Champ

Champ is an adoptable male Boxer looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is senior and medium 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 Champ may still be waiting. The shelter can confirm.

Memo 9/10/2026 09/10/26 12:50 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 9/15/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/16/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/8/2026 Dog was at front of kennel when approached; alarm barking; pilo; flagged tail. Settled when treat was presented; spoke softly; took treat; brief tail wagging; no longer alarm barking; allowed leash placement easily at kennel front; exited kennel and immediately demeanor became tense; high flagged tail; pilo all along body; slowly posturing towards dogs in passing on way out. Once in yard handler added extended leash; kept hold of leash and walked around yard with dog as dog marked; urinated; defecated multiple times; did not ease tension in body. Handler kept hold of leash with slack as dog sniffed yard; not responsive to coaxing with voice or treats. Dog would walk past assistant handler who was sitting on bench; sniffed near feet for prolonged time; disengaged and walked away. Dog would walk behind bench and take treat from assistant handler; spit out. Handler crouched low and dog approached with brief tail wag; mouth slightly open; took treat; did not sniff hand offered. Dog was not signaling pro-social behaviors during evaluation and focused on marking and sniffing ground; some saliva collecting on mouth. Handler walked dog to exit gate; placed clip leash while dog was distracted at gate; no reaction; would walk up to kennel threshold but didn't enter; neighboring dogs all closed inside; pulled away from kennel; light panting; handler followed dog around and would try again a few times, offering treat scatter; not interested. Assistant handler opened guillotine so dog could see inside portion of kennel; dog would hesitate to enter but slowly entered willingly; removed leash using clip lead. 9/7/2026 Handler approached front kennel, dog was eating. Dog looked up and began alarm barking at handler, handler tossed treat over and reapproached from back kennel. Handler was able to lure dog into back kennel with treats and lower guillotine. Dog again alarm barked and pounced towards handler. Dog then began pawing at gate. Handler offered more treats dog was not interested. Handler prepared large loop and began leashing attempts. Handler grazed leash along dogs back and dog tensed up and turned around. Handler then was able to cast leash over head. Once leash was secure handler opened gate and held leash taut. Handler made sure to hold arm out as dog exited, dog walked out with slow tense posture, pilo and glared at handler. Handler walked dog to PY, dog urinated on a bush in passing. Once in PY Dog remained tense with tail flagged, no signs of softening. Handler kept dog on leash and walked around PY allowing dog to lead. Dog stayed at end of leash, never allowing slack or approaching handler. Handler tossed a few treats out and dog ate them. Dog defecated and continued to walk with tense posture. Handler decided to return dog after about 5 minutes due to FAS. Handler was able to quickly reach and place clip leash. Dog walked slowly back to kennel and hesitated at entrance. Handler tossed in treats and used light leash pressure to guide in. Dog entered and handler used clip leash for leash removal. 9/6/2026 dog stood at front, mild tension, froze as handler reached down, wide eyes, leaned forward and sniffed handler, furrowed brow, lip licked and turned head away, leaned back with lifted front paw then backed up and laid down on bed. Requesting full evaluation 9/4/2026 K9 allowed all vaccines with muzzel wrap, k9 walks on leash, k9 friendly, k9 allowed all handling, Name: Champ Animal ID: A5171105 Breed: BROWN/WHITE BOXER/AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Male Age: 8Y 0M Weight: 56.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 212 Intake Date: 9/4/2026 Deadline Date: 9/15/2026