Zeus

Zeus is an adoptable male Black Labrador Retriever 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 only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Zeus, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/30/2026 09/30/26 14:58 Canine has demonstrated high levels of reactivity that were difficult to manage in previous home environments. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 10/5/26 to support ongoing behavior management and reduce the likelihood of recurrence. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/6/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/25/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE STATED THAT THIS DOG IS AGGRESSIVE TOWARDS CATS AND DOGS. DOG CANNOT BE IN VIEW OF OTHER ANIMALS AND SOURCE LIVES IN AN APT COMPLEX THAT MAKES IT NOT POSSIBLE TO TAKE THE DOG FOR WALKS. How long have you had your pet? 9 MONTHS Where did you get this animal from? MCACC Is your pet spayed/neutered? NEUTERED 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 We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? NO, SOURCE HAS TRIED MANY RESOURCES WITH NO SUCCESS Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? YES Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? YES Please describe behavior around children? KIDS AGES 16, 12, 4, AND 2. SOURCE SAID THE DOG IS FRIENDLY, LOVES KIDS, AND IS PLAYFUL. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 TEENAGERS AND THE SOURCE. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? THIS DOG WILL BARK, LUNGE, AND ATTEMPT TO ATTACK OTHER DOGS AND CATS. Cats? Dogs? 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? NO Is the animal house-trained? YES, BUT SOURCE ADVISED TO KEEP TRASH SECURED. Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? YES Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT, DOWN, UP, NO, AND STAY. Where was this animal kept? INSIDE Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? ON FILE AND RABIES IS DUE 9/29/26. How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? FIREWORKS, LIGHTNING, LOND NOISES IN GENERAL. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? TUG-O-WAR, CHEW BONES, LIGHT UP BOUNCY BALL Any escapist behavior? YES Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? YES Any Additional details/notes on behavior? 12/2/2025 How long have you had your pet? 3 DAYS Where did you get your pet? MCACC Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES Do you have any vaccine history for your pet? ON FILE Has your pet been around other animals? What kind of animals? How would you describe the interaction with other animals? YES, 1 SMALL DOG IN THE HOME. SOURCE STATES THAT DOG IS GREAT WITH SMALL DOGS. WITH OTHER LARGER DOGS IN THE APT COMPLEX AND DOG PARK, SOURCE SAYS DOG IS REACTIVE BY LUNGING, BARKING, GROWLING, AND ATTEMPTING TO ENGAGE WITH THEM. SOURCE STATES DOG ALSO STATED THAT DOG ATTEMPTED TO GET TO THEIR PET MICE. Has your pet been around any other people or children? If yes, how would you describe the animals behavior towards other people/children? NO CHILDREN. SOURCE SAYS DOG IS GREAT WITH PEOPLE AND THAT HE'S GENTLE, PLAYFUL, AND EXCITED. Has your pet shown any aggression around other people? If yes, what were the circumstances? NONE Where was your pet kept, inside or outside? INSIDE If inside, did you keep your pet in a crate? Was he/she destructive in any way? FREE ROAM WITH NO DESTRUCTIVE. If outside, what kind of fencing do you have and did it contain the animal? N/A Is your pet potty trained? YES Does your pet have any aggression, like **growling, curling their lips, lunging** around food, toys, or bones? NO Is there anything we need to know medically about your pet? NO Does your pet walk on a leash? SOURCE STATED THAT DOG DOES NOT DO WELL ON A LEASH AND PULLS HARD. HOWEVER, IN A HARNESS DOG WALKS MUCH EASIER. Does your pet know any obedience/tricks? SIT, DOWN, AND NO. 7/15/2024 How long have you had the animal? FOUND JUST THIS MORNING THEY BROUGHT HIM WATER AND FOOD AND HE HASNT LEFT THEM SINCE Has the animal been around other animals? What kind of animals? How would you describe the interaction with other animals? NOT AROUND ANY OTHER ANIMALS Was the animal around any other people or children? If yes, how would you describe the animals behavior towards other people/children? NO JUST THE FINDER BUT VERY FRIELDY Has the animal shown any aggression around other people? Might want to include a few examples of what aggression looks like. Barking, growling, lunging, etc.? If yes, what were the circumstances? NONE AT ALL EVEN IN THE LOBBY HE WAGGED HIS TAIL WHILE GETTING SCANNED FOR A CHIP Did you keep the animal inside or outside? HE WAS JUST IN THE CAR HE DID WELL HE JUST LOOKED OUT THE WINDOW If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam? Was the animal destructive in any way? If outside, what kind of fencing do you have and did it contain the animal? Did the animal show any aggression, like **growling, curling their lips, lunging** around food, toys, or bones? Has the animal shown any signs of illness? NO SIGNS OF ILLNESS Does the animal walk on a leash? HE IS A PULLER BUT CAN BE CONTROLELD JUST NEEDS SOMEONE STRONG Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/30/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 9/29/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was loose wiggly bodied; tail wagging; mild panting; Handler unlocked door and held leash in opening; Dog came forward allowing easy leashing; pulled to exit; moderate pull; ignored dogs in passing; Walked yard remained loose and wiggly bodied entire time; Zoomied around yard; solicit pets and attention to handler; shortly later urinating and defecating; may have been previously potty trained; ran around yard loose bodied wagging tail; zoomied back and forth; playful; high energy; didn't jump on handler at all; remained loose and wiggly entire evaluation;did see dog near by yard and was at fence line but disengaged and zoomied more; leaned into petting; allowed petting and handling all over; when time to go dog stood near exit; tip taps at pen door; handler is able to adjust leash and dog walked out with moderate pull to mild pull for size; entered kennel with leash guidance in; unleashed by hand with no issues; 9/28/2026 Requesting full eval due to history. 9/25/2026 Walked to triage room. Friendly, seeking attention from handler. Allowed vaccines with light restraint. Some resistance entering kennel but then walked in and able to remove leash easily. Green behavior but marking purple due to OS reason for highly dog reactive. 12/16/2025 m&G 12/14/2025 Solicited attentions, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Sit, Attended class at group socialization/ enrichment class (no contact) at zoom room. Remained non-reactive throughout class, enjoyed snuffle mat and puzzle toys. Was affiliative and friendly with any people who approached, Great leash skills and attentive to handler. 12/13/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit 12/7/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 12/4/2025 Dog was laying on bed; greeted at gate loose wiggly body; jumped up and paw'd glass; settled ** Due to current kennel presence and previous notes; placing dog to intake color purple.** 12/2/2025 Upon initial approach dog was loose and wiggly. Dog allowed leash to be placed over head and walked out of kennel. Dog walked on leash pul;ling strong to intake room. Dog allowed pets all over the body but did not solicate for more pets. Dog was high energy. Dog was current on vaccines at time of intake so no handling was done for vaccines. Dog walked pulling strong on leash to kennel. Was able to walk into kennel and remove leash without issue. 11/27/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit 11/22/2025 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Sit, He is big and strong, pulls on leash but easy to pull/return 11/16/2025 Solicited attentions, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy/Loose Leash, Chases birds 11/9/2025 Easy pull. Easy return. Sweet good boy. Sit. Loves toys. Seems interested in other dogs. 11/4/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Hard pull out of building. In yard, relaxed body, ran and explored. let him run in yard before walking. Affiliative, allowed pets. On walk, used harness. Still strong pull but occasional moderate. Went right into kennel. 10/28/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Used clip lead to return to kennel, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit 10/22/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Fetch toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Down, the sweetest boy! loves the water, loves chasing birds! very happy! 10/16/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Shake, Strong pull out to yard. Very playful, relaxed body, ran, chased a bird. He is affiliative. and allowed all pets. On walk, he was relaxed but occasional strong pulls. Used harness leash. 10/9/2025 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Hard pull to yard. Relaxed body in yard, explored and eventually approached and allowed pets. Eliminated 2x. On walk, he initially pulled hard at leash. Switched to harness and pulling was substantially less, mostly moderate to l 10/4/2025 Dog was closed outside for morning cleaning when approached. Standing at door wagging tail, open mouth, panting; took treats. Handler cracked door to leash; dog jumped against door, had to brace door so dog would not push out; lured off door with treats; would eat treats off ground; quickly opened door and placed leash inside while dog was distracted eating treats, secured leash on first try as dog went to push out of kennel; pulled strongly out of kennel and out of door; pulled towards dog in front of yard but easily directed into yard. Dog spent first few minutes of outing sniffing ground and marking, defecated twice. Dog had zoomies around yard, wagging tail, panting, loose body. Dog became startled at another dog who pounced at glass door while on walk with volunteer. Dog raised hackles, alarm barked, listened as volunteer and dog walked on other side of wall; hackles up, flagged tail, barking. Once dog was out of sight dog became loose and wiggly again; picked up tennis ball and played independently; allowed petting all over body; briefly jumped onto handler's lap while petting. Handler grabbed leash and dog became excitable, jumping at door; applied clip leash; pulled strongly out of door; dog immediately pulled towards kennel on opposite side of his, handler directed away with leash pressure and dog began thrashing backwards on leash; handler calmly moved backwards with dog and then used moderate leash pressure to guide dog back into kennel; dog followed willingly as handler guided with leash and tossed treats into kennel. Removed leash with clip lead. Hanlders should be prepared with treats on kennel return. *Placing only dog recommendation due to reactivity seen in yard* 10/3/2025 Dog was in back for AM cleaning; Dog was standing on front twos on door; loose wiggly bodied; jumping in place. Handler spoke softly to dog and cracked door; Dog was jumpy and pushy on door; dog was moderate to leash; eventually allowed handler to leash by hand; pulled to exit when dog walked out with hard pull; ignored dogs in passing; Once in yard dog remained loose bodied with tail wagging; Dog did jump on handler when excited very strong; Dog explored yard and was interested in toys; would fetch and retrieve the ball; did step into pool and drank water; Dog solicited pets and attention to both handlers; leaned into petting; allowed all over; Dog remained soft wiggly loose bodied entire evaluation; Dog was high energy; showed knowledge of command sit. spent most of the time tossing ball around to tire out dog; When time to return back to kennel dog walked over to exit and walked with same hard pull to exit; handler walked into kennel and dog was avoidant didnt want to enter kennel; dog began thrashing on leash; handler kept slight leash pressure; dog seemed to be interested in approaching surrounding barking dogs; assistant handler got dogs attention and threw in treats into kennel; dog followed treats in and handler was able to close door; unleash by hand; dog remained standing in kennel calm; 10/2/2025 Dog was laying down approaches with loose body and tail wag; ** Due to current kennel presence and previous notes; Requesting full evaluation ** 9/30/2025 Moved k9 from ramp holding to B building, moderate to hard pull on leash, hackles raised and flagging tail but non reactive to dogs in passing, walked into kennel with easy leash removal. K9 will try to nudge open kennel door once cracked, ASO has been having him sit while opening kennel as he listens well. Purple recommended due to hard pull. 9/29/2025 soft body wags tail walks on leash allows handling 9/29/2025 k9 came in on leash, soft wiggly body, vaccinated with little to no restraint, walked to kennel on leash. 8/25/2024 lying on floor 8/24/2024 Soft body and wagging tail, jumped on door, sniffed hand. 8/23/2024 laying at the front of kennel, heavy panting. 8/21/2024 leaping high in kennel, never settled. 8/20/2024 dog greeted handler with tail wags and a bit of jumping on the door. easy to leash up. we went for a walk. some strong pulling at times, was fairly easily redirected to \"go easy\". not interested much in treats. went potty, allowed pets, friendly with handler. not reactive to dogs as we went back to his kennel. easy to return. 8/6/2024 Easy leash placement. Sl pull to yard. Walked around and eliminated several times then ran in yard. Came to handler, looked at face and sol. attn. Allowed all pets and leaned in. Jumped up but not on handler. Accepted treats gently, dropped. Came when handler clapped hands. Chased birds in yard. Eventually took treats gently, sit. Very affiliative w/handler. Walked well back to kennel. Dogs were outside. Easy return. 7/26/2024 Dog was closed out for cleaning, laying in the shade on approach Dog appeared lethargic (see med), stood slowly, tail wagged, came to handler. Ignored treats, easy leash placement and pull. Walked easily and slowly on loose leash, showed brief interest in barking dogs but did not respond or pull towards them. In sick yard handler dropped leash, dog sniffed around, defecated, came to handler. Allowed all petting and handling, calm, soft body at all times. No return issues. Overall score of purple due to intake notes, and dog is currently ill. 7/26/2024 Dog was closed out for cleaning, laying in the shade on approach Dog appeared lethargic (see med), stood slowly, tail wagged, came to handler. Ignored treats, easy leash placement and pull. Walked easily and slowly on loose leash, showed brief interest in barking dogs but did not respond or pull towards them. In sick yard handler dropped leash, dog sniffed around, defecated, came to handler. Allowed all petting and handling, calm, soft body at all times. No return issues. Overall score of purple due to intake notes, and dog is currently ill. 7/19/2024 Soft body and wagging tail 7/18/2024 Requesting full eval due to dog reactivity. 7/15/2024 dog reactive in lobby, strong pull, soft body in room, seeks attention, allowed all handling and all restraint, walked to kennel strong pull. 07/18/24 08:35 updating color due to reactivity Name: Zeus Animal ID: A4989747 Breed: BLACK LABRADOR RETR Sex: Neutered Age: 6Y 1M Weight: 82.5 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 203 Intake Date: 9/25/2026 Deadline Date: 10/5/2026