Ocotillo

Ocotillo is an adoptable male Black Labrador Retriever looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is a young adult and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Ocotillo, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/13/2026 10/13/26 14:32 Canine has shown increasing over-arousal and is becoming difficult to manage safely while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/18/26 to allow for behavioral support and assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/19/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/8/2026 Dog was at front of kennel as handler approached back, dog barked, ran up and jumped on door, neutral body, softly wagging tail slightly above spine level, sniffing handlers, demand barking, handler tossed treats to the ground and dog jumped down to retrieve them, handler reached leash in, dog began jumping up at opened door, repeatedly barking, handler missed first leash attempt, reset and reached loop back in, dog was jumping and barking forcefully,handler placed leash but dog got front leg through loop, due to dogs high arousal handler dropped first leash, got a second leash out, assistant would toss treats into kennel but dog showed no interest, handler able to place second leash as dg repeatedly jumped and barked, once leash was secure dog exited kennel, strong pull to yard, came into catch pen and allowed handler to adjust stopper and remove first leash as dog stopped to urinate. Dog began wandering and exploring yard, neutral body, still tail at spine level, handler added drag line as a precaution then dropped leash and allowed dog to explore independently. Dog would sniff around, urine marking, moving quickly around yard, showed no interest in toys. Dog came up to handler, allowed petting while leaning side against their legs, soft body, panting, resumed exploring. Dog would continue to come up to both handlers when prompted and allowed all petting, heavily shedding, demonstrated \"sit,\" grabby with treats but good while taking from open palm. Dog showed no reaction to a volunteer and dog in passing, continued to pace about yard, stood at gate when he heard male voices nearby, ears perked up, disengaged and returned to handlers for attention, panting heavier as evaluation progressed, slight whine. Handler walked up to catch pen and removed drag line, dog was pacing in place, overaroused, handler tried to move leash around dogs neck to access stopper, dog would began to turn head with open mouth at handlers arms, jumping, whining/vocalizing, handler let dog into catch pen first then picked up leash and added clip leash, dog had strong pull back to kennel, stopped short of threshold, pulling back, handler guided dog in with leash pressure, dog attempting to dart out as they closed door, handler body blocked, closed door, dog immediately began jumping up and barking, assistant tossed treats but dog showed no interest, continued to jump and bark as handler removed leash with clip leash. 10/7/2026 Handler approached kennel front dog was jumping up at gate with fully dilated pupils and demand barking. Handler was able to unlock kennel and prepare leash. Once kennel door began opening dog began attempting to push out. Handler was able to reach in and place/secure leash, dog then pulled strongly out of ward. Dog pulled strongly on path to PY, handler was able to adjusted leash stopper and release dog once in PY. Handler sat on bench and allowed dog time to decompress before attempting to interact. Dog approached handler once and allowed petting but became over stimulated, demand barking at handler and attempting to jump up on lap. Handler stood up and walked away. Dog returned to sniffing around. Shortly after a member of the landscaping team approached fence line, dog began barking and jumping up at fence, handler was able to help landscaper but while doing so dog began jumping up at handler demand barking. Handler grabbed leash and held dog away, dog continued to do so and began air snapping. Handler used treat to distract dog and let dog go. Dog began running fence line barking at nearby occupied kennels, dog then ran up to handler over aroused up again and began jumping and barking towards handler. Handler retrieved leash and began walk to new kennel. Dog pulled strongly on entire path; handler was able to place clip leash. Once entering new kennel ward dog immediately began fence fighting attempts with now neighboring kennels. Handler tossed treat in and dog followed handler then used clip leash to remove leash, dog fought clip leash but with time and maneuvering handler was able to remove leash. 10/4/2026 Standing at gate, alarm barking would not settle, tail flagged and tense posture. Requesting Full Evaluation 10/1/2026 K9 walks on leash, k9 allowed all handling, k9 allowed to be touched with no issues, k9 pulls on leash, k9 tail wags, k9 walks into kennel but cries once in kennel Name: Ocotillo Animal ID: A5172489 Breed: BLACK LABRADOR RETR Sex: Male Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 64.2 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing B - 097 Intake Date: 10/1/2026 Deadline Date: 10/18/2026