Sergio

Sergio is an adoptable male Chihuahua looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is a young adult and small in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Sergio, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/17/2026 09/17/26 14:42 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 9/22/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/23/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/9/2026 09/09/26 13:57 Casselman: A5171341 A5171343 A5171345 A5171346 A5171348 A5171351 A5171353 A5171354 A5171355 A5171356 A5171366 A5171368 A5171369 A5171370 A5171342 A5171338 A5171371 09/10/26 13:09 Per Activity notes, this dog came from a property with multiple dogs that have a history of being at large and attacking/killing neighbor's cats, chickens, ducks, and possibly other livestock. Unknown which specific dogs were at large and involved in incidents. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/16/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Closed dogs in on inside; Assistant handler stepped in and leashed kennel mate first; Then lead handler went and leashed this dog; Dog was dodgy of leash; would keep pacing back of kennel near guillotine; handler was finally able to lasso dog on 4th or 5th try; clip lead already on prior to leashing; Assistant handler was able to get her dog in taxi; Handler had dog on leash and dog would avoid taxi; paced back and forth tried getting away; Assistant handler placed towel over dog and lead handler placed taxi downward; Assistant handler held put lid on taxi and was able to secure in taxi; Carried to M&G room; Handler secured leash and dog walked around M&G room; tail tucked; ears alert;walked around room with caution; other dogs nearby were barking; dog would peer over and freeze in place; handler tried scattering treats; dog came forward ate a couple but retreats back to spot; if handler walked room; dog would walk away slowly but didn't fully retreat away to corner; handler placed towel over dog and pet through towel; dog was unphased; but if handler tried to pick up dog with towel; dog would wiggle; thrash in handlers hands; handler would release; handler placed towel over dog again then placed taxi over; was able to secure dog in taxi; dog laid down in taxi; once at back of kennel; handler took of lid and placed in kennel; dog walked out on own; unleashed by clip lead; 9/14/2026 **Dog was evaluated with kennel mate, A5171355** Handlers approached kennel front with behavior taxi prepared for transport, lead handler lured dogs forward with treats while lowered guillotine. Assistant handler stepped in and was able to drape leash over kennel mates head with some difficulty, once secured handler then stepped to the side. Lead handler was then able to step in and drape leash over head, both dogs were in back corner trembling and avoidant. Handler was able to place leash but dog stepped leg through, leash was in cross chest manner, handler decided to adjust later and continue with the pull. Handlers then prepared taxi, tipping it over directly in front of kennel and began luring dogs into taxi with hotdogs. Dog was highly treat motivated. Handler was able to treat trail into taxi and assistant handler was able to guide kennel mate in with leash pressure. Once dogs were in handlers transported to nearby M&G room. Once in room handler tipped taxi over after adjusting leash stoppers and stepped back. Dogs were hesitant to exit taxi, handlers maneuvered taxi around and tried again. Handlers were able to get dogs to exit taxi with treat trail and light leash pressure. Handlers allowed dogs time to decompress and continued to offer hotdogs. Dog had stepped other keg through leash, Lead handler then placed a new leash and secured. Handler was unable to adjust stopper due to high FAS from dog so handler held onto leash. Dogs would not approach or solicit attention from handlers. Dogs would avoid handlers and try to stay near the taxi. After some time handlers were able to return dogs to taxi, dog was again able to be treat trailed into taxi and then Assistant handler was able to use leash removing device to free dog of initial leash wrapped around waist. Dog snapped at assistant handler a few times during removal. Handlers were able to hold leash taut and quickly place clip leashes behind dogs heads and transport back to kennel. Dogs entered kennel when tipped over and handlers used clip leashes to remove leashes without issue. 9/9/2026 Caught on catch pole, alligator rolled, did not allow handling 9/9/2026 k9 was brought into ramp with dog taxi, k9 flared in dog taxi, k9 wide eyed, k9 stiff body, k9 ORANGE DUE TO BEHAVIOR Name: Sergio Animal ID: A5171356 Breed: BROWN CHIHUAHUA SH/MIX Sex: Male Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 20.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 214 Intake Date: 9/9/2026 Deadline Date: 9/22/2026