Limon

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

Recommendations FAMILY INTRODUCTION GO SLOW EXPERIENCED HANDLER LEASH WORK Memo 9/24/2026 09/24/26 14:27 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for leashing and kennel exit, with escalating responses. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/29/26 to support behavioral assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/30/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/24/2026 Handler approached back of kennel, dog was at front alarm barking at handler, tense, would not come out for treats, repeatedly barking. Handler left treats then went to front of kennel, dog was outside eating, handler closed divider and went back to outside, Dog was tense, staring, handler tossed treats, dog growling and barking, stopped and sniffed at door as handler unlocked kennel, slight push at front of kennel as handler reached in leash, allowed for leash placement, quickly exited kennel, stopped to urinate, walked with strong pull to yard, defecated, walked away with neutral body, handler held leash for a moment as dog continued to explore, soft expression, handler dropped leash and cleaned up yard, dog stood in place, air scenting, watching surroundings, handler started to walk back in dogs direction and dog approached them, allowed petting, took treats gently, followed handler back to bench and leaned against them with soft body and curved spine, continued to allow all petting. Dog stayed there as a train went by, alert with ears forward and head upright, staring in direction of train, no interest in treats. Handler pet dogs for a few minutes then stood up and dog followed them across yard, no interest in toys, followed to catch pen, handler added clip leash as precaution, dog walked back to kennel with strong pull, hesitated to enter kennel, handler tossed treats and fake stepped toward kennel, dog walked in, allowed leash removal by hand. Handler opened divider from front of kennel and dog came forward to take treats, remained neutral. 09/24/26 14:59 Updating color due to NHO status. 9/23/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog retreats to back; Handler closed guillotine and re approached back; Dog was alarm barking; low growling; timid; back against corner; Handler spoke softly and tossed in treat dog wouldn't come forward to eat; Handler had to lean in and cast leash over head; Dog remained still; grumbling; handler made contact with leash couple times and dog remained sitting; timid; light urinating in place; Handler was able to secure leash; Dog walked out; Handler used leash forward and dog followed; unsure of environment; still timid as we walked to yard; tail nub down; Once in yard handler let go of leash and dog was roaming yard; Dog solicited pets and attention to handler; seeked out comfort with handler; leaned into petting; sat near handler; would explore yard more; timid of another handler in passing with leaf blower; dog shy away; handler spoke softly and held close; dog walked yard more and explored shortly later urinating and defecating; dog may have been previously potty trained; mild pant; handler walked with dog; dog tried to initiate in play; would zoomie around yard; play bowed with handler; tail wagging; dog would take treats from handler gently; When time to go handler grabbed leash and dog followed; mild pull to kennel; ignored dogs in passing; entered back of kennel with ease; unleashed by hand; handler went to front; opened guillotine and left jackpot of treats to end on positive interaction; dog was laying down on bed; mild panting; not retreating away; 9/23/2026 Handler attempted to approach kennel slowly, tried to coerse dog. Dog gave handler a warning growl, showing slight teeth, snarling, wide eyed. Handler proceeded one more attempt to calm dog down by tossing hot dogs inside kennel, he ate them quickly, but continued to growl and bark. Handler left kennel to avoid any further escalation. 9/22/2026 Handlers approached kennel front, dog was laying on bed facing away from handlers. Handler offered treats, dog was not interested initially but with time began eating them. Handlers verbally coaxed dog, dog would low growl and continued to eat treats. Handler presented leash, dog retreated to back kennel. Handler lowered guillotine and reappraoched. Dog was curled up in corner low growling at handlers. Handler cast leash several times, dog flinched initially but then continued to try retreating into corner. Handler was able t cast leash over head and secure after several attempts. Once leash was secured, leashing process took about 10 minutes, handler walked dog to PY. dog exited with rounded posture and allowed guidance to PY. Once in PY handler held onto leash for a while, dog softened in posture as her sniffed around, handler tried best to maintain loose leash. Dog took treats form handlers and allowed light petting. After about 10 minutes in the yard handler placed clip leash and returned dog. dog was hesitant to enter kennel but did so with light leash guidance handler then used clip leash to remove leash. 9/15/2026 used control device throughout intake process, advanced restraint for vaccines, did not allow any dog handling, low growl, thrashing around, unable to touch, tense, use caution when approaching and handling Name: Limon Animal ID: A5171673 Breed: BLACK CANE CORSO/MIX Sex: Male Age: 3Y 0M Weight: 85.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 217 Intake Date: 9/15/2026 Deadline Date: 9/29/2026