Wasabi

Wasabi is an adoptable male Black Mouth Cur looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a young adult and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 2 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Wasabi, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/24/2026 09/24/26 14:18 Canine has shown over-arousal and is difficult to manage safely while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 9/29/26 to allow for behavioral support and 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 Closed outside for AM cleaning. Dog approached handler, soft body and wagging tail, eagerly took treats from hand. Easy to leash, moderate pull to yard, remained soft with wagging tail when walking by kenneled dogs, turned and jumped up on assistant handler, able to redirect with mild leash pressure and continue walking. Dog continued to jump up on handlers in yard, would settle briefly and stand with front paws on lead handler, body soft, tail wagging, allowed pets, tried redirecting into sit for treats but dog would continue to jump up and air snap to try and take treats from hand, never made contact, held treats close to dog to redirect off, grabby when taking from hand. Lead handler sat on bench, dog approached and jumped up on lap, assistant handler redirected off with leash pressure, dog then continued jumping up on assistant handler soliciting more treats. Lead handler picked up leash and redirected dog off, dog grabbed leash briefly, no issues walking back to kennel, hesitant to enter, handler tossed treats in kennel, dog followed, able to remove leash by hand. 9/23/2026 Dog was standing @ front of kennel with a relaxed body & fast tail wags. Offered treats through gate, would sniff but not eat. Presented leash, walked with a hard pull out of kennel building. Once outside, dog would become lower body & become still bodied with ears pinned back, did a shake off of body then continued to walk with a hard pull on leash to small PY. Dog would enter into PY & do another shake off of body. Offered treats, took treats in a mouthy manner then explored PY. Dog would brush body against handlers legs then continue to explore with flagged tail, jumped up & leaned against PY gate while looking around with ears pinned back. Dog would approach handler, allowing petting on side of body. Became still bodied, started licking lips while staring towards handler, dog would quickly jump up while air snapping towards handlers face, handler quickly shifted head back & stood up while tossing treats towards dog. Handler would scatter more treats then pick up leash as dog would be sniffing treats. Walked back to kennel with a hard pull on leash, would keep stopping, turning to jump up & bite @ leash, handler was able to keep dog walking forward. Would not enter into kennel on own. Handler would open kennel divider & toss a jackpot amount of treats for dog to enter. Removed leash with use of pre-attached clip leash. 9/22/2026 Ears pinned, lip licking, body soft with wagging tail, took treats. Requesting full eval due to intake. 9/20/2026 Approached ASO with loose body, wagging tail, allowed handling, submissive licks, walked OK on leash, got nervous when nearing truck, precautionary muzzle wrap, lifted into truck kennel without issue. 9/20/2026 walks on leash, hard pull, solicits attention briefly from male and female handlers, higher energy, muzzle wrap for vaccines, resisted entering kennel Name: Wasabi Animal ID: A5171910 Breed: TRICOLOR/CREAM BLACK MOUTH CUR/MIX Sex: Male Age: 1Y 0M Weight: 62.2 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing E - 154 Intake Date: 9/20/2026 Deadline Date: 9/29/2026