Grizzly

Grizzly is an adoptable male German Shepherd looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is still very young and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Grizzly, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/27/2026 08/27/26 13:58 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 9/1/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/2/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 8/22/2026 What is the reason for surrender? How long have you had your pet? SINCE HE WAS A PUPPY ABOUT 7 MONTHS Where did you get this animal from? A FRIEND Is your pet spayed/neutered? Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NOTHING NOTED We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? NO Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NOTHING NOTED - OBSERVED TO HAVE VERY WIGGLY TAIL IN LOBBY - ALLOWED STAFF TO PET AND HANDLE AND SCAN FOR A CHIP Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? How is the animal around children? NO REGULAR CONTACT WITH CHILDREN Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? NO CONTACT WITH OTHER ANIMALS Cats? Dogs? Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? YES - NO REACTIVITY - SLEEPS IN THE CRATE AT NIGHT Leash trained? YES Knows commands? GO TO BED - SIT - NO Where was this animal kept? OUTSIDE AND INSIDE AT NIGHT NO DESTRUCTION Last vaccinations / last vet visit? How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH ENERGY Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? Any escapist behavior? NO Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? YES - HE ALWAYS COMES BACK Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE NOTES THIS IS A GREAT DOG AND VERY FRIENDLY Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/28/2026 on approach k9 had soft wiggly body, whinning for attention. easy leash and pull from kennel, walked with moderate pull on leash to play yard, in play yard explored and sniffed. Seeked attention from handler off and on, leaned into pets. Walked to clinic, k9 seeked attention and leaned into petting all over from mulitple handlers. Easy return to kennel, leash removed by hand. 8/24/2026 Handler approached from back portion of kennel, dog was standing on bed with stiff body, head lowered, tail flagged, low growling at handler, not interested in treats offered, would not come forward for coaxing. Closed divider, dog would have tail tucked with some tail wags, wary of handler but hesitantly came forward to sniff then retreated back. Came forward when leash was presented, head shy but able to place large loop over head with no issues. Exited with easy leash pull, some zig zag walking pattern, interested in dogs in passing on way to \"J\" yard, shook off and had more loose relaxed tail and body when away from other dogs. Once in yard dog would head flip when placing leash stopper, settled quickly and began pacing around yard to sniff with tense body, eyes wide, tail tucked, went potty, would start to shake off and soften when called over to handler. Head shy with pets but accepted pets on head, will lower head and whale eye, has some wagging tail afterwards and begins pacing around yard when not petted with tense body, easily startled by loud noises with heavy flinching, does settle when approaching handler but wary about being petted each time. Came over to eat treat tossed near but spit treat out. Came to handler when called over to leave, no issues with return. Walked into kennel on own, sat on bed and allowed handler to approach to remove leash by hand. 8/23/2026 Dog was closed to back half of kennel, offered treats, approached handler to take treats gently. Handler would present leash. Slowly walked out of kennel & through S-wing with verbal coaxing. Once near 12-packs, dog would raise hackles while barking towards small dogs, able to continue walking to small PY. Would pace along fence line while keeping ears flattened & hackles raised. After a few minutes, dog would relax hackles & approach handler with verbal coaxing. Offered treats, was not interested in treats. Slowly extended hand to pet on head, would tolerate petting while being whale eyed & licking lips, handler would remove hands & dog would continue to pace along fence line. Approached handler again on own, handler would gently touch back, dog would flip head towards handlers hands, not making contact & would become still bodied. Did a shake off of body then continued to pace again. Handler was able to pick up leash & attach a clip leash. Walked back to kennel while raising hackles again, needing verbal coaxing. Entered into kennel & able to slowly remove leash by hand. 8/22/2026 Leashe dwith large loop, walking stop n go into Triage. Wid eyed, side eyed, tense body. Whipped body 180 when palpating chest. Able to muzzlewrap for vaccines. Walked stop n go to kennel Name: Grizzly Animal ID: A5170421 Breed: BROWN/BLACK GERM SHEPHERD/MIX Sex: Male Age: 0Y 8M Weight: 29.3 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing S - 323 Intake Date: 8/22/2026 Deadline Date: 9/1/2026