Pacman

Pacman is an adoptable male Bullmastiff 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 Pacman, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/23/2026 10/23/26 15:24 Canine has shown increasing over-arousal resulting in a near bite to staff and is becoming difficult to manage safely while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/28/26 to allow for behavioral support and assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/29/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/22/2026 Dog was at front of kennel, soft face, panting, wagging tail. Accepted treats through gate, jumped up, able to be directed back down with treats. Easy to leash. Dog exited kennel, jumped up once towards handler, handler used leash guidance to lead dog to door. Once outside, dog would bounce up and down, occasionally towards handler. Handler used straight-arm on leash until dog settled. Walked with moderate pull to play yard. Dog appeared interested in dogs outside of yard- displayed stiff tail, perked ears, forward posture. Handler kept hold of leash. Dog would dart towards barking dogs, then turn towards handler and begin jumping up. Ate treats when tossed. Difficult to keep dog's attention. Handler walked dog to back path instead of yard. Once away from shelter, dog walked better on leash, loose leash, settling. Took treats from hand. Allowed petting but was flinchy on initial contact. Jumped up a few times, able to be directed away. Handler was holding clip lead in hand; dog jumped and snapped at clip lead, possibly thinking clip was treat, mouth made contact with hand but no marks or broken skin. Handler tossed treats on ground, placed clip lead. Dog walked loose leash back to shelter. Once inside kennel building, dog began fence fighting with multiple dogs, regardless of other dog's behavior. Handler used straight-arm, guided dog into kennel without issue. Removed leash via clip lead as precaution. 10/21/2026 Dog approached handler with wiggly body and wagging tail, took treats. Easy to leash, repeatedly bounced up and down on the way to yard but no attempts to jump on handler. Leapt around yard, approached with wiggly body and wagging tail, allowed pets, panting heavily, not interested in toys, took treats gently, difficult to hold dog's attention, more focused on surroundings. Approached fence as another dog walked by, tense body and high wagging tail, remained at fence focused on other dog, unable to redirect away verbally or with treats. Handler approached, dog began bouncing up and down, began nipping at handler's arm and pulling at sleeve while handler pet, settled and allowed handler to pick up leash, hard pull back to kennel, began fence fighting with neighbor, baring teeth and muzzle punching, used firm leash guidance to redirect away, dog entered kennel and allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 10/17/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Very sweet boy, ran up for pets from a field officer outside. Wiggly with puppy energy. Easy on walk, bouncy and happy. 10/8/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Once leashed and pulled, dog pounced and jumped around. In yard, dog play bowed at handler, took treats gently, continued to be bouncy, puppy-like and playful. Approached dog at fence, no negative reaction. 10/6/2026 Soft and wiggly, took treat gently. Easy to leash and pull from kennel, slight pull coming out of kennel. Dog walked in a zig-zag pattern to new kennel building, but easy to redirect. Went right into new kennel and able to unleash by hand. 9/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Playful guy who has puppy energy! Very treat motivated 9/22/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 9/21/2026 Day 1 of dog not eating 9/17/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Soft body, tail wagging, friendly, affectionate, food motivated, easy going, good boy. 9/8/2026 Wiggly body and wagging tail, front paws on door soliciting attention, took treats. Placing up for adoption as intake color \"purple\" based on notes and kennel presence. *Potential adopters should be counseled on slow introductions and proper decompression time to allow dog to adjust to new home. 9/6/2026 k9 was atteniotn seeking, sllowed all handling, scanning and loading on the truck. 9/6/2026 walks on leash, allows all petting, allows all handling, socialable with male and female handlers on ramp, muzzle wrap for vaccines, soliciting attention, pulls on leash / zig zagging, kenneled / leash removal by hand Name: Pacman Animal ID: A5171207 Breed: BLACK/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 51.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing C - 077 Intake Date: 9/6/2026 Deadline Date: 10/28/2026