Tyson

Tyson is an adoptable male Pit Bull Terrier 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 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Tyson, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/6/2026 10/06/26 13:43 Canine is exhibiting consistent concerning behaviors both in and out of the kennel. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 10/11/26 to prevent behavioral decline and provide support in a more appropriate setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/12/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/30/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE STATED A5172318 IS TOO PLAYFUL AND STRONG FOR OWNER WHO IS A SENIOR. SOURCE STATED A5172318 NEEDS TO BE IN AN ACTIVE HOUSEHOLD THAT HAS MORE TIME/ENERGY AND STRENGTH TO MEET A5172318'S NEEDS How long have you had your pet? 5 YEARS Where did you get this animal from? FRIEND WAS GIVING AWAY PUPPIES AND A5172318 CAME FROM THAT LITTER Is your pet spayed/neutered? NO 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? DECLINED 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? NO Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? 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 How is the animal around children? SOURCE STATED A5172318 IS FRIENDLY AND PLAYFUL WITH CHILDREN Please describe behavior around children? SOURCE STATED A5172318 IS FRIENDLY AND PLAYFUL WITH CHILDREN. HYPER AND WILL JUMP UP ON PEOPLE WHEN PLAYING. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? SOURCE STATED DOG WAS GOOD AROUND THE ADULTS AND CHILDREN IT WAS AROUND IN THE HOUSEHOLD Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? SOURCE STATED A5172318 HAS NEVER HAD EXPERIENCE WITH CATS AND HAS ONLY BEEN AROUND DOGS AT A DISTANCE AND WOULD BARK/BE A BIT REACTIVE AROUND THEM Cats? Dogs? AT A DISTANCE 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? SOURCE STATED DOG NORMALLY DOES NOT EXHIBIT RESOURCE GUARDING HOWEVER ONE TIME, A5172318 DID GUARD HIS FOOD BOWL BUT DID NOT BITE/GROWL OR AGGRESS. SOURCE STATED THIS ONLY HAPPENED ONCE. Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? YES Leash trained? YES, HOWEVER DOG HAS A STRONG PULL Knows commands? SIT/STAY/COME/PAW/DOWN Where was this animal kept? BOTH INSIDE AND OUTSIDE, ENJOYS TIME IN THE BACKYARD. ENJOYS THE LITTLE POOL TO PLAY IN OUTSIDE AND GRASS TO ROLL ON. Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? WHEN DOG WAS A PUPPY BUT OTHERWISE NOT VACCINATED SINCE How would you describe your pet's energy level? HYPER/HIGH ENERGY Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? THUNDER, FIREWORKS What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? DOG LOVES TO PLAY FETCH, TUG OF WAR, ENJOYS TOYS, LOVES BONES. LOVES TO RUN AROUND. LOVES TO GO ON WALKS. ENJOYS BATHS AND LIKES TO BITE AT THE WATER STREAM. Any escapist behavior? N/A Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? N/A Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE STATED THAT A5172318 DESERVES A SAFE AND LOVING HOME WHERE HE CAN RECEIVE THE CARE AND ATTENTION HE DESERVES. ALTHOUGH A5172318 SIZE MAY BE INTIMIDATING, A5172318 IS VERY HYPER, PLAYFUL AND A VERY LOVING DOG Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/4/2026 Handler approached kennel front, dog was neutral in posture and demand barking. Handler offered treats to try to deescalate/distract dog while preparing gate and leash for pull. Dog tried several times to push through gate, but handler was able to hold gate. Handler attempted to leash a few times; dog was avoidant and would back out. After a handful of attempts handler secured leash and opened gate to let dog out. Dog pulled very strongly on path to nearest PY. Once in PY handler attached leash extension and released dog. Dog kept to himself for majority of outing, dog sniffed around, marked and defecated a few times. Handler was able to clean up feces without issue. Dog eventually approached handlers, assistant handler was seated on bench and dog approach and tried to climb on lap, assistant handler was able to guide off. Lead handler tried to interact with dog and dog brushed up against leg and jumped up towards thigh/hip area bumping dog's chest on handler's hip. Dog appeared to display slight over arousal when being pet, assistant handler stood up after dog approached again and appeared over aroused with petting. Handler then retrieved leash and attached clip leash. Handler walked dog back to kennel as assistant handler walked to back kennel to help call dog in if needed. Dog pulled very strongly, causing self to honk and cough from the tension on leash. When unlocking door to building dog became reactive and began pouncing at glass in door at another staff member. Handler was able to wait for staff member to move and guided dog through building. Handler tried to guide dog into kennel; dog was reluctant and only entered when hearing assistant handler call name from back kennel. Dog entered kennel and allowed leash removal using clip leash. Handler tried to offer treats, but dog was glassy in stare, panting and looking pass handlers through glass. 10/3/2026 Dog was at front of kennel as handlers passed by yard, tense, barked briefly, handlers went to back of kennel and called to dog, dog came out, dilated pupils, would take hot dogs, handler spent a few minutes tossing treats and speaking softly to dog, dog was more neutral in posture, ears slightly back, dog would look at assistant handler, shortened lip, barked, disengaged with treats, handler presented leash and dog softly wagged tail at spine level, stayed at front of kennel and allowed easy leashing, pushed once at door, exited kennel and began pulling hard, would pull toward other dogs kennels but able to keep moving forward, no reactivity. Dog entered catch pen and immediately began urinating, handler continued to hold leash as they entered yard, dog sniffing with neutral body, still tail at spine level, stopping repeatedly to urinate and defecate. Dog spent a few minutes just exploring and marking, no interest in handlers, then began sniffing at fence, pacing along it, slight huffing/ whining, handler walked dog away from fence, trying to get his attention, dog would then go to glass windows/doors leading into building, pacing along windows, continued to softly vocalize, noticeable increase arousal, handlers could get dog to briefly disengage but continued to pull back towards door, assistant started tossing treats and dog would come over to find them, stopped and sniffed at a stuffed toy, chased after it when handler tossed it but then lost interest, resumed pulling to door and windows. Handler would walk dog to other side of yard to create some space, dog would take treats gently, softly wagging tail, demonstrated \"sit,\" allowed petting, remained neutral. Dog would keep pacing at fence, panting, handler ended evaluation, added clip leash, dog had very strong pull back to kennel, occasionally pulling toward kennels, circling around handler, once at kennel dog took a step in, then backed out and would not enter kennel, assistant tossed treats, dog was pulling toward neighboring kennels instead, would not follow handler into kennel, pulling hard on leash and choking self, assistant went around to front of kennel and called to dog, dog entered and ran up to the front, handler handler closed door and began attempting to remove leash, dog came back outside, pushing hard at kennel door to get out, handler blocked it with leg and was able to close door, removed leash with clip leash. Handler went back to front of kennel, dog softened with wagging tail 10/1/2026 Wiggly body, demand barking on intial approach. Handler interacted with dog for a few moments, then dog became stiff body with front feet up on gate, began loud growling, then lunged towards handler. Would not settle after this, remained on alert, growling, alarm barking. Requesting full evaluation. 9/30/2026 very strong pull, allowed all handling and vaccinations, slight mouthy, turned leash into a harness, walked to kennel Name: Tyson Animal ID: A5172318 Breed: GRAY/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Male Age: 5Y 1M Weight: 88.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing B - 164 Intake Date: 9/30/2026 Deadline Date: 10/11/2026