Diego

Diego is an adoptable male Border Terrier looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is fully grown and small in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Diego, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/15/2026 10/15/26 10:56 Canine is presenting with under-socialized behavior and limited engagement. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 10/20/26 to provide structured support and prevent potential progression of these behaviors. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/21/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/3/2026 Found together 5172589 5172590 5172591 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/14/2026 Dog came forward to kennel front on approach, handler speaking softly to dog, dog had soft body, wagging tail, took treat through door, handler began opening lock and dog retreated to other side but would poke head through portal, opened door and closed portal so dog was on other side, dog sat in back corner, wide eyed, tossed hot dogs but dog didn't eat any, handler prepped leash loop and attempted to place leash over dog, dog began dodging leash, would turn face into corner, dog turned back around and handler was able to leash dog, towel wrapped and picked dog up, dog allowed, placed dog down in yard, dog walked out of leash and dog would try to hide behind bin when handler was releashing dog, handler walked out to rocky area of yard, dog followed out, tail tucked, began sniffing and walking around, handler sat at chair, dog defecated behind tree, handler would call to dog and dog would walk near handler but never close enough to be able to pet, kept distance, handler let dog sniff for a couple of minutes, still not interested in hot dogs, handler picked up leash and knelt down, dog sat in place and was shivering, held out hand and dog sniffed, allowed petting under chin and chest, tense for petting on back and body area but did allow and continued to sit in place while handler pet, got up and dog walked away, opened door to M&G room, dog stayed in corner of yard for a minute, slowly walked into room, handler followed, dog went under chairs, when handler would come near dog would go to other side of chairs, continued to avoid handler, handler picked up leash, when dog would feel tension on leash, would briefly thrash, handler crouched down and dog stayed still against glass wall, able to toss towel over dog and pick up, dog allowed, removed leash and placed dog in kennel, dog shook off once opened portal to other side. 10/9/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was laying down on right side of portal; Handler unlocked both and closed portal; Handler unlocked door and showed leash to dog; dog sniffed and remained seated; didnt come forward or greet; Handler spoke softly and slowly placed leash over head; Dog was a little dodgy but allowed placement on 2nd try; Handler slowly secured stopper; dog remained still; stoic; unsure of handler; Handler draped blanket over sides as handler picked up; Dog allowed; tensed up and remained in handlers arms; carried to M&G yard pet dog gently on way to yard; Dog allowed but didnt react or solicit back; Handler set dog down and he remained frozen in the same spot; shaking; scanning yard; unsure; didnt move at all during evaluation; Even when handler approached dog remained still; Allowed and tolerated petting but still didnt move; Handler gave dog a few more minutes to try and decompress; Dog didnt move; Handler placed blanket on dog and carried back to kennel; dog allowed; handler was able to pet; remained in handlers arms; shaking; looking around room as handler carried to kennel once in kennel dog allowed unleashing by hand and petting; dog laid back down in kennel soft stare; shaking; 10/8/2026 Handler approached kennel front, dog was curled up in back corner of shoreline. Handler was able to offer treats and dog took treats. Handler opened gate and was able to remove water and food bowl to allow for more space and close of portal. Handler then was able to drape leash over head and secure, dog briefly fought but allowed placement. Handler then draped towel over dog and was able to lift and carry. Dog fought against hold briefly and then just remained stiff in posture as handler carried to M&G room. Handler placed on floor and adjusted leash stopper. Dog stood frozen in center of room while handler sat on chair nearby. Handler offered a few treats but dog was no longer interested. Dog took a few steps but stood tense in posture, trembling with wide eyes. Handler knelt down and tried to verbally coax dog over. Dog ignored handler, handler allowed dog a few more minutes to decompress. Handler then reapproached and draped towel over. Dog again thrashed but allowed carrying. Handler removed leash and placed dog in kennel without issue. Handler offered treats while replacing bowls and adjusting portal. 10/3/2026 Stiff body, tail tucked, evasive, allowed some handling, carried to truck. 10/3/2026 stiff body, wide eye, remained frozen on table, all vacs given with light restraint, carried to kennel Name: Diego Animal ID: A5172589 Breed: WHITE BORDER TERRIER/MIX Sex: Male Age: 4Y 0M Weight: 12.8 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing V - 329 Intake Date: 10/3/2026 Deadline Date: 10/20/2026