft body, panting, squinting eyes and leaning into touch, dog would stay sitting or laying next to handler for a few minutes, allowing all petting, handler eventually tossed treats to ground and picked up leash, dog would quickly become overaroused again and jump up at handler and leash, at catch pen gate as handler was adjusting leash and adding clip leash dog would begin demand barking, jumped up on handler once, handler tossed treats, placed clip leash, then exited yard, dog easily walked into kennel and allowed leash removal with clip leash. 8/22/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was standing at front; Jumping off all fours on to door; Handler spoke softly and had dog get down to leash; tail wagging; loose bodied; excited; tip taps; scratches at door; Handler held leash in opening and was able to leash with small loop quickly; Dog walked out with moderate pull; walked right into yard and was already soliciting pets and attention to handler; jumping up on handler multiple times even with redirection; Dog was antsy; whined and paced back and fourth from handler to catch pin ; Stood up on exit and would paw at gate multiple different times; would run towards handler full force; became nippy at handlers arms and arm sleeves; mouthy; handler would turn away; Dog would go back to gate and whine; paws at gate; handler tried engaging in play with tennis balls or stuffies; dog wasn't interested; Dog was sniffing around yard after he settled slightly; handler tossed treats down and engaged in treat scatter; had dog sitting and waiting before giving treats trying to build patience and settle time in between treating; did this multiple times; dog seemed to pick up; less jumpy and mouthy; no longer was nippy with handlers arms; sat for treats and waited; was jumpy a few more times but sat or laid down in between waiting; moderate panting; settled a lot ; reactive dogs near by seemed to make him more antsy; whined when hearing them whine; or same with howling; When time to go handler walked to catch pin ; added clip leash; had dog sit before opening gate; moderate pull to kennel; entered kennel with ease; sat at kennel front; had him wait and he sat patiently at front; giving jackpot of treats to end on positve interaction; 8/21/2026 Dog was at kennel front when approached; ears pinned; low tail wag; alarm barking; began jumping at kennel door and whining; low tail wag; panting. Dog was pushy at door while attempting to leash; mild pull out of kennel; wagging tail; panting; mild pull to yard. Once in yard handler dropped leash; dog explored independently; curious; swooshing tail; panting. Dog would have tongue out, ran towards handler from a distance and jumped up in a playful manner; continued on exploring yard. Handler stood up from bench and threw tennis ball; dog chased but did not pick up; came back to handler and would jump up; able to direct down with treats but dog was persistent. Towards end of outing dog would settle slightly and be more attentive for treat; sit for treat; dilated pupils; panting; ears back. Dog would repeatedly stand behind handler and press muzzle firmly between handler's legs then jump up onto back; had to grab leash to direct off. Dog would settle and take treats on way out of yard; sat at door for treat; allowed handler to attach clip leash; moderate pull back to kennel; whining and panting; dog would enter kennel half way and then back out; bounded up quickly at handler with open mouth near face but handler moved away; dog redirected attention towards neighboring kenneled dogs; sniffing and whining. Handler tossed treat into kennel and dog hesitantly followed; used light leash pressure to guide dog into kennel fully; able to remove leash using clip leash. 8/17/2026 walks on leash; skin crawl when touched; stiff tense body; yawning; lip licking; avoidant of handler; tail tucked; Name: Amadeus Animal ID: A5170132 Breed: BLACK/TAN BELG MALINOIS/MIX Sex: Male Age: 1Y 0M Weight: 40.2 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 207 Intake Date: 8/17/2026 Deadline Date: 8/31/2026