Draco

Draco is an adoptable male American Staffordshire Terrier looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, 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 Draco may still be waiting. The shelter can confirm.

Memo 9/11/2026 09/11/26 14:44 Canine is presenting with elevated reactivity and focus on other dogs during their time in care, also has history of elevated reactivity to other dogs in a previous environment. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/16/26 to support ongoing behavioral evaluation and post-placement support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/17/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/5/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE HAS NO JOB, CAR, OR HOME AT THE MOMENT AND NEEDS TO SURRENDER AND DO WHAT IS BEST FOR THIS PET. How long have you had your pet? 4 MONTHS Where did you get this animal from? FRIEND Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES, NEUTERED 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 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 ALREADY TRIED AND DOES NOT HAVE THE TIME THAT MOST PROGRAMS TAKE TO GET GOING. 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? N/A Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? N/A Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NOT PEOPLE, BUT YES TO DOGS. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? YES, AGES 5 TO TEENAGER Please describe behavior around children? SOURCE STATED WILL BE FRIENDLY AND ALLOW PETTING, BUT PREFERS SOLITUDE AND DOES NOT INTERACT MUCH. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS AND 3 TEENAGERS. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? SOURCE EXPLAINED THAT THIS DOG IS NOT GOOD WITH OTHER DOGS AND WILL BARK, GROWL, BARE TEETH, RAISE HACKLES, AND LUNGE. ON THE OTHER HAND LOVES PEOPLE. Cats? WILL CHASE CATS Dogs? Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? YES, SOURCE STATED THIS PET HAD A KENNEL WITH AN OPEN GATE AND PET WILL GO IN ON HIS OWN. Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT, LAY DOWN Where was this animal kept? INSIDE Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? UNKNOWN How would you describe your pet's energy level? SOURCE STATED THAT THIS PET HAS A FULL RANGE, FROM MODERATE TO HIGH ENERGY AND OCCASSIONAL NERVOUS PACING. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? FIREWORKS What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? CHASE BALL, FETCH, TUG-O-WAR Any escapist behavior? NO Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE STATED THAT THIS PET SHOWS SIGNS OF NERVOUSNESS AND APPREHENSION. THE DOG IS VERY GOOD WITH FEMALES AND WILL GO TO WOMEN OVER MEN IF GIVEN A CHOICE. DOG DOES NOT LIKE IT IF SOMEONE ROLLS HIM OVER ON HIS BACK, HE JUST ROLLS BACK TO HIS SIDE, AND DOES NOT SHOW ANY AGGRESSION. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/10/2026 Dog was kenneled outside for AM cleaning, stood at door, mildly tense, paw lift, lip lick, pushy at door as handler reached in leash, ducking leash attempts, handler was able to place leash as dog came up to door again, exited kennel quickly, strong pull out of building, stopped shorting after to urinate. In yard, dog paced along fence, low tail, ears back, perking ears and head up as staff walked by, followed them along fence, stopped with lifted front paw, then resumed pacing, dog tolerated petting while standing near handler but did not solicit attention, walking along fence and panting, ears back, handler gave dog a moment to settle then called to them, dog approached, sat next to handler and allowed all petting, ears pinned back, panting, walked away when handler stopped. Dog would continue to scan outside yard, no interest in toys or treats and panting heavier as evaluation continued, handler called dog again and dog came up to them, gently leaned side against their leg and allowed petting, continued to be alert to surroundings, struggling to settle, handler picked up leash and walked to catch pen, dog pawing at gate to exit, strong pull back to kennel, saw occupied kennel across hallway and froze, ears upright, continued walking back to kennel, as handler was trying to open kennel door dog jumped up toward neighboring kennel, stiff body, no vocalizations, handler held short leash, opened door, able to lead dog inside with a half step in, removed leash by hand. 9/9/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was inside for AM cleaning; Handler approached; Dog was standing at door with neutral body and tail aligned; soft stare at handler; Handler unlocked door and held leash in opening; Dog came forward allowing easy leashing; ignored dogs in passing; Walked out to yard and was immediately urinating when meeting the rocks; dog may have been previously potty trained; Walked dog into yard and dog was immediately exploring yard; walked and shortly later defecated; One dog was done he would come over and solicit pets and attention; More independent; tail wagging; mild pant; Did jump up on handler once but easily redirected down; Dog would walk yard sniffing; Wasn't interested in toys and treats. Sat on command; Would walk yard and look up at wall; paws at gate when ready to go; Walking back moderate pull; entered building and was immediately attempting to fence fight when walking to kennel; strong pull; added clip leash; Dog went into kennel as handler stepped in dog followed; Was able to unleash with clip leash; Handler believes could of by hand as well; 9/7/2026 Handler approached kennel front, dog began pacing between kennels with low tail carry, pinned ears and wide eyes. Handler lowered guillotine locking dog in front kennel and attempted to offer treats, dog was not interested. Handler prepared large loop and began leashing attempts. Dog was highly avoidant and would not willingly allow leash placement. Handler had to attempt several times or cast leash over head and secure, dog was able to maneuver leash of a few times but within 5 minutes of attempts handler was able to secure. Once leash was secure handler opened gate and walked dog out to PY. Dog immediately urinated once in contact with gravel Handler guided dog into yard attached leash extension and released dog. Dog paced PY and sniffed for brief periods of time. Dog defecated and urinated again. A volunteer was approaching yard with a dog, handler was able to retrieve leash and walk dog further away. Handler then released dog when volunteer had passed. Dog was soliciting attention a few times and often pawed at gate, escape like behavior. Handler was able to call dog back but dog did so a few more times during evaluation. Volunteer passed by yard again and from about 30 ft dog began to growl once dog had been seen. Volunteer returned out of sight within a few seconds and dog returned to surveying yard with low tail carry and tail low. Dog panted heavily during evaluation. Handler retrieved leash and placed clip leash. Handler walked dog back to kennel. Once dog spotted occupied kennel, dog began to pull strongly towards kennels and bark. Handler was able to use leash pressure to safely guide dog into kennel and removed leash using clip leash. Dog then began to pace when guillotine was lifted. Handler offered treats, still no interest. 9/6/2026 Tail tucked with ears pinned, lip licked after sniffing handlers hand. Immediate continuous pacing. Would not settle. Requesting full evaluation. 9/5/2026 Owner stated the dog was highly reactive to dogs. Walked him into triage room when lobby was empty. Entered triage and began panting and pacing the room, avoiding handler, not responding to treats or calling by name. Eventually would pause and allowed brief petting but continued to be very anxious and would quickly return to pacing and panting. Fearful of any sound outside room, also fearful of the fan in the room. Allowed vaccination with light restraint. Walked to kennel, fence fighting with every dog, strong pulling on leash and barking lunging at dog kennels. Difficult to get into his kennel but once in, allowed removal of leash. Name: Draco Animal ID: A5171185 Breed: BLACK/WHITE STAFFORDSHIRE/MIX Sex: Neutered Age: 5Y 0M Weight: 60.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing B - 157 Intake Date: 9/5/2026 Deadline Date: 9/16/2026