Richie

Richie is an adoptable male German Shepherd looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is fully grown 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 Richie may still be waiting. The shelter can confirm.

Memo 9/9/2026 09/09/26 16:20 Canine is exhibiting heightened sensitivity to handling, resulting in concerning responses. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/14/26 to provide support and reduce the likelihood of behavior progression. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/15/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 8/31/2026 08/31/26 14:05 J. Longacre found together, A5170861 A5170859 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/6/2026 Neutral bodied sitting on bed on approach, not interested in treats or coaxing, stoic, retains little eye contact with handler but did slowly come forward as leash was presented, sniffed leash but started to slowly back away as door was opened so divider was closed. Remained frozen in middle of kennel when going to leash, able to lasso large loop over dogs head with no issue. Started to have loose tail wag and softer body when exiting kennel, easy leash pull to \"J\" yard but wary of assistant handler, will tense up and has moments of hard staring on walk, settles quickly but did have a moment of lip curling as assistant handler was near. Once in yard dog tolerated petting on body, no reaction towards leash stopper being placed, begin slowly pacing along fence line to go potty, distant from handlers and would spend most of time in yard standing near play yard exit panting, tense bodied and wary of handlers, no interest in treats offered, did follow handler as handler walked near dog but very brief. Dog lip curled when assistant handler extended hand out for dog to sniff, tense body, some hard staring, quickly settled but wary of handler approaching to recover leash. Able to pick up leash and place clip leash with no issues, some more pulling on leash back to kennel but allowed for easy leash placement. Walked into kennel on own, used clip leash for leash retrieval. 9/5/2026 Dog was lying in bed, stoic, eyes wide, ignored hot dogs tossed in kennel, wouldn't approached with verbal coaxing, no reaction when presented with leash, closed divider. Leaned back when trying to place leash, able to reach in and place with large loop, dog exited kennel, walked with moderate pull, as another staff member opened door leading to I building dog froze, tense body, staff stepped behind door out of sight, dog continued walking with verbal coaxing, no issues walking to J yard. Able to adjust leash stopper, attached extended leash, dog began exploring, nose to ground, neutral, tail high, approached and sniffed assistant handler, tense body, high wagging tail, took treats, approached lead handler when offered treats, mouthy when taking, avoidant and side eyed when handler presented hand, while exploring dog had small bursts of energy, would leap around with soft body and wagging tail then quickly settle and return to sniffing yard. Dog moved away as handler picked up leash, stood at gate waiting to exit, able to approach to adjust leash stopper, moderate pull back to kennel, hesitant to enter building, pulled back slightly, able to coax through door, easy return to kennel, used clip leash. 9/1/2026 unable to safely handle without use of C.D., air snapping, growling, thrashing, lip curling, flailing, attempting to bite, advanced restraint for vaccs, stiff body, walked to kennel on c.d. 8/31/2026 finder brought dog out, hackles raised, hard stare, barking/lunging, pancaked when finder attempted to lift into truck kennel, allowed ASO to lift rear end, released anal glands while being handled. Finder did state the dog(s) chased their cat into the home but unsure of any injuries or the extent of the chase from the dogs. Name: Richie Animal ID: A5170861 Breed: BLACK/RED GERM SHEPHERD Sex: Male Age: 3Y 1M Weight: 70.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing S - 329 Intake Date: 8/31/2026 Deadline Date: 9/14/2026