Yuki

Yuki 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 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Yuki, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/16/2026 10/16/26 14:31 Canine has shown consistent over-arousal and is becoming difficult to manage safely while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/21/26 to allow for behavioral support and assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/22/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/2/2026 What is the reason for surrender? LANDLORD WILL NOT ALLOW THEM TO HAVE PETS How long have you had your pet? 3 YEARS Where did you get this animal from? FROM A FAMILY MEMBER 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? Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NO AGGRESSION TOWARDS HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS. SOURCE STATED ONLY SHOWED AGGRESSION TOWARDS ONE PERSON, A RELATIVE THAT, PER SOURCE, WAS NOT NICE TO THE PET. THE RELATIVE THREW ROCKS AT THE DOG AND THE DOG GROWLED AND RETREATED FROM THE PERSON. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? LIVES WITH A SEVENTEEN YEAR OLD, VERY FRIENDLY, PLAYFUL, AND EXCITED TO INTERACT Please describe behavior around children? HAS ONLY BEEN AROUND TEENAGERS, FRIENDLY. GETS EXCITED AND JUMPS UP ON PEOPLE WHEN PLAYING. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS AND ONE TEEN. ALLOWS PETTING AND HANDLING BY ALL THREE PEOPLE. JUMPS UP ON ALL THREE PEOPLE. SOURCE STATED THIS IS DUE TO WANTING TO PLAY. LICKS HOUSEHOLD MEMBERS' FACES. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? Cats? N/A Dogs? BRIEFLY LIVED WITH ANOTHER DOG AND WOULD SOMETIMES GROWL AT THE OTHER DOG. NO FIGHTS OR INJURIES. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? N/A Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? N/A Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NONE OBSERVED BY SOURCE Is the animal house-trained? NO Is your pet potty trained? NO Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? NO Leash trained? WALKS ON LEASH WITH STRONG PULL Knows commands? STOP Where was this animal kept? IN BACKYARD, FREE ROAMING Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? LIKES TO CHEW ON WOOD IN THE YARD, CHEWED CUSHIONS ON YARD FURNITURE Last vaccinations / last vet visit? NONE How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH ENERGY. SOURCE STATED HE ALWAYS WANTS TO PLAY. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? NONE OBSERVED BY SOURCE What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? LOVES PLAYING IN WATER Any escapist behavior? BLOCK WALL AND WOOD FENCING, NO ESCAPE ATTEMPTS Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? BARKS AT PEOPLE THAT PASS BY THE YARD AT NIGHT WHEN DARK OUT. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/15/2026 Handler approached kennel back dog was in back for AM cleaning; Handler unlocked door and dog was still facing guillotine; Handler cast out leash twice and dog finally turned and faced handler; neutral body and tail wagging; Handler had to place leash mostly over head and maneuver around e collar; dog allowed leash adjustment; walked out with moderate pull to exit; ignored dogs in passing; exited building; would sniff and scoop e collar up ward; kicking up some rocks everytime; Once in yard handler secured leash stopper and dropped leash; Dog walked fence line sniffing; e collar would grace fence line or get caught; dog would stop in tracks; back up and change directions with every bump or tug on e collar; dog solicited pets and attention to handler attempted to jump up and grip on to handlers leg; handler would hold arm out and e collar would bump handlers arm restricting him to stay down; handler could feel dogs arms attempting to grip leg; Dog would stop after 2 try's and continued to walk yard; calm demeanor; slow strut around yard; walking fence line; would attention whine stood near exit; remained neutral with swift tail wagging entire evaluation; handler grabbed leash and dog walked back to kennel; showed interest in dogs in passing; stopped and sniffed disengaged; stopped didn't want to enter back of kennel; handler unlocked front; dog had strong pull handler directed into kennel and dog went right in; was able to unleash by hand; 10/8/2026 Dog was kenneled in back for AM cleaning, neutral body, low tail, stoic, softly whined, no interest in treats, jumped up on door with softly wagging tail as handler prepared leash, pushy at door as handler reached in, allowed easy leash placement, exited kennel, moderate pull outside, stopped to urinate, entered yard and began exploring with a neutral body, still tail at or below spine level. Dog would not approach handler when called, wandering yard and stopping to urinate/defecate multiple times. After a few minutes, dog approached with neutral body, low soft wag, allowed petting with ears back and lip licking, play bowed to diffuse tension, wandered away. Dog sniffing yard, stopped and looked toward barking dogs with still tail above spine, turned away and resumed sniffing ground. Handler walked over and sat on bench, dog came up to them and allowed further petting, jumped up with front paws on handlers lap, body neutral, gently wag, wide eyes and repeatedly lip licking. Handler would stop petting and dog would nudge them, allowing further petting, body softened, almond eyes, light panting, stayed on the handler's lap with wagging tail, whining, jumped off their lap then jumped up to mount their leg, handler promptly stood up and grabbed leash, used leash pressure to remove dog, dog would jump up a few times and try to mount again, handler held shortened leash out away from them to prevent further mounting, walked dog around and dog disengaged and began to sniff the yard. Handler walked to catch pen, dog whining again and jumped up to mount handler, firmly clasping paws around their legs, handler again using leash pressure, another staff member walking by called to dog from fence, dog eventually releasing grasp and exited yard, moderate pull, slight hesitation through doorways, followed handler back into kennel but tried to push out with firm pressure as handler reached in to remove leash. 10/7/2026 Dog was in back kennel on approach and came forward when handler called out. Dog came forward with slightly tense posture and head low with furrowed brow. Handler was able to drape leash over head and secure, brief hesitancy from dog but able to secure on first attempt. Once leash was secure handler opened gate, dog pulled strongly out of kennel. Dog walked with strong pull and hit the end of the leash several times. Once in PY dog immediately pulled handler to exterior fence line. Handler was able to adjust leash stopper and release dog. Assistant handler and lead handler sat on bench and allowed dog time to decompress before attempting to engage. Dog walked perimeter of fence line and marked. Dog defecated and allowed for handler to clean up without issue. Handler returned to bench and attempted to call dog over. Dog approached with neutral posture and sniffed shoe. Handler tried to offer treat, dog sniffed but did not eat. Handler tried to reach out and pet, dog moved away and returned to sniffing around. Dog later returned to handlers and began sniffing again with softer posture but again would not allow petting, dog moved away. After about 10 minutes, handler retrieved leash, dog loosened and was wiggly briefly while handler tried to retrieve leash but once leash was in hand dog returned to neutral posture. Handler walked dog back to kennel, dog was strongly pulling and hesitant to enter doorways. Handler attached clip leash without issue and entered ward. Dog was hesitant to enter kennel; handler stepped in and applied light leash pressure. Dog entered and handler stepped out and closed gate. Dog allowed leash removal using clip leash. 10/4/2026 Tense in posture at gate, sniffed handlers hand with low head carry and flat ears, body trembling. Turned away and retreated with handlers disengagement, began watching from back kennel through portal. Requesting full evaluation 10/2/2026 Nervous, walking low to ground to enter triage. Allowed to sniff and settle. Dog began to grab legs of handler and repeatedly try to mount handler. Very strong, could distract and pull away but dog continued to repeat the leg mounting. Vaccinated with moderate restraint. Walked to kennel, dog fearful and would stop frequently. Entered kennel and able to remove leash. Name: Yuki Animal ID: A5172575 Breed: WHITE/BROWN AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Neutered Age: 3Y 9M Weight: 72.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 194 Intake Date: 10/2/2026 Deadline Date: 10/21/2026