Pumpkin

Pumpkin is an adoptable female German Shepherd looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is fully grown and large in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Pumpkin, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Requirements OLDER CHILDREN 12+ Recommendations FAMILY INTRODUCTION LEASH WORK IN HOME TRAINING EXPERIENCED HANDLER Memo 10/23/2026 10/23/26 15:16 This canine is a high-drive working breed who requires an experienced, breed-savvy handler able to provide appropriate structure, training, and daily outlets for both physical and mental energy. Without sufficient engagement and purposeful activity, this dog becomes overstimulated and experiences escalating stress. Currently, the dog is showing signs of significant anxiety and frustration when confined, which is consistent with a working-breed dog whose needs for movement, choice, and enrichment are not being met. Without timely intervention and a suitable placement, the dog’s mental and emotional well-being is expected to continue to decline. Immediate placement is needed with an experienced adopter or New Hope Partner who can provide decompression time, structured training, and appropriate outlets in a calm, supportive home. Placement needed by close of business 10/28/26. May be at risk of euthanasia 10/29/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 8/31/2026 The following dogs were found together A5170863 A5170864 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/23/2026 Dog was standing at kennel door, alert, panting, whining, ignored treats. Easy to leash, hard pull to yard, ignored kenneled dogs, whining and vocal, zigzagged, when walking out front to lower play yards dog began pulling and alarm barking towards nearby staff, used firm leash pressure to redirect away, continued to vocalize and whine while walking down steps. Dog paced around yard, panting heavily, would approach handler and jump up, eyes wide, continued to whine and vocalize, offered toys and treats but dog showed no interest, continued pacing yard, scanning the top of fence, would approach handler briefly when called and allow petting all over, difficult to keep dog's attention. Hard pull back to kennel, zigzagged, easy return, dog began jumping and pawing against door, wouldn't settle, while removing leash dog began grabbing at leash and mouthing hand. 10/23/2026 (Evaluated as mock meet-and-greet.) Dog was at front of kennel, wagging tail. Began whining as handler opened gate, pushed snout against gate but allowed easy leash placement. Exited quickly, strong pull to door, no attempts to engage with neighboring dogs. Walked with strong pull once outside, whining, vocalizing. Walked to lower yard where second handler was seated. Dog briefly alarm barked towards second handler, pulled into yard. Dog softened once in yard, walked on leash to second handler, sniffed, wagged tail. Dog began jumping up against second handler, first handler kept hold of leash, directed dog away. Once dog appeared to settle, handler dropped leash. Dog whined, sniffed around yard, returned to handlers and would lean in for petting, then attempt to jump up again. Second handler stood, both handlers walked around yard. Dog followed, jumped up while whining, able to be directed down. Dog allowed all petting, appeared more settled when being actively engaged. Demonstrated \"sit\" command, took treats gently. When not being engaged, dog would pace perimeter of yard while whining, looking up at top of fence. Returned to handlers when called. Very strong pull on return; whined and barked at another dog a few yards ahead, able to be directed away. Entered kennel building with handler, did not attempt to engage with neighboring dogs. Entered kennel when directed. Leash loosened with clip lead, fully removed by hand. *Adopters should be counseled on managing anxiety in the home and should receive guidance on safe-containment practices, including having tall & secure fencing, and supervising dog while outside.* *Dog should not be introduced to any other pets until end of 14-day decompression period. Potential adopters should be counseled on proper dog introductions, which must be slow and supervised. This approach is essential for the safety, comfort, and well-being of all pets involved.* 10/22/2026 Standing at front of kennel; relaxed; took treats gently through kennel; allowed for easy leashing; exited; moderate pull; began whining/vocalizing on the way to lower yard; turned around due to lower yards being occupied; walked dog to small yard (only yard available); moderate to hard pull; continued to whine/vocalize; placed front paws against white barrier to greet handler; continued walking. In yard, dog explored; sniffing nose to ground; tossed treats; not interested; started to pace; whining; jumped on handler; redirected off; dog jumped back on handler; whining; paced; panting; paced even more when staff was walking past; settled for a moment when surroundings were clear; would jump up on bench; looking to neighboring yard where a meet and greet was being held; dog settled when handler started to pet; if handler stopped petting; dog would start to pace and vocalize; demand barking when staff walked past with a dog. Picked leash up; exited; moderate pull; entered kennel; allowed leash removal. 10/21/2026 Dog was at front of kennel, panting, demand barking, pawing at gate. Accepted treats, settled, whined, allowed leash placement. Walked with strong pull, zig-zag. When handler stopped to open gates, dog would turn and jump against handler, whining, able to be directed down with leash guidance. Took dog to lower yard with high fence. Dog pulled hard to yard, vocal, panting. Paced around yard, relieved self, ran to handler, jumped up, lightly mouthed arm once but was able to be directed away. Handler would speak gently, pet dog. Dog sat at handler's feet, whining. Accepted treats gently. Dog jumped up onto chairs and dog-walk, appeared more settled when on higher ground. Allowed all petting, continued to whine, took treats. Second handler approached yard, tossed toys over fence. Dog had little interest in toys, appeared more interested in second handler. Dog paced, whined, barked until second handler was out of sight. First handler walked dog out of yard. Dog had strong pull, attempting to run on leash. Zig-zag, needing strong hold on leash. Attempted to fence fight with reactive dogs; handler used straight-arm on leash to guide dog away. Dog stepped into kennel easily. Handler was able to remove leash by hand once dog had settled. 10/15/2026 *Recommend taking to lower play yard. Dog was lying against kennel door, calm, neutral, stood with soft body and wagging tail when presented with leash, took treats. Easy to leash, hard pull to yard, zigzagged, ignored kenneled dogs in passing. Affiliative with handler, soft body and wagging tail, allowed petting all over, sat for treats, took gently. Over time dog appeared to grow anxious, pacing yard and whining, jumped on bench, became tense and alarm barked as staff walked by with other dog, settled once out of sight, continued to pace and whine, returned to handler when coaxed, remained soft with wagging tail, able to pick up leash, hard pull back to kennel, briefly fence fought when entering building, easy to redirect away, entered kennel and allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 10/14/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Can jump high, zigzag walking, greets staff, some whining but really enjoys pets, good on balance beam out front, sweet girl. 10/4/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Very sweet but somewhat anxious. Lots of nervous whining in PY but calmed when I pet her. Easy to pull from kennel. Slight hesitation on return but followed me in and stayed. 9/27/2026 Dog approached handler at kennel with soft body language. Easy to leash and exited kennel, nonreactive to neighboring dogs. Pulled moderately on leash to the yard. Once in yard, dropped leash and dog sniffed around yard, solicited attention and pets from handler, and sat for treats. Took treats gently. Some anxious whining. Was not interested in toys. Walked back to kennel, returned and retreived leash with no issue. 9/26/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy 9/15/2026 Dog did not eat day 2. 9/14/2026 K9 did not eat. Day 1. 9/12/2026 dog did not eat any kibble, chicken and rice on top, or hot dogs. Dog was also observed coughing. 9/11/2026 Did well with a light muzzle wrap restraint to adminstered SQ injection. 9/10/2026 Dog did not eat day 1. Barking at kennel door. 9/3/2026 Soft neutral body standing at front of kennel, subtle tucked wagging tail as handler interacted with dog, gently accepted treat. Easy leash placement at front of kennel, more wiggly body, exited with some pulling, zig zag walking pattern, loose tail wag and body all the way to play yard, not interested in dogs in passing. Once in yard dog would immediately begin soliciting attentions with handler with wiggly soft body and wagging tail, some light whining when jumping up towards handler but easy to direct off, accepting of pets all over. Not interested in activities outside of yard, some play bows and playful energy towards handler. Jumped up onto bench to sit next to handler allowing pets all over. Stayed close to handler all of evaluation soliciting attentions. Strong pull back to kennel but settles to more moderate leash pull, walked into kennel on own and allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 9/2/2026 Alarm barking with tense body, tucked wagging tail, did not settle from barking all while making little eye contact with handler, no interest in treats offered. Needs full evaluation. 8/31/2026 dog was soft body, allowed petting, walked on leash, allowed to scan without issues, 8/31/2026 walks on leash, nervous around handlers, allows all handling and petting, weary of surroundings, moderate restraint - muzzle wrap for vaccines Name: Pumpkin Animal ID: A5170863 Breed: TAN/BLACK GERM SHEPHERD Sex: Spayed Age: 4Y 0M Weight: 61.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing B - 031 Intake Date: 8/31/2026 Deadline Date: 10/28/2026