Peanut

Peanut is an adoptable male American Bulldog looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, 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 Peanut, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/2/2026 09/02/26 15:02 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for leashing and kennel exit. 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. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/29/2026 Closed to front half for AM cleaning. Dog was sitting on bed, wide eyed, whining and growling, ignored treats tossed in kennel, would not approach with verbal coaxing. Handler presented leash, dog retreated to opposite corner, cowered, continued growling, vocal and bared teeth as handler tried placing leash, gave dog a moment to settle, continued speaking softly to dog, cowered again as handler placed leash, dog exited kennel, stop and go to yard, ears pinned, eyes wide, scanning surroundings, when approaching yard dog froze, began pulling away from handler, used verbal coaxing and gentle leash pressure, dog walked a couple feet then froze again, assistant handler walked behind dog with sort board, dog continued walking to yard, whipped head towards hand when lowering leash stopper. Dog explored yard, nose to ground, tail partly tucked, panting, wouldn't approach with verbal coaxing, side eyed then resumed exploring, eventually approached assistant handler and took treats from hand, lead handler used treat trail to coax dog over, dog stood with front paws on handler's lap, lightly mouthed hand when pet, settled and leaned into handler, allowed petting all over, softened with wagging tail, able to remove harness, dog became wiggly, front paws back on handler's lap soliciting more attention. Able to pick up leash, stop and go at times when walking back to kennel, continued walking with verbal coaxing and gentle leash pressure, easy return to kennel, came forward and allowed leash removal by hand. 8/28/2026 Dog was closed to back for AM cleaning. Standing in middle of kennel; tail tucked; tense; tossed treats; not interested; growling; verbally coaxed; crouched; stood at front; continued to growl; ate a treat; allowed handler to place large loop over; opened kennel door wide; stood towards back of kennel; growled; would not exit; applied light leash pressure; flailed; settled; closed kennel door; assistant handler went to retrieve behavior taxi. While waiting, dog approached front; handler opened kennel door; dog exited; walked well; tail tucked; ears shifting back & forth; tense; getting closer to yard; dog stopped; would not walk forward; pulled back; assistant handler followed behind with sort board; dog continued to walk forward. In yard, handler was able to place stopper down slowly; dog approached assistant handler from behind; stood next to assistant handler; looking out at surroundings; tense; tail tucked; panting; dog would explore; frequently stood in front of handlers; looking up at handlers; would walk away then come back; handlers would \"baby talk\"; dog would stand and continued to stare at handlers; dog started eating tossed treats off the ground; continued to go back & forth between handlers; approached handler; sniffed; offered treat; took treat gently; walked over to assistant handler; jumped up at assistant handler; handler picked leash up; dog remained facing assistant handler; assistant handler \"baby\" talked; dog jumped forward towards assistant handler; pulled leash back; dog settled; stood in place; tense; tail tucked. Assistant handler exited yard; greeted dog through fence; dog approached fence; sniffing assistant handler's hand; ears pinned back; mouth closed; tense; exited yard; walked with moderate pull. Did not want to enter kennel; used light leash pressure to guide; dog eventually walked in; did not attempt to remove leash. 8/25/2026 dog sought comfort in finder, allowed leash to be handed of but air snapped then began growling at anyone who approached, bared teeth, took food once away from people, used control pole to load into truck kennel, alligator rolling, growling, snarling, biting pole. Growled and bared teeth in truck kennel. 8/25/2026 does not walk on leash, control deviced used to transport from truck to ramp, pet taxi used for transport, does not allow any handling or petting, control device used for vaccines, proceed with caution adding: defecated in pet taxi, snarling, alligator rolling, not settling, yelping, thrashing in bucket, only settled out of exhaustion, unable to safely handle at this time Name: Peanut Animal ID: A5170555 Breed: TRICOLOR/WHITE AMERICAN STAFF/MIX Sex: Male Age: 0Y 11M Weight: 28.8 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing S - 339 Intake Date: 8/25/2026 Deadline Date: 9/8/2026