Homer

Homer 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 medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Homer, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/25/2026 09/25/26 12:27 Canine has shown inconsistent responses to handlers in shelter and in previous environment, including episodes of behavior escalation. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/30/26 to prevent further progression and support ongoing evaluation. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/1/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/25/2026 Dog was at front of kennel, neutral body, softly wagging tail at spine level, took treats gently through door,stayed at front gently pushing nose at opening as handler reached in to leash, jumped up once then allowed easy leash placement, moderate pull. Dog entered yard and began exploring, stopping to urine mark frequently and consistently throughout entire duration of evaluation. Dog had ears up and forward, still tail above spine level, alert, moving rapidly with darting motions around yard, sniffing and marking without acknowledging handlers, would brush past them while exploring yard, handlers sat on bench, call to dog, no response, handler used squeaker and dog immediately oriented toward sound, came up and sniffed squeaker then quickly walked away and resumed sniffing/marking. Handler would pet dog's back as he passed by, showed no reaction. As dog paced around yard, assistant picked up a ball and got his attention, would quickly chase it and retrieve it, dropping it and walking away but would reengage any time assistant offered ball. Handler would offer treats, dog showed no interest. On two occasions dog came up to assistant, not soliciting attention but allowed it briefly, stood facing away from them, softly panting, would continue to allow both handlers to pet in passing but did not engage with them. Dog was pacing yard and remained alert, panting heavier as evaluation continued. A dog barked in nearby kennel buildings, this dog ran up to the fence line with forward posture, tail and ears upright, stood at fence non reactive, then darted away. Walked to catch pen and allowed handler to pick up leash, strong pull, walked into kennel easily and removed leash by hand. 9/24/2026 Handlers approached kennel front, dog was excitable ,jumping up on glass, panting with dilated pupils. Handler offered some treats to help focus dog, handler was able to lure dog into loop through gate after a few attempts. Once leash was secure handler opened gate, dog exited kennel with lowered and rounded posture. Handler Guided dog to PY, dog was skittering on flooring and trying to dart through thresholds on path to PY. Once in PY handler attached leash extension, adjusted leash stopper and released dog. Dog kept to self for majority of the outing, minimal prosocial behavior. Dog paced perimeter of PY focusing mostly on exterior fence line. Dog would approach handlers when called and then immediately return to fence line, dog allowed brief petting in a drive by manner. Handlers allowed dog 5-10 minutes in PY, dog appeared to be increasing in FAS. Handler retrieved leash and placed clip leash. Dog pulled moderately on return, dog ignored occupied kennels in passing. Dog was hesitant to enter kennel but did so with light leash guidance. Handler used clip leash to remove leash and left behind jackpot of treats. 9/15/2026 Secured in finder's back patio. Finder stated dog was very friendly and calm yesterday, allowed her and a relative to carry him a mile to her home to wait for pick up; this morning, dog \"flipped a switch\" and became extremely aggressive towards her and her family. I approached dog from inside of sliding glass door. Dog was laying but jumped up when he noticed me, full body was stiff, hair erect along all of back and tail, hard stare, growling, barking, and baring teeth. I reached to place hand near glass, and dog muzzle hit the glass hard where my hand was. I went to back gate to approach with restraint device, and dog sprinted from glass door to growl/bark at me through gate. Dog bit at device multiple times, and once secured on device, dog flailed a few times but stopped once I had gate open. Heavy flinching/skin crawl when I tried to brush hand on his shoulders, walked on device and was loaded onto truck with no further struggle. 9/15/2026 walks on leash, allows some dog handling, moderate restraint for vaccines, skittish, use caution when approaching and handling Name: Homer Animal ID: A5171642 Breed: WHITE/GRAY AM PIT BULL TER/MIX Sex: Male Age: 1Y 0M Weight: 44.8 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing C - 246 Intake Date: 9/15/2026 Deadline Date: 9/30/2026