Riggins

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

Memo 10/14/2026 10/14/26 14:01 Canine has a history of concerning behavior toward other dogs in a previous environment. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/19/26 to provide secure management, behavioral evaluation, and any needed support. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/20/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/12/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE STATED THEY WERE OUT AND THIS DOG BECAME AGGRESSIVEAND ATTACKED ANOTHER DOG. How long have you had your pet? 5 DAYS 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 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? Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NOT TOWARDS PEOPLE. YES TOWARD ANOTHER DOG. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? YES, SOURCE EXPLAINED THEY WERE OUT WALKING AND MET UP WITH A FRIEND WHO HAS A SENIOR STANDARD POODLE. AT FIRST THE DOGS GOT ALONG WELL. WHEN SOURCE STOPPED TO TIE THEIR SHOE, THIS DOG ATTACKED THE OTHER DOG. OTHER DOG IS CURRENTLY AT A VETERINARY HOSPITAL FOR AN EXAM AND POSSIBLE TREATMENT. EXTENT OF INJURIES UNKNOWN. How is the animal around children? YES, A 9 YEAR OLD. Please describe behavior around children? SOURCE REPORTED THIS DOG WAS GREAT, PLAYFUL FRIENDLY, AND AFFECTIONATE. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? SOURCE REPORTED THAT BASED ON THEIR EXPERIENCE, THIS DOG HAS SHOWN AGGRESSION TOWARDS OTHER MALE DOGS. THERE WAS AN ENCOUTER WITH A FEMALE DOG THAT WENT WELL AND THE DOGS PLAYED TOGETHER. Cats? NO Dogs? 2 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 Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? UNKNOWN Crate trained? YES Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT, LAY DOWN, AND STAY. Where was this animal kept? INSIDE WITH ACCESS TO OUTSIDE. Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? ON FILE How would you describe your pet's energy level? SOURCE SAID THIS DOG ADJUSTS WELL TO ANY SITUATION FROM CLM TO ENERGETIC. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? THIS DOG GETS CAR SICK. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? LOVES STUFFED TOYS. Any escapist behavior? NO Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? 10/1/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE STATED THEY DID NOT KNOW THEIR 6 YEAR OLD WAS ALLERGIC TO DOGS. SINCE THE DOG CAME IN THE HOME, THE CHILD COUGHS, ITCHES, AND WHEEZES. RECENTLY A5171590 LICKED HIS CHILD ON THE CALF AND SOURCE'S CHILD HAD A SEVERE ALLERGIC REACTION. SOURCE STATED IF THIS WAS NOT THE CASE THEY WOULD HAVE NEVER SURRENDERED A5171590. How long have you had your pet? 1 WEEK Where did you get this animal from? MCACC Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES 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 TRIED TAKING THE CHILD TO THE DR WHO ADVISED THE PET IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE CHILD'S ALLERGIES. Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO, HOWEVER DOG CAN BE MOUTHY BUT IN PLAYFUL PUPPYLIKE WAY AND HAS NEVER BIT OR NIPPED 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? YES Please describe behavior around children? SOURCE STATED THEY HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD AND THE DOG IS PLAYFUL AND LOVING. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS AND 1 CHILD. DOG IS AMAZING WITH ADULTS AND CHILDREN Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? PLAYFUL WITH LARGE AND SMALL DOGS AT DOG PARK AND WAS VERY JUMPY/OVERLY EXCITABLE/HIGH ENERGY WITH OTHER DOGS BUT NOT IN AGGRESSIVE. SOURCE STATED DOG WAS KEPT SEPERATE FROM THEIR 1 CAT HOWEVER A5171590 APPEARED CURIOUS AND WOULD ONLY WATCH THE CAT, NEVER TRIED TO RUN UP OR LUNGE AT CAT Cats? SOURCE STATED DOG WAS KEPT SEPERATE FROM THEIR 1 CAT HOWEVER A5171590 APPEARED CURIOUS AND WOULD ONLY WATCH THE CAT, NEVER TRIED TO RUN UP OR LUNGE AT CAT Dogs? PLAYFUL WITH LARGE AND SMALL DOGS AT DOG PARK AND WAS VERY JUMPY/OVERLY EXCITABLE/HIGH ENERGY WITH OTHER DOGS BUT NOT IN AGGRESSIVE. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? N/A Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? SOURCE STATED A5171590 WILL CHASE BIRDS Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES IF ON A REGULAR WALK SCHEDULED/TAKEN OUT REGULARLY Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? NO Leash trained? YES, HOWEVER NEEDS SOME MORE LEASH TRAINING DUE TO HARD PULL/EASILY EXCITABLE WHEN SEEING ANOTHER DOG Knows commands? SIT, STAY, AND LAY DOWN Where was this animal kept? INSIDE Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? ON FILE WITH MCACC How would you describe your pet's energy level? VERY HIGH ENERGY, PUPPYLIKE, COMES IN SPURTS Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? NOT REALLY, EVEN REMAINED UNAFRAID OF THUNDER. SOURCE ADDED THIS PET GOT CAR SICK, BUT ONLY HAD 2 CAR RIDES. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? LOVES WALKS/RUNS, LOVES DOG PARK, HIS FOOTBALL TOY, HARD CHEW TOYS, AND PIGS EARS, LOVES TO NAP, LOVES CUDDLE Any escapist behavior? NO Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE WANTED TO SAY THIS DOG IS VERY LOVING, AFFECTIONATE, AND RESPECTFUL OF THE HOME. SOURCE STATED DOG WOULD BE AMAZING IN AN ACTIVE HOUSEHOLD AND IS AMAZING WITH FAMILIES. SOURCE ALSO STATED DOG RARELY BARKS. 9/25/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE STATED THEY DID NOT KNOW THEIR 6 YEAR OLD WAS ALLERGIC TO DOGS. SINCE THE DOG CAME IN THE HOME, THE CHILD COUGHS, ITCHES, AND WHEEZES. How long have you had your pet? 2 DAYS Where did you get this animal from? MCACC Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES 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, STILL WEAR THE E-COLLAR GIVEN AFTER SX SURGERY. 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 TRIED TAKING THE CHILD TO THE DR WHO ADVISED THE PET IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THE CHILD'S ALLERGIES. 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? N/A Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? N/A 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? YES Please describe behavior around children? SOURCE STATED THEY HAVE A 6 YEAR OLD AND THE DOG IS PLAYFUL AND LOVING. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS AND 1 CHILD. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? UNKNOWN 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 Is your pet potty trained? YES IF ON A REGULAR WALK SCHEDULED. Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? NO Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT, STAY, AND LAY DOWN Where was this animal kept? INSIDE Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? ON FILE WITH MCACC How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH BUT NOT EXCESSIVE PER SOURCE. MANAGED IN THE HOME. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? NOT REALLY, EVEN REMAINED UNAFRAID OF THUNDER. SOURCE ADDED THIS PET GOT CAR SICK, BUT ONLY HAD 2 CAR RIDES. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? HIS FOOTBALL TOY, HARD CHEW TOYS, AND PIGS EARS. Any escapist behavior? NO Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE WANTED TO SAY THIS DOG IS VERY LOVING, AFFECTIONATE, AND RESPECTFUL OF THE HOME. 9/13/2026 How long have you had the animal? ONE DAY. SOURCE WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET WHEN SHE OBSERVED A DOG RUNNING LOOSE IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. THE DOG DID NOT HAVE ON A COLLAR/LEASH OR ANY IDENTIFICATION. UPON APPROACH, THE DOG WAS TIMID AND THIRSTY. THE DOG THEN ALLOWED PETTING AND ALLOWED SOURCE TO PICK UP AND PLACE INSIDE THE VEHICLE. 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? NO Is animal spayed/neutered? UNK 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? NO, SOURCE STATES JUST SCARED Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? Was this animal around any children? YES, KIDS AGING 9 YRS AND 10 YRS. SOURCE STATES THAT HE WAS FRIENDLY WITH THE KIDS AND ALLOWED PETTING. Did the animal interact with other animals? YES Cats? Dogs? SOURCE HAS TWO HUSKY'S AND THIS DOG WAS VERY PLAYFUL WITH THEM. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NONE OBSERVED Can the animal walk on a leash? YES Does the animal know any commands? COME HERE, SIT, STAY Where was this animal kept? INSIDE, WITH HER OTHER DOG'S KENNEL. SOURCE STATES THAT HE DID WELL IN THE KENNEL, BUT HE DID WHINE If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam free? If outside, what kind of fencing do you have, and did it contain the animal? WOOD FENCING, SOURCE STATES THAT HE DID ATTEMPT TO ESCAPE BECAUSE HE WAS SCARED Any destruction behavior? If yes, please describe? YES, CHEWING ON SHOES, CHARGERS, WOODEN CHAIR How would you describe the animal’s energy level? HIGH ENERGY. SOURCE STATES THAT HE WANTS TO PLAY ALL THE TIME Any escapist behavior? YES Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE STATES THAT HE JUST A HAPPY PLAYFUL PUPPY. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/12/2026 UTD on vaccines, allowed all other handling, walked to kennel without concerns, and allowed for leash removal. **Placing Orange due to History Review.** 10/2/2026 Dog was at front of kennel with soft, loose body, stretched, wagging tail at spine level, leaning against kennel door to solicit attention. Placing \"green\" due to kennel presence and intake notes. 10/1/2026 Happy to see handler, seeking attention. Walked to kennel without issue. 9/26/2026 Laying on bed, stretched, greeted handler at gate with neutral body and low soft wagging tail. Placing \"green\" due to kennel presence and intake notes. 9/25/2026 Very sweet boy! Seeking attention. Loves all petting and handling. Walked to kennel without issue. 9/18/2026 Sitting at front of kennel; soft body; took treat gently; allowed for easy leashing; exited; zig zag on leash; startled by surroundings; would cower; continued walking. In yard, approached handler; allowed for slow petting; light trembling; easily settled; stood at handler's feet back facing handler; watched surroundings; started to explore; soft; low brief tail wags; occasionally checked in with handler; offered treats; not interested; showed interest in a tennis ball; handler tossed ball; dog chased; picked up; soft; tail wagging; would drop ball; approached handler; allowed for petting; leaned in; interested in squeaker toy; became playful; continued to explore; at times startled by sudden noises; staff walked past with a dog; this dog showed interest; followed along yard fence; soft body. Picked leash up; walked well back to kennel; zig zag; went in between handler's leg; entered kennel; allowed for leash removal. ***Interested parties should be aware that this canine needs a secured yard and should be monitored while outside 9/15/2026 laying on bed, tense body, trembling, unable to coax forward. requesting full eval based on kennel presentation. 9/13/2026 Easy leashing, walking into Triage. Tense, hunched over, front paw raised. Gradually softened. Tolerated restraint for vaccines and allowed all petting. Walked to kennel and entered with no issue Name: Riggins Animal ID: A5171590 Breed: BROWN GERM SHEPHERD/MIX Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 44.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing B - 120 Intake Date: 10/12/2026 Deadline Date: 10/19/2026