Topo

Topo 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 Topo, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/22/2026 10/22/26 12:50 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 10/27/26 to allow for behavioral support and assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/28/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/8/2026 What is the reason for surrender? PER SOURCE THIS PET IS NOT COMPATIBLE WITH THEIR SENIOR DOG. THE SOURCE HAS TODDLERS AND THEY ARE CONCERNED OVER THE PET'S TENDENCY TO RESOURCE GUARD. How long have you had your pet? 5 YEARS Where did you get this animal from? SOCIAL MEDIA 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? Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? YES 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 THATTHIS PET IS TYPICALLY TOLERANT OF THEIR 2 AND 3 YEAR OLDS, HOWEVER IF THE KIDS APPROACH TOO ABRUPTLY OR QUICKLY THE DOG WILL GROWL IN A WARNING, BUT HAS NEVER ATTEMPTED TO LUNGE OR BITE. WITH OLDER KIDS THIS DOG IS MUCH FRIENDLIER. SOURCE RECOMMENDS CHILDREN OVER AGE 12. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS AND THIS PET IS GREAT WITH ADULTS AND OLDER KIDS. THE DOG LOVES TO PLAY AND SEEK ATTENTION. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? NORMALLY PLAYFUL AND FRIENDLY. Cats? UNKNOWN Dogs? SOURCE STATED THAT THEY HAVE A SENIOR DOMINANT DOG WHO ON OCCASSION WILL STALK AND STARE DOWN THIS DOG. IF THIS DOG NOTICES, HE WILL REACT AND THEN AN ALTERCATION ENSUES. SOURCE ADDED THAT THIS DOG DOES NOT INSTIGATE BUT WILL REACT WHEN CHALLENGED. 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? SOURCE SAID NO, BUT THEY DO SEPARATE THE DOGS DURING MEALTIME. THE DOG HAS ONLY GUARDED HIS SPACE WHEN THE CHILDREN APPROACH SUDDENLY WHILE THIS DOG IS RESTING. Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? YES Crate trained? NO, SOURCE SAID THIS DOG ESCAPES CRATES AND IS A \"HOUDINI\". Leash trained? YES, BUT PULLS WHEN ANOTHER DOG IS AROUND. Knows commands? SIT (HAND UPWARD), DOWN (POINT WITH FINGER), LET'S GO Where was this animal kept? INSIDE AND OUTSIDE Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NO Last vaccinations / last vet visit? UNKNOWN How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? VACUUMS What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? BALL OBSESSED PER SOURCE, SWIMMING, TUG-O-WAR, FETCH, WRESTLE Any escapist behavior? SOURCE STATE THIS DOG CAN ESCAPE, BUT DOESN'T. THEY HAVE A 6' BLOCK WALL AND THIS DOG CAN JUMP VERY HIGH BUT DOESN'T NOT LEAVE. Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE REITERATED THIS DOG NEEDS TO HAVE AT LEAST A 6' FOOT FENCE TO MAINTAIN SAFETY OR THIS PET WILL WANDER THEN RETURN. THE DOG IS ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL, LOYAL, AND LOVING, BUT WOULD BE GREAT IN A HOME WITHOUT YOUNG CHILDREN OR DOGS. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/21/2026 Handler approached kennel front, dog was closed mouth panting with dilated pupils, standing up with front paws on gate. Handler was able to drape leash overhead and secure without issue. Once leash was secure handler guided dog out to PY, dog pulled very strongly. Handler released dog once in PY, dog sniffed around and handler sat on bench. Dog urinated and then approached handler. Handler pet dog, dog solicited and then attempted to jump up towards handler's face. Handler was able to stop dog with hand on dog's chest and guide off. Dog then walked away and returned. Handler tried consent check-ins and dog allowed petting with short breaks where he would again solicit by rubbing on handler's leg, dog again jumped at handler's face. When handler went to guide dog off, dog briefly mouthed at handler's arm. Handler picked up leash and walked dog around yard, dog continued to glance up at handler with dilated pupils and lip licking. Dog defecated, handler did not clean up immediately due to dog jumping up at handler previously. Handler continued to walk dog around and attempt to deescalate. Dog appears to be easily over aroused. Handler guided dog back to kennel after about 5-10 minutes. Dog entered kennel without issue, when handler reached to remove leash dog's pupils again dilated and dog began lip licking intensely. Handler used leash removal tool and was able to guide dog onto gate. Handler was able to guide leash off, but dog began chewing on leash as handler was removing. Handler knocked on kennel gate and dog released, handler was able to retrieve leash. Handler secured gate and then left small jackpot in kennel and left. 10/20/2026 During AM rounds canine was observed to be excessivley panting, trembling, and not able to settle in kennel. 10/11/2026 Dog was kenneled outside for AM cleaning, laying down, panting, handler tossed treats but dog showed no interest, did not move as handler opened door, lip licked as they held out leash but tolerated leash draped over head and walked out of kennel, strong pull to yard, dog immediately stopped to urinate for prolonged time, likely potty trained, dog defecated, following handler as they cleaned, neutral body and softly wagging tail, allowed petting. Handler sat on bench and dog jumped up and sat on bench next to them, standing on their lap and attempting to lick handlers face, allowed all petting, soft body, eventually jumped down and explored yard. Handler picked up a ball, dog excitedly chased after it, would return to handler and drop it in front of them. Played fetch for a few minutes, dog dropped ball for handler every time without prompting, could be lured into \"sit\" with toy but showed no interest in treats. Watched a dog walk by yard, remained neutral, reengaged with handler once dog walked away. Handler picked up leash, walked dog out of yard, strong pull again, hesitated to enter kennel but then walked in with no issues, tried to step out but handler blocked with door, removed leash by hand, dog stayed neutral, lightly panting. Dog has demonstrated escape-oriented behaviors in previous care and should be supervised at all times when around open doors to home, yard gates etc. \"Older Children 12+\" requirement due to history of guarding space in previous home. 10/9/2026 Dog was laying at front of kennel, tense, dilated pupils, shaking, panting with v shape commissure. No response to handler or treats, requesting full evaluation 10/8/2026 Didn't engage much in room with handler. Upset and pacing, listening at door once his owners left. Focused on door, able to vaccinate with minimal restraint as he was so distracted. Very strong. Pulls hard on leash when walking to kennel. Pulled somewhat toward barking dogs but no fence fighting. Able to remove leash without issue. Name: Topo Animal ID: A5172868 Breed: BRINDLE/BROWN AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Neutered Age: 5Y 3M Weight: 70.5 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing C - 257 Intake Date: 10/8/2026 Deadline Date: 10/27/2026