Griso

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

Memo 9/2/2026 09/02/26 15:13 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for leashing and kennel exit, with escalating responses. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/8/26 to support behavioral assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/9/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 8/26/2026 What is the reason for surrender? Owner is unable to continue to support having dogs. Neighbor dog keeps getting into the yard and attacking them. They're unable to keep the dogs safe. How long have you had your pet? 7years Where did you get this animal from? family Is your pet spayed/neutered? no Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO SIGNS OF ILLNESS We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? 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? YES, WILL GROWL AND BARE TEETH AT OTHER DOG IN HOME AROUND ITS FOOD Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? 2-3 YEAR OLDS IN THE HOME. Please describe behavior around children? WILL GROWL AT CHILDREN IF THEY COME UP TOO QUICK. DON'T ALLOW CHILDREN TO PICK UP. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? FRIENDLY, CUDDLY, WITH THE PEOPLE THEY'RE COMFORTABLE WITH. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? Cats? Dogs? GOOD WITH OTHER DOG IN THE HOME. FRIENDLY. 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? YES WILL GROWL, SNARL, AND BARE TEETH AT OTHER DOG IF TOO CLOSE TO ITS FOOD. Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? YES Leash trained? NO Knows commands? GO OUTSIDE, CAGE(TO GO TO CRATE), SIT Where was this animal kept? INSIDE Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? How would you describe your pet's energy level? CALM AND SLEEP ALOT INDOOR. EXCITED AND HIGH ENERGY WHEN OUTSIDE. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? LAWNMOWERS, LEAFBLOWERS, FIREWORKS, What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? FETCH Any escapist behavior? YES Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? WILL RUN OUT DOOR IF NOT WATCHED Any Additional details/notes on behavior? 8/26/2026 ON 08/26/26 13:15 DOGS SURRENDERED TOGETHER A4874882 A4874883 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/28/2026 Dog was alarm barking as handler approached, stiff body, eyes wide, pupils dilated, settled and came froward to eat treats then retreated to corner and continued to alarm bark. Handler opened kennel door a tossed more treats, cowered and hard stared but allowed leash placement, dog then rushed to front of kennel, retreated as handler moved over to block dog's path, continued growling and hard staring, tolerated light petting with towel, able to place towel over dog, flailed, became vocal, opened mouth wide and bared teeth as handler slowly picked up, settled once in handler's arms, tense and trembling, carried to M&G room. Allowed handler to swap out disposable leash with slip lead, handler placed dog on floor, dog paced around room, eyes wide, tail partly tucked, trembling, alert, circled handler, ate a couple treats tossed on floor then lost interest. Eventually approached handler without coaxing, stood and placed front paws on lap, tense and head shy but allowed petting all over, continued pacing room, would stand near handler but scurried away when trying to pet again, wouldn't approach with coaxing, no response when calling dog by name, after a moment dog placed front paws on handler's lap again, allowed more pets, able to slowly pick up and carry back to kennel, removed leash and returned with no issues. 8/27/2026 (Day 1) Dog did not eat dry kibble provided. Dog was BAR, barking at kennel door. 8/27/2026 Dog was sitting in bed on approach, tense body, began growling, then alarm barking as handler got closer, lunged towards gate several times. Handler did not directly approach dog at first, began interacting with neighboring dogs; this dog would continue to low growl. Handler approached kennel, began placing treats through gate, dog slowly came forward, ate treats, growled at handler, retreated with treat. Handler offered more treats through gate, dog approached and accepted from hand, tense body. Handler opened gate, dog retreated back, sat with stiff posture, ears back. Flinched on leash contact but remained in place, leash secured. Dog would come forward when coaxed, look down as if to jump out of kennel, then immediately flinch and retreated if handler reached closer. Dog tensed up, defecated. Second handler used sort board as platform outside of kennel, dog came forward, stepped one foot onto board, then began alarm barking at 2nd handler, retreated. Handler coaxed dog forward, applied light leash pressure, dog came forward again, jumped out onto sort board, then jumped down onto floor. Dog walked erratically on leash, circling handler, nervous, easily startled. Needed direction on leash and coaxing. Walked outside, dog was very startled by reactive dogs, jumped back. Handler guided dog to small PY. Kept hold of leash, allowed dog to lead around yard. Dog sniffed, neutral body, easily startled by sudden movements/noise. When called by name, dog would look up, hard-stare handler, then break focus and continue sniffing yard. Walked back inside, moderate pull, jumpy. Took dog to quiet indoor room. Dog was tense, hard-stared handler when being reached for. Handler attempted to drape blanket; dog was avoidant, scurried away from blanket, pulled on leash. 2nd handler entered room, held leash short, first handler was able to place thick blanket, lift and carry dog back to kennel. Handler placed dog into kennel, slowly pulled blanket away, removed leash with extension tool as precaution. 8/27/2026 AM staff reported dog did not eat. 8/26/2026 Timid, wide eyed, tail tucked, slow leashing, growling, blanket to pick up, allowed all handling and vaccines with blanket wrap restraint, carried to kennel, slow leash removal. Name: Griso Animal ID: A4874882 Breed: GRAY CHIHUAHUA SH Sex: Male Age: 6Y 5M Weight: 14.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing X - 505 Intake Date: 8/26/2026 Deadline Date: 9/8/2026