Sandy

Sandy is an adoptable female Labrador Retriever looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a young adult and medium in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Sandy, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/18/2026 09/18/26 13:46 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 9/23/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/24/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/12/2026 09/12/26 12:44 HMartinez Came in together: A5171548, A5171547, A5171546, and A5171545 Dogs were caught in traps by HART. Dogs were caught one by one and once male K9 was caught, the three females warmed up. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/17/2026 Dog was on outer portion; handler approached outer portion; began unlocking kennel; dog scurried through divider; assistant handler closed divider; separated from kennel mate; met dog on inner portion; slowly came forward for treat; took treat gently; opened kennel door; dog retreated to back corner of kennel; whale eyed; tense; panting; handler was easily able to lasso leash; leashed; cowered into corner; placed behavior taxi right at front of kennel; remained in place; not interested in treats; handler slowly entered kennel; dog tried going under bed; froze; allowed handler to slowly lift; placed in behavior taxi. Dog constantly was trying to jump out of taxi on the way to yard was able to keep dog in taxi with light leash pressure. In yard, dog quickly exited behavior taxi; ears back; tail tucked; heavy panting; not interested in treats; paced along fence perimeter; briefly settled; sat at corner of yard; resumed pacing; started heavy panting; would not come near handler; scanned top of fence; eventually stopped pacing; sat in corner opposite from handler; started drooling. After a few moments, handler slowly approached; dog scurried away; handler brought over behavior taxi; placed taxi nearby; handler went to retrieve leash; dog was avoidant; walked into taxi on own; tilted taxi back over. Constantly tried jumping out behavior taxi; used mild leash pressure to maintain in taxi; tail tucked; allowed for slow petting on head; more focused on trying to jump out; entered kennel; retreated towards back; allowed handler to slowly remove leash by hand. 9/16/2026 Dog was sitting in corner of kennel, trembling body. Assistant handler called kennel mate inside, closed kennel divider. Dog would remain lying down while trembling body, would not come forward with verbal coaxing. Slowly stepped into kennel & leashed without issues. Dog would not stand up to walk with treats or verbal coaxing. Handler picked up dog without issues & carried into behavior taxi. While riding to small PY, dog would attempt to jump out, able to hold leash to prevent dog from jumping while speaking to dog. Would exit out & sniff @ kennel mates behavior taxi. Retreated to corner of PY, would lay down while looking around surroundings, not coming forward to handlers. Would stand up & retreat to opposite side of PY, sniff briefly then lay down & tremble body while being whale eyed. Handler approached dog, dog would avoid eye contact while being whale eyed, tolerated petting but would tremble body more. Handler would walk away, dog would sit up while panting heavy. Would stay close to kennel mate during entire time in PY. Handler approached dog, able to pick up & carry back to behavior taxi. While riding back to kennel, dog would jump out of behavior taxi, would start to pull back while thrashing on leash, quickly settled. Would not walk on leash, able to pick up & carry back to kennel. Dog would make swimming motions with arms while being carried back to kennel. Placed back into kennel then removed leash by hand without issues. 9/13/2026 Nervous, head low, avoidant of handler. Requesting full evaluation. 9/12/2026 Shut down, looked away from ACO. Tail tuck and skin crawled observed. Able to place into the crate and place into the truck kennel 9/12/2026 used pet taxi to transport to kennel and for intake, allowed most handling and petting, timid, pancaking, tail tucking Name: Sandy Animal ID: A5171548 Breed: BROWN/CREAM LABRADOR RETR/MIX Sex: Female Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 25.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing G - 237 Intake Date: 9/12/2026 Deadline Date: 9/23/2026