Napa

Napa is an adoptable male Pit Bull Terrier looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is a young adult and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with just one day left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Napa, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Requirements ONLY DOG OLDER CHILDREN 5+ Recommendations FAMILY INTRODUCTION EXPERIENCED HANDLER IN HOME TRAINING LEASH WORK Memo 9/24/2026 09/24/26 14:07 This dog has demonstrated a persistent, recurring pattern of fluctuating in-kennel stress and anxiety, ranging from moderate to significant, over an extended period of time. These behaviors are often a response to the overwhelming sights, sounds, and confinement, along with the lack of choice or control over their environment. Although this dog continues to show appropriate behavior outside of the kennel with positive interactions with staff and volunteers, without intervention, well-being will continue to decline. Immediate placement is needed with an experienced adopter or New Hope Partner who can provide time and space to decompress in a calm, supportive home. Placement needed by close of business 9/29/26. May be at risk of euthanasia 9/30/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/23/2026 Notes from 5/25/26 adoption return/OS: Dog reportedly attacked adopter's small dog the day of adoption, minimal details available. Dog ran away from adopter's home day after being brought home, adopter adopted a new dog a few days later, ASO tried to RTO this dog with adopter a couple days after that and this dog and other newly adopted dog growled at each other when both in adopter's vehicle. 1/24/2026 How long have you had the animal? 2 WEEKS. FINDER SAW DOG WANDERING IN NEIGHBORHOOD. ON APPROACH FINDER STATED DOG WAS HEISTANT, BUT WARMED UP QUICKLY WITH WIGGLY, FRIENDLY, PLAYFUL DEMEANOR. Has the animal been around other animals? What kind of animals? How would you describe the interaction with other animals? YES, 1 LARGE DOG. FINDER STATED AT FIRST DOGS GOT ALONG WELL, BUT AFTER ABOUT A WEEK THE THIS DOG BEGAN TO SHOW AGGRESSION TOWARD OTHER DOG. FINDER WAS ABLE TO PREVENT ANY PHYSICAL FIGHTS AND HAD TO KEEP DOGS APART. FINDER ALSO STATED THAT WHILE GIVING ATTENTION TO THEIR DOG, THIS DOG WOULD GET IN FRONT OF FINDER AND TRY TO JOIN, WHICH CAUSED DIFFICULTIES. Was the animal around any other people or children? If yes, how would you describe the animals behavior towards other people/children? NO CHILDREN. DOG IS FRIENDLY AND PLAYFUL BUT HAS A LOT OF ENERGY AND STRENGTH PER FINDER. Has the animal shown any aggression around other people? Might want to include a few examples of what aggression looks like. Barking, growling, lunging, etc.? If yes, what were the circumstances? NO Did you keep the animal inside or outside? OUTSIDE. If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam? Was the animal destructive in any way? FINDER SAID THAT THE DOG FREE ROAM AT FIRST WITH LITTLE DESTRUCTION, MAINLY GETTING INTO THE TRASH. If outside, what kind of fencing do you have and did it contain the animal? METAL FENCE ONLY 3 FEET HIGH AND FINDER SAID DOG JUMPED OVER TWICE AND REMAINED IN NEIGHBORHOOD. Did the animal show any aggression, like **growling, curling their lips, lunging** around food, toys, or bones? FINDER TRIED TO SEPARATE DOGS AT MEALTIME, BUT FINDER'S DOG WOULD TRY TO GET THIS DOG'S FOOD AND IT GUARDED THE FOOD ONLY WHEN PROVOKED BY OTHER DOG. Has the animal shown any signs of illness? NO Does the animal walk on a leash? NEEDS MORE TRAINING. AS OBSERVED IN LOBBY, THE DOG HAS A STRONG PULL AND IS NOT EASILY CONTROLLED. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/24/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, responded to a reactive dog on exit; some pull to the yd; big zoomies with a stuffy and ball, some independent play and some with me; knows sit; took treats nicely; caught treats in the air; backed in for butt scratches; wiped with a damp cloth; walked him into kennel to unleash 9/17/2026 Napa was easy to leash & exit.. strong pull to the (sick) yard.. sits for treats. Enjoys pets & affection.. played with squeaky toy & ran around. Very nice boy. Strong pull back to the kennel. Easy return & unleash. 9/7/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, NAPA: Leashed overhead with k9 standing calmly. Hard pull toward other barking dogs in kennels. Strong pull during walk (used harness for K9's comfort). Allows all petting; loves playing in pool afterwards. Eash leash retrieval on return. 9/2/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Fetch toys, Not interested in treats, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Fence fight attempt, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit 8/27/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, NAPA loves the play pool, is affectionate, and lots of fun. A very good boy. 8/22/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Napa enjoyed his walk out of the bldg this morning. He did great on his harness leash and only pulled hard to the yard. On the walk, he noticed other dogs and was interested but not reactive. Allowed all pets and loving. He loved the pool! 8/18/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Moderate pull to yard, relaxed body in yard. Loved the pool, splashed and played. Very affiliative, leaned in for pets. On return he went right in kennel, unleashed by hand. 8/14/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, NAPA was good on walk with some intermittent strong pulling from excitement. Knows his name and responds when asked to go \"easy\". Enjoyed spending some extra time laying in the grass and taking in the sights. 8/9/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, NAPA: Calm on approach, Leashed w/all 4 on floor, strong pull to yard, zooms in playpool, very affectionate, hesitant on return but came easily w/handler offering affection at kennel. Easy leash retrieval on return 8/8/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Sit, easy to pull, took Napa to yard, in yard played in the pool, rolled in the water, took treats gently, solicited attention from handler, allowed all petting and handling, very effectionate, enjoy getting butt pats, on return to back had second handler use squeeker in front 8/5/2026 Playful, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Not interested in treats, Strong Pull on Leash, Sit 7/31/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Quick leash, med strong pull to yd, pulled to some dogs but overall good passing kennels; playful, active - enjoyed playing in pool; independent but solicited attention - run w/ jump into handler excitedly; sat & waited patiently while handler cleaned kennel before return 7/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, loved playing in the pool, enjoyed a stuffy, very affectionate with everyone, leans in for pets 7/18/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Sit, NAPA: Calmly standing; leashed overhead. Strong pull towards other barking dogs, but easily redirected. Affiliative w/ handler in play yard. Allowed all petting. Harness leash during walk, listens well. Used squeaky toy to entice return to kennel, easy leash retrieval. 7/12/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Napa took several tries to leash as he is excited to get out. He does pull to a couple other kennels on his way to the middle yards but will stop with short leash & leave it command. Sweet friendly boy out! Loves the doggie pool & loved pets. Harness leash is best during walk. 7/11/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit 7/11/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit 7/5/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, NAPA: Calm on approach, leashed w/all 4 on floor, allowed all handling & bathing, some jumps for play, greeted all people, easy leash retrieval on return 6/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Sit, moderate energy on approach, easy to pull, moderate pull to yard, in yard play in pool, would roll, jump into water and splash around, played with a toy, allowed all handling and petting, would become jumpy but with firm \"no\" would stop, on return allowed to go at his pace 6/25/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Sit, loved jumping in the pool and playing with stuffies, lots of energy, allowed brushing, leaned in for pets, listened to commands. 6/19/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Difficult to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, K9 jumped into pool, laid down and would eat water while being pet all over. Once we got close to kennel K9 backed up, jumping up on the leash pulling back. Handler threw in treats and toy in kennel, knelt down and K9 got closer waited and went into kennel with easy lea 6/11/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Initial zoomies in yard, ran and explored, loved the pool. Some jumps but easy to correct. Initially didnt want pets but became affiliative, and allowed all pets. On walk he was interested in passing dog, no aggressi 6/5/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, K9 jumped into pool, rolled around, ran out and rolled in dirt. K9 had loose wiggly body whole time, allowed petting all over and would rub body against handler. 5/30/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was outside for AM cleaning; Handler re approached from back; Dog was standing on front twos on door; ears alert; soft stare at handler; tail wagging; Handler spoke softly and cracked door; Held leash in opening and dog came forward allowing easy leashing; Dog walked past neighboring kennels with moderate leash pressure; Wanted to engage with neighboring dog that was charging door not ones that weren't reactive; pulling towards; Easily redirected with leash guidance forward; Remained tail wagging and neutral bodied; Once at yard handler secured leash and dropped; Dog was roaming for a few minutes; Urinated and defecated shortly later; Handler engaged with play; tossed tennis balls around and up in the air; Dog played; Sat for treats; Jumpy on handler but redirected down and off easily; scattered treats on ground; Handler would stand in yard and dog stayed in same vicinity; Dog solicited pets and attention; would allow petting and handling all over; Interested in treats; took gently out of hand and from fingers; Grabby with tennis ball; Dog was overall pretty independent; wouldn't just relax in yard but would come up to handler if coaxed over. Remained tail wagging; ears alert; neutral bodied entire evaluation; When time to go handler said lets go and dog walked to exit; Allowed leash grab and adjustment; walked with same moderate leash pressure; kept short leash and dog continued to walk forward and not pull towards reactive dogs; at kennel dog didn't want to go back in; stopped in place and backed up a few steps turning away; handler stood near kennel and tried verbally coaxing forward; tossed treats into kennel and stepped in with dog; dog went right in; was able to unleash by hand; no further issues; 5/25/2026 Dog had a neutral body, allowed all petting, took treats gently, finder picked up and placed in truck kennel, allowed leashing and scanning but attempted to push out of kennel. 5/25/2026 walks on a leash; allowed petting all over; soft wiggly body; able to perform exam with no restraint; lunged at door when human walked past the window making orange due to reported behavior in field with other animals and behavior on ramp 5/25/2026 K9 pulled during walk to kennel, ignored dogs in passing, easy leash removal by hand. 5/15/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Quick leash, curious pull to kennels; zoomies in yard, active, energetic; ran & jump for attention, ran close but does not come all the way in for pets; LOVED splashing & playing in pool; medium strong pull on walk, friendly at all times; loved treats; no issues on return 5/9/2026 , hope whispers 5/6/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit 4/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Played with toys, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 4/24/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Sit, loves treats & pets, walks well on harness leash away from shelter, listens to commands, did well with all people, threw treats in kennel & used clip for easy return 4/19/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Sit, Pup stood at gate so leashed up high. Loved the pool. Balked to return. Tossed in treats, entered w/pup. Easy to remove leash once out. 4/15/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, easy to pull, took k9 to yard, in yard k9 explored and solicited attention from handler, used harness on walk, k9 had moderate pull on walk, k9 settled and had loose leash, on walk saw another dog seems interested, easy return 4/11/2026 , Hope Whispers 4/11/2026 , Hope Whispers 4/7/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Not interested in treats, Strong Pull on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Quick leash, strong pull to yd; active, energetic - ran, explored, engaged in play w/ handler, chased toys & fetched but won't give up (not reactive, just won't drop); liked pool - played, rolled around in; strong pull on walk but yields when handler stopped; no issues on return 4/1/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, NAPA: Calm on approach, leashed w/all 4 on floor, affectionate, walked great on harness leash, easy leash retrieval on return 3/27/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Strong Pull on Leash, Easy leash, strong pull to yard, active, ran zoomies in yard, sat for treats, took them nicely; allowed pets over entire body; constant medium pull even when harness leashed; alert to other dogs, high pitched bark w/ high tail; no issues on return or unleash 3/22/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Sit, NAPA: Easy pull/return to kennel. Zoomies in play yard, sat for treats; took them gently. Strong pull during walk (harness), tail flagged/wagging entire time. Strong pull towards another dog; interested, tail wagging. Affiliative with handler. Allowed all petting. 3/16/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Sit, did well with all staff that approached, likes pets and treats, walks better with a harness leash, listens to commands 3/11/2026 Handler apporached kennel from the outside and was able to leash K9 easily. K9 walked to the yard and attempted to pull toward the other dogs in the area. Handler was able to redirect and guide K9 into the yard. Once in the yard K9 took treats nicely and took a few minutes to come around the handler to allow handler to pet along back. K9 ducked head when handler attempted to pet the top of head. K9 had a strong pull back to the kennel and allowed for easy leash removal. 3/10/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, did short walk as pet was just recently altered 3/3/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Anxious, quick leash, med pull to yard, not reactive on exit; playful & energetic - ran in yard, explored, came to handler; allowed all pets; took treats nicely but not motivated by them; medium pull while on walk - sniff explored at break area; no issues on return or unleash 2/27/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Napa is easy on pull & return - he did not really on me at all. Very strong pull on walk even in a harness leash. Allowed pets and takes treats very gently. He likes to spook birds and the windy flagpole scared him. Poses for pictures like a champ! 2/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, comes out with a strong pull and then does well on a harness leash, a bit head shy but then warms up a lot and wants pets and affection, let others approach him and took treats 2/18/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Fetch toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Shied away from affection. At the end when time to go pup played 'keep away' and ran off. Entered the catch pen and pup followed. Loved the squeaky tennis ball. Allowed to pick up and throw. 2/10/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, plays with toys and handler; loves petting all over; plays treat toss 2/4/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Easy pull/return but very strong and strong pull on leash. 2/4/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Easy pull/return but very strong and strong pull on leash. I think this was his first walk, so he will get better overtime, once he gets pulled several times 1/28/2026 Solicited attentions, Easily startled, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Male handler K9 suspicious on pull came forward for easy leash To play yard, explored finally came over for pets. Keep arm and hand motions slow & deliberate as to not startle Will climb up in lap for attention Takes treats gently strong pull on walk easy return. 1/26/2026 Soft postured greeting at gate sniffed hand, light chuffing, affiliative and allowed petting through gate, solicited. Placing Purple due to kennel presence and intake notes. **Potential adopter should have tall secure fencing and supervise dog when outside, PA should also be coached and advised on possible resource guarding tendencies involving other animals (feed separate) 1/24/2026 easily leashed from kennel, reactive towards dogs in lobby, allowed all handling, solicited attention, minimal restraint for vaccines, strong pull to kennel, attempted to puch out of kennel, allowed leash removal. Name: Napa Animal ID: A5158753 Breed: GRAY/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 8M Weight: 63.2 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing B - 124 Intake Date: 5/25/2026 Deadline Date: 9/29/2026