Eugene

Eugene is an adoptable male German Shepherd looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is a young adult and large in size. He is listed on the shelter's euthanasia list, listed due to behavior, and that date has now passed. Shelters often move these dates, so Eugene may still be waiting. The shelter can confirm.

Memo 9/8/2026 09/08/26 12:49 Canine has a history of concerning behavior while at large, though limited information is available regarding circumstances or potential injury(ies) caused. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/13/26 to allow for full behavioral evaluation, appropriate management, and post-placement support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/14/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/8/2026 09/08/26 12:38 Per Activity notes: Dog was at large with another German Shepherd and a Pit Bull, dogs reportedly jumped fence to become at large, also reportedly have history of attacking a person(s) but no details available. ASOs witnessed these three dogs attack two other at large dogs. This dog and the 2nd German Shepherd and Pit Bull were then contained to complainant's yard. While ASOs spoke with complainant, this dog exited the yard and ran off. ASOs pursued, a nearby citizen was able to leash dog for ASOs to impound. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/8/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 9/6/2026 Handler approached kennel front, dog was neutral in posture with furrowed brown and ears alert. Handler offered treat and reapproached from back kennel for easier pull. Handler offered treats and attempted to lower guillotine. Guillotine was stuck, handler prepared leash and presented leash. Dog briefly ducked head but allowed leashing on first attempt. Once leash was secured handler opened gate and walked dog to PY. Do walked with loose leash but zig zagged in front and behind handler several times walking erratically. One in PY handler adjusted leash stopper and released dog. Dog remained neutral in posture and began to urinate. Both handlers sat on bench and allowed dog time to decompress. Dog urinated and defecated once more and began approaching handlers for treats and allowed light petting. Dog would soften in posture and relax when interacting with handlers. Dog maintained neutral-soft posture for majority of yard time. Dog would wander off sniffing around independently and return to handlers. Once time to return to kennel handler was able to retrieve leash without issue and walk back to kennel. Dog again walked erratically circling handler with the occasional tucked tail after stopping in front of handler. Handler tossed treat into kennel and dog followed. Handler then removed leash by hand after offing treat, no issue. 9/5/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was standing with ears alert; neutral; Handler spoke softly and used key words like outside and potty; Handler unlocked door and added clip leash and drag lien on for precaution; Handler proceeded to open door and attempt to leash; Dog stood in place as handler placed over head; Was able to place on 3rd try; handler had bad aim other try's; Once leash was secured around neck handler opened up door and dog walked out; mild to loose leash pull; showed interest in dogs in passing but disengage with leash pressure guidance forward; wary of environment and handler; Timid; unsure; Walked to yard and held onto leash for first few minutes; dog walked and later defecated and urinated; Dog may have been previously potty trained; handler walked with dog over to bench and gave treats by hand; dog took gently and slowly started to open up; handler would do light petting inbetween giving treats; treat tossed around yard; dog engaged; very treat motivated; allowed petting and solicited from time to time; dog was still timid and unsure but sought out comfort from handlers once comfortable; Ears perked and alert; another dog was in passing of yard; didn't engage towards; just peered over at; handler was able to redirection attention with ease by tossing treat away in opposite direction of dog; handler dropped leash; dog allowed petting and handling from both handlers; allowed leash adjustment and re securing when coming loose; remained neutral with tail aligned; When time to go handler grabbed leash and walked to exit dog followed; allowed handler to adjust leash; walked with same mild to loose leash walk back to kennel; showed interest but kept walking with leash guidance forward; hesitancy at kennel front upon arrival; handler stepped in and dog followed; allowed unleashing by hand; 9/4/2026 Dog was at front of kennel, low tail, wide eyes, took treats from assistant through door, opened door and reached leash in, dog retreated to back of kennel, closed divider. Handlers approached back of kennel, speaking softly, tossing treats, dog was mildly alert, took treats, handler opened door, dog would sniff toward opening, then back up slightly as he noticed leash, handler tossed treats to the ground and draped leash over head, dog had rounded posture and lowered head, looking up at handler with wide eyes, stayed in place and allowed handler to try again and fully place leash, dog exited kennel slowly, pulling slightly erratically around kennels, low tail, darting eyes, followed handler to the yard, would pause and whale eye at assistant, handler held leash as dog came into yard, dog would still briefly stare at assistant, handler led dog into yard while tossing treats, dog stopped to defecate, handler kept holding leash until dog was disengaged, allowed dog to freely explore yard, handlers sat on bench, after a minute handlers called dog over with squeaker, dog approached, low tail, ears forward, sniffing assistant from behind bench, took treats from both handlers, came around bench, would continue to take treats, mild tension and alertness but took treats readily, assistant would gently scratch at chin while handing treats but handlers did not attempt to pet, dog walked away, would not be called back to bench, stopped to urinate, handlers stood in middle of yard, dog circled around to assistant, took treats off ground, assistant picked up leash and passed it to handler, handler started to walk dog out of yard but dog stayed frozen in place, assistant led with treats and dog readily followed to catch pen, flinchy with sudden movements as handler was trying to prepare clip leash, dog was wide eyed, shifting away, handler tossed treats to the ground but dog showed no interest, moderate pull out of yard, handler was able to pull stopper up when standing at a gate, when reaching to attach clip leash dog turned head around, flinching heavily, wide eyes, assistant fed treats, handler attempted again to attach clip leash but dog was vigilant and would dart around, handler resumed walking dog back to kennel, dog would flinch and cower at handler's arm movements, handler dropped clip leash entirely to avoid unintentional triggers, dog went into kennel for treats, handler left leash on, assistant retrieved with chuck it stick 8/31/2026 used control device to restrain the dog, showed teeth, thrashed around on the control device, nervous, skittish, avoidant of the handler 8/31/2026 K9 came in on control device, control device used for entire intake process, pancakes, tail tucked, lip licking, vocalizing, walked to kennel on control device. Name: Eugene Animal ID: A5170843 Breed: BROWN/BLACK GERM SHEPHERD Sex: Male Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 61.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 217 Intake Date: 8/31/2026 De Date: 9/13/2026