Shelby

Shelby is an adoptable female German Shepherd 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 Shelby, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/23/2026 09/23/26 14:39 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 9/28/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/29/26 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) 9/20/2026 No issues separating from kennel mate. Very timid, tail tucked, trembling in corner of kennel, no interest in treats or coaxing. Began pacing into divider pocket as handler approached, able to place large loop over dogs head, dog froze in place with heavily trembling body, wide eyes, wary of handler. Head shy, would not allow handler to pet head, began skin crawling heavily and pulling away from handler if body was touched. Attempted to muzzle wrap but dog would begin to lip curl, stiffen up. Dog froze in corner of kennel as handler positioned taxi, walked into taxi on own as handler stepped behind dog. Light attempts to escape taxi, never commits but crawls onto sides of taxi, erratic, no issues transporting to small play yard. Exited taxi quickly, tail tightly tucked, fast pacing away from handler, tense body, heavy panting and salivating heavily, retreats from handler if approached. Cowered in corner of yard for majority of evaluation, pawing and jumping onto play yard exit. Ate some treats tossed near but loses interest. Picked up leash and dog began lightly thrashing while handler positioned taxi, dog would enter taxi on own. No issues with return, no reaction towards handler attaching clip leash. Exited taxi into kennel on own, used clip leash for leash retrieval. 9/18/2026 Dog approached behind kennel mate; leaning body forward; would not fully approach; dog moved to outer portion; closed divider; separated from kennel mate; handler dropped treats into kennel; dog fully approached for tossed treats at front; opened kennel door; dog retreated to back corner; dodged leash attempts; handler was able to leash with large loop; scurried onto bed; handler slowly pet; flinched; skin crawled; able to slowly lift up; tense; placed in behavior taxi; rode in taxi; stood on hind legs; attempting to jump out; used light leash pressure to maintain in behavior taxi. In yard, dog exited taxi; heavy panting; tail tucked; stayed closed to kennel mate; would not approach handlers when kennel mate would approach; stayed at a distance; panting; salivating; tried offering treats; would not come near for treats; would eat tossed treats nearby; paced around in yard. Handler tried approaching; dog would move away; handler crouched; offered treats; only ate tossed treats; would not approach; moved away further; hid behind behavior taxi; handler was able to pick leash up; dog pulled away hard; pulled towards opposite end of yard; moved into corner; heavy panting; slowly pet; skin crawled; tense; muzzle wrapped lightly; able to pick up; carried into behavior taxi; rode well in taxi; heavy panting; tail tucked; furrowed brow; able to add clip leash; exited taxi; entered kennel; removed leash with clip leash. 9/16/2026 canine was inside upon approach. closed guillotine and opened kennel. canine would not come forward but handler was able to step into kennel and leash. canine was avoidant of leash. canine walked out of kennel slowly. once outside of kennel building canine froze and would not walk. handler picked up canine and carried to clinic 9/13/2026 Panting hard, tail down, would not approach when coaxed. Requesting full evaluation. 9/12/2026 Timid and did not allow handling. Able to leash and use blanket to pick up k9. K9 bit blanket and did not let go. Carried to truck kennel 9/12/2026 used pet taxi for transport and for intake, allowed most handling and petting, light restraint for vaccines, timid, pancaking, whale eyes, more active around kennelmate Name: Shelby Animal ID: A5171547 Breed: BROWN/CREAM LABRADOR RETR/GERM SHEPHERD Sex: Spayed Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 28.2 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing H - 243 Intake Date: 9/12/2026 Deadline Date: 9/28/2026