Lucky

Lucky is an adoptable male Labrador Retriever 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 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Lucky, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/22/2026 10/22/26 12:37 Canine has displayed escape-seeking and flight risk behaviors in a previous environment, with potential for recurrence. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/27/26 to ensure secure management and provide an opportunity for behavioral support. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/28/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/22/2026 Handlers approached kennel front, dog was laying down and quickly got up and displayed tense rounded posture with pilo. Handler began offering treats and lowered guillotine to lock dog forward. Dog began pacing around walls of kennel. Handler was able to lure dog forward with treats. Handler attempted leashing and would offer treats between attempts. Dog was avoidant of leash and would duck under casting attempts. Handler switched to longer leash and was able to reach dog when in back of kennel. Handler was able to secure leash after about 3 minutes of attempts. Handler secured leash and walked dog out to nearest PY. Once in PY handler was able to adjust leash stopper and release dog. Dog surveyed PY, marked and defecated. Dog spent majority of outing marking the perimeter of the yard. Dog briefly approached handlers and sniffed but showed no further prosocial behaviors. When another staff member passed by with a dog, dog approached fence line with tense posture, handler retrieved leash and held dog back a few inches as other dog passed by yard. Handler then released dog and dog returned to sniffing and marking yard. Dogs posture as tense with flagged tail. After some time, handlers retrieved leash, dog would tense up further when \"distraction\" noises were made in attempt to direct him (Whistles and high-pitched noises). Handler was able to attach clip leash without issue and walk back to kennel. Dog was hesitant to enter kennel but did so after a few hotdogs were tossed in. Dog pulled moderately and allowed leash removal using clip leash. 10/18/2026 this dog was signed over by an owner in the field. Previous owner states she is to old to care for a high energy unaltered male dog. the dog can not be confined on the property and jumps over the 4 foot fence and runs at large. she states the dog plays rough and her grand kids have been scratched and one was bit while the dog was playing. she states there is some resource guarding with bones and meat but is otherwise fine with humans. when the dog was at large I had to use a net to catch it but it was just avoidant and did not show any sign of aggression to me at the time. I handled the dog with no issues while in my truck kennel. 10/18/2026 Came in on leash, neutral body, allowed all handling and pets, vaccinated using little to no restraint, did not solicit attention, walked to kennel on leash, became tense when passing kennels, walked into kennel, leash removal by hand. Placing orange for full eval. Name: Lucky Animal ID: A5173298 Breed: BROWN/BROWN LABRADOR RETR Sex: Male Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 50.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing C - 237 Intake Date: 10/18/2026 LUCKY Deadline Date: 10/27/2026