Tofu

Tofu is an adoptable male Chihuahua looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is fully grown and small in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Tofu, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/25/2026 09/25/26 13:12 Canine is exhibiting heightened sensitivity to handling, resulting in concerning responses. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/30/26 to provide support and reduce the likelihood of behavior progression. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/1/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/20/2026 How long have you had the animal? FOUND 9/15/26 ; FINDER SHARES SHE OBSERVED THE DOG IN THE DOG PARK AT HER COMPLEX, SHE NOTES THE GATE WAS NOT CLOSED ; THE DOG WAS TIMID ON APPROACH BUT ALLOWED HER TO HANDLE - What are the cross streets where you found the animal? Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NOTHING NOTED - SOURCE NOTES HE HAS ONLY EATEN VERY LITTLE FOOD Is animal spayed/neutered? 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? NOTHING NOTED Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? Was this animal around any children? NO CONTACT WITH CHILDREN Did the animal interact with other animals? 1 DOG SIMILAR SIZE AND 1 DOG LARGER Cats? Dogs? SOURCE NOTES NO REACTIVITY TO THE OWNED PETS , ALLOWING SNIFFING AND PLAYING Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? FED IN SAME ROOM AS THE OTHER DOGS ; NO RESOURCE GUARDING OR AGGRESSION NOTED Can the animal walk on a leash? YES - SOME PULLING Does the animal know any commands? SIT Where was this animal kept? INSIDE If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam free? FREE ROAMING IN ONE ROOM OF THE APARTMENT If outside, what kind of fencing do you have, and did it contain the animal? NO ENCLOSED YARD Any destruction behavior? If yes, please describe? DIGGING AT THE CARPET - KENNEL REACTIVE , POOPED IN KENNEL AND SMEARED IT AROUND ; SEPARATION ANXIETY How would you describe the animal’s energy level? MELLOW Any escapist behavior? NO Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? YES - Any Additional details/notes on behavior? Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/25/2026 Dog was laying in back corner of kennel; whale eyed; tense; tossed treats; ate treats; tossed nearby; closed divider to keep dog on one side; dog sat up; tossed more treats; verbally coaxed; not interested; would not approach for treats tossed at front; handler presented leash; dog pushed back into corner; attempted to lasso leash; bit at leash; head flipped; handler was able to lasso leash on the third attempt; dog settled; tense body; tail tucked; tried verbally coaxing; would not approach; handler tried placing towel over; dog bit at towel; when handler was able to place towel over dog would shake towel off as handler attempted to pick up; air snapping at towel & handler; made contact with bite glove one time; dog would run up to front of kennel; standing at edge; leaning body forward; handler would stick hands out; dog would place body on hands; slowly pet; tolerated the petting; stiff body; as handler would pet body; dog would head flip; dog eventually settled; allowed handler to slowly turn dog's face away from handler; slowly placed hands on side; slowly lifted out of kennel; as handler was placing dog on floor dog started to thrash/flail; jumped out of handler's arms; continued to thrash; eventually settled; started walking; walked well to meet and greet room; froze; would not continue walking; handler crouched; slowly pet; tolerated petting; tried to slowly pick up; head flipped; made contact with glove; dog continued walking. In room, dog approached handler right away; tense body; sniffed handler for several moments; leaned into handler; shook off; explored briefly; came back to handler; offered treats; took treats gently; tolerated slow petting on head; tense; whale eyed; shook off; stood right next to handler; remained near handler entire time. Walked well back to kennel; cowered away from staff that was walking past; continued walking; tried placing towel over; dog would thrash; bite at towel; handler slowly pet; tried to pick up; dog would thrash; jump up; unable to pick up; dog walked over with handler to retrieve behavior tote; walked well back; handler was able to place tote over dog; placed lid over; scooped up in tote; picked up in tote; exited tote; entered kennel; approached front; sniffed handler's glove; allowed handler to remove leash slowly; tense; ears back; dog remained at front; briefly soft whined. 09/25/26 13:24 Updating color due to NHO status. 9/24/2026 Dog was lying in kennel, handler slowly opened kennel door & closed divider. Dog would retreat to back corner of kennel, sat up while having ears pinned back, tail tightly tucked under body & trembling. Offered treats in hand while speaking softly, would not come forward to eat treats, left treats near dog & walked away. Came back to kennel with blanket in hand, dog had eaten treats left. Opened kennel gate while flirting with dog, dog would sit up again, started to growl while curling lips, being whale eyed, ears still pinned back, tail tightly tucked under body & trembling. Extended hand with treats in hand, dog would slowly take treats. Presented leash, dog would do false lunge while grabbing leash, biting & pulling head back. Would drop leash & continue to growl. Handler removed leash from view & presented blanket, dog would do a false lunge forward, grabbing blanket in mouth started to pull back on blanket while growling loud then dropped blanket. Handler removed blanket from view, offering treats in hand again, dog would take treats then start to lick handlers gloved hand. Offered more treats again, dog would again start to lick then nibble on tip of glove, handler placed more treats in hand for dog to eat treats & release tip of glove from mouth. Handler extended hand to pet dog, dog would air snap towards hands while growling, not making contact. Presented blanket again, dog would start to urinate while dilating pupils. Ended attempt to remove from kennel due to rising FAS levels & safety concerns. 9/20/2026 Timid, tail tucked, wide eyed, slow leash placement, thrashed on leash when picking up from scale, whipped head around with mouth open towards handler, tolerated petting, blanket used for restraint, allowed all handling and vaccines with blanket wrap, carried to kennel, slow leash removal. Name: Tofu Animal ID: A5171933 Breed: WHITE CHIHUAHUA SH Sex: Male Age: 4Y 0M Weight: 7.2 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing K - 458 Intake Date: 9/20/2026 Deadline Date: 9/30/2026