Unicorn

Unicorn is an adoptable female Terrier looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is fully grown and small in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 2 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Unicorn, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/24/2026 09/24/26 14:07 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 9/29/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/30/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/18/2026 2 DOGS FOUND TOGETHER A5171850 A5171851 9/18/2026 How long have you had the animal? 1 DAY. SOURCE HAD GATE OPEN AND BOTH PETS WANDERED INTO YARD. What are the cross streets where you found the animal? 5002 W BETHANY HOME RD Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO. Is animal spayed/neutered? UNK. Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO. Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO. Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NO. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO. Was this animal around any children? PETS HAVE BEEN AROUND CHILDREN RANGING IN AGE FROM 1-9. PETS WERE BOTH FRIENDLY WITH OLDER CHILDREN IN HOME. PETS DID NOT HAVE MUCH INTERACTION WITH 1 YEAR OLD. Did the animal interact with other animals? Cats? NO. Dogs? BOTH DOGS FOUND TOGETHER WERE FRIENDLY WITH EACH OTHER. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO. Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO. Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO. Can the animal walk on a leash? THIS PET STRUGGLED SOME WITH LEASH PRESSURE. Does the animal know any commands? UNK. Where was this animal kept? INSIDE. If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam free? FREE ROAM. If outside, what kind of fencing do you have, and did it contain the animal? PETS WERE NOT KEPT IN A FENCED YARD. Any destruction behavior? If yes, please describe? POTTY ACCIDENTS. How would you describe the animal’s energy level? HIGH. Any escapist behavior? NO. Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO. Any Additional details/notes on behavior? BOTH DOGS WERE FRIENDLY AND LOVING WITH ADULTS IN HOME. SEEKING ATTENTION. JUMPING UP FOR ATTENTION. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/23/2026 Dog would quickly retreat through kennel divider, closed divider door. Opened opposite side of kennel, would speak softly to dog, dog would start to tremble body. Offered treats in hand, would quickly jump out of kennel & start to pace in kennel room. Handler would approach dog, dog would lay down while urinating, trembling body while looking up towards handler. Handler would slowly kneel down & leash dog, picked up without issues. While being carried to small PY, dog would start to press front paws against handlers arms, handler was able to reposition dog then continue to walk. Placed onto ground in PY, dog would start to pace along fence line. Would not settle for treats. Handler would walk to middle of PY & kneel down while looking away from dog, dog would stop pacing while sitting up with would tremble body, licking lips & being whale eyed. Handler would attempt to coax forward, would start to pace around PY fence line fast. Handler would step onto leash in order to pick up leash. Dog would start to pull back while thrashing, handler knelt down while speaking softly, dog would slowly start to settle then lay back down. Slowly picked up dog & carried back to kennel. Removed leash once kennel was opened, placed dog back into kennel, dog would start to pace along window of kennel once gate was shut. 9/22/2026 Dog was standing at kennel door, low posture, ignored treats tossed in kennel, retreated to opposite side, closed divider. Dog stood in back corner, avoidant of leash placement, scurried out of kennel, dog would not approach with verbal coaxing or treats, handler kneeled down, dog pancaked, urinated, able to slowly place leash, able to slowly pick up and carry to small yard. Dog scanned surroundings, trembling, tail tucked, eventually explored yard, nose to ground, easily startled, ignored treats tossed nearby, remained distant from handler. Avoidant as handler approached to pick up leash, dog retreated into catch pen, thrashed as handler picked up leash, when settled able to slowly pick up and carry back to kennel, removed leash and returned with no issues. 9/20/2026 Tense, head low, avoidant of handler. Requesting full evaluation. 9/18/2026 soft body, allowed dall handling and vaccinations, carried to kennel Name: Unicorn Animal ID: A5171850 Breed: GRAY/TAN YORKSHIRE TERR/MIX Sex: Female Age: 3Y 0M Weight: 10.5 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing L - 397 Intake Date: 9/18/2026 Deadline Date: 9/29/2026