Churro

Churro is an adoptable male Labrador Retriever looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, 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 Churro, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/20/2026 10/20/26 17:37 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for handling and other concerning behaviors during their time in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 10/25/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/26/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/18/2026 Slowly leaned into kennel while dog would be lying down on kuranda bed, trembling body with whale eyes & ears flattened. Able to slowly drape a large loop leash onto dog. Dog would retreat to kennel gate. Used kuranda bed as a sort board to help guide dog into behavior taxi. Rode well to new kennel while sitting up & trembling body. Entered into new kennel & would lay down on kuranda bed. Able to gently pet on head while offering treats, not interested in treats. Able to step out of kennel & removed leash with use of pre-attached clip leash as dog would not come forward with verbal coaxing or treats. 10/16/2026 Curled up on bed; verbally coaxed; tossed treats; not interested; whale eyed; tense body; opened kennel door; remained curled up; tried placing leash over; no reaction; slowly lifted bed; dog started to rise; able to fully place leash over head; leashed; dog stood in back of kennel; used bed as sort board to guide out of kennel; dog walked right into behavior taxi; rode well; curled up in taxi; ears back; whale eyed; tense. In meet & greet room, dog remained in taxi; not interested in treats; stood in taxi; ears back; tail tightly tucked; dilated pupils; tense body; looked around room; dog remained in taxi entire time. After a few moments, handler slowly approached side of taxi; dog watched handler; offered treats by hand; side eyed; not interested; handler crouched by taxi; slowly reached out hand; tolerated slow head petting; lowered head; remained tense; dilated pupils; tail tucked. Picked leash up; placed taxi up right; dog curled up in taxi; rode well back; allowed handler to add clip leash; would not exit taxi; handler stepped into kennel; used light leash guidance; dog placed a foot forward; backed up further into taxi; allowed handler to muzzle wrap; briefly picked up; placed in kennel; removed leash with clip leash. 10/15/2026 Dog was lying in bed, frozen, eyes wide and shifty, unable to coax forward with verbal coaxing or treats, ignored treats tossed on bed. Gave no reaction when handler reached in and placed leash, unable to coax out of kennel, handler positioned taxi and stepped in kennel, slowly tipped bed, dog scurried to front of kennel, ears pinned, tail tightly tucked, wide eyed, able to use bed as sort board to gently guide into taxi, rode well to small yard. Dog remained frozen in taxi, unable to coax out verbally or with treats, dog was tense and trembling, eyes wide, scanning surroundings, after a moment handler picked up leash and attempted to gently guide dog out of taxi, dog resisted. Handler tipped taxi upright, dog flinched and skin crawled when handler lightly pet, rode well back to kennel, dog entered kennel with mild leash guidance, cowered in back corner, used clip leash. 10/12/2026 K9 GROWLED WHEN FINDER BROUGHT HIM OUT, K9 CONTINUED TO BARK AT OFFICER, FINDER WAS ABLE TO LOAD K9 ON THR TRUCK. K9 CONTINUED TO GROWL AT OFFICER WHILE GETTING PIC. 10/12/2026 does not walk on leash - c.d. used, heavy restraint used for vaccines, skin crawling, does not allow handling or petting, wide-eyed, tense, direct stare, tail tucking, lip licking Name: Churro Animal ID: A5173014 Breed: BROWN/WHITE LABRADOR RETR/MIX Sex: Male Age: 1Y 0M Weight: 32.6 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing D - 081 Intake Date: 10/12/2026 Deadline Date: 10/25/2026