Sweet Pea

Sweet Pea is an adoptable female Pit Bull Terrier looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. She is fully grown and medium in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Sweet Pea, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Recommendations EXPERIENCED HANDLER GO SLOW FAMILY INTRODUCTION IN HOME TRAINING Memo 10/23/2026 10/23/26 14:56 Canine has a history of concerning behavior in previous home environments that may reoccur in future placements. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/28/26 to provide appropriate behavior management and post-adoption support. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/29/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/21/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE STATED IT IS DUE TO SEVERAL OCCASIONS OF AGGRESSION AND DESTRUCTION AND BEHAVIORAL ISSUES. How long have you had your pet? 4 MONTHS Where did you get this animal from? MCACC-EAST Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES 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? YES, SOURCE STATED THAT 3 WEEKS AGO THIS PET BIT A 16 YEAR OLD CAUSING TWO PUNCTURES. MEDICAL TREATMENT WAS NOT NEEDED AND THEY WERE ABLE TO APPLY FIRST AID AT HOME. NO BITE REPORT WAS MADE PER SOURCE. CHILD WAS REMOVING THIS DOG FROM A BED WHEN IT OCCURED. Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? YES, SOURCE DESCRIBED THAT TODAY THIS DOG LUNGED AT A 4 YEAR OLD IN THE HOME. Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? NO Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? NO Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? YES BOTH. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? SOURCE STATED THAT THEIR EXPERIENCE SHOWS THAT THIS PET IS NOT GOOD AROUND CHILDREN OF ANY AGE. Please describe behavior around children? PLEASE SEE STATEMENTS ABOVE. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? SOURCE STATED THIS DOG LUNGES AND BARKS AT OTHER DOGS. Cats? Dogs? 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? THAT THERE IS FOOD AGGRESSION. Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? SOURCE STATED YES BUT ALSO SAID THIS DOG HAS BROKEN OUT OF 3 CRATES. Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT Where was this animal kept? INSIDE AND AWAY FROM THE KIDS. HAS ACCESS TO YARD. Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? SOURCE REPORTED THIS DOG CHEWED 2 COUCHES THAT HAD TO BE REPLACE. Last vaccinations / last vet visit? ON FILE How would you describe your pet's energy level? MEDIUM TO HIGH Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? STUFFED TOYS WITH SQUEAKERS Any escapist behavior? YES FROM CRATES Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE ADDED THATTHIS DOG IS GREAT WITH ADULTS, BUT A SLOW AND STEADY APPROACH IS BEST. AVOID OVERWHELMING. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/23/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was inside for AM cleaning; Handler spoke softly; Dog had ears pinned down; tail tucked; hunkered lower to ground; soft stare; timid; unsure of approaching handler; Handler spoke softly and dog came forward with ease; handler pet dog for a few seconds before opening up kennel door; Handler held leash in opening and dog came forward with ease; some push through; allowed easy leashing; dog walked with neutral body; tail tucked as we exited building; loose leash pull; ignored dogs in passing; some hesitancy arriving at yard and walking through catch pen; Once in catch pen handler was able to secure stopper with no issue; Handler did light petting along back and dog seemed unphased; handler dropped leash and allowed dog to roam; Dog was walking around relaxed with tail wagging; swaying; ears pinned entire time; would shortly later urinate in yard; sniffing and kicks up rocks after urinating; calm demeanor; didn't jump on handler at all; well mannered; Dog did come up and solicit pets and attention with and without coaxing; dog allowed petting and handling all over with tail wagging; Handler would pet dog all over and dog did stand up with front twos on bench; leaned into petting then got down on her own; low energy; curious and just sniffed around for remainder of time; Another handler was in passing of yard with cart; dog was a little wary of the noise but recovered quickly; dog was interested in treats; took gently; When time to go dog walked to catch pen with handler; allowed leash adjustment and exited yard; walked with same mild to loose leash pull; entered building unsure; timid; but recovers quickly; continued to walk at good pace; at kennel front some hesitancy; stops; and sits in place; handler speaks softly knelt down and coaxed over; dog followed into kennel; unleashed by hand; jackpot of treats to end on positive interaction; tossed treats outside to clean in front; 10/23/26 14:55 Updating color due to NHO status. 10/21/2026 Avoiding handler, owner had to walk her to triage and place on scale. No vaccines given today. Took hot dogs from handler, but did not allow petting. Walked to kennel, some stop and go in reaction to barking dogs. Orange due to reports of aggression in the home. 6/6/2026 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, seemed interested, but not reactive when seeing other dogs on walk. Walked along side the whole time. 5/31/2026 Easily startled, Stiff body, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Timid, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, sweet, treat motivated, shy 5/30/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm 5/26/2026 Easily startled, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Timid, Dog timid especially with male walker. In play yard dog was apprehensive. 5/22/2026 K9 was easy to remove from kennel and leash. K9 had a loose/leash walk to play yard. Once in the play yard K9 sniffed around. K9 first approached handler and allowed to be pet. Handler gave female potential adopter the leash and K9 at first was hesistant to walk around yard but after a few moments of coaxign K9 walked with female potential adopter. The same hand off went to male potential adopter and K9 was a bit more hesistant to walk but was able to be coaxed for a short while. K9 allowed potential adopters to pet for a short while and accepted some treats. K9 allowed handler to walk back to kennel and had an easy leash removal. 5/20/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Timid, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels 5/10/2026 easy to leash and remove from kennel; walked calmly all the way out of store. did not seem interested in walking so just sniffed around in the shade. 5/8/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Calm, Very calm. Wonderful walker on leash. Amazing dog. 5/2/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Timid, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Easy to pull & walk. Stayed right by my side. Allowed all petting, sought attention with a wagging tail but is timid as well. Easy to return. 4/26/2026 Stiff body, Avoidant, Difficult to pull from kennel, Not interested in treats, Dog was sitting outside for morning cleaning would not come forward. 4/24/2026 On approach, dog was standing in back half of kennel, facing away. Handler called to dog, dog turned, came towards divider, face softening. Hesitated briefly, then stepped inside with light coaxing. Came to front of kennel, wagging tail. Took treats. Easy to leash. Calmly exited kennel. Appeared interested in other dogs while passing, leaning towards them, wagging tail, slight tense body. Hackles raised when passing reactive dogs, but did not attempt to engage and was easy to direct onward. In yard, dog had soft face and body, wagging tail. Came to handler and allowed all petting. Took treats gently but not very interested in them. Easily startled by sudden movements, settled quickly. Watched people pass outside of yard, ears forward. No issues on return. Hesitated to enter kennel, followed inside when handler stepped in. Handler stepped out, removed leash by hand. *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.* 4/23/2026 Dog was sitting in middle of kennel, whale eyed handler and backed away. Slowly approached front of kennel when handler crouched down, furrowed brow and tucked tail. Did not take treats, moved to the back of the kennel, then approached again with a low, quick wagging tail and sniffed the handler. Requesting full evaluation due to kennel presence. 4/21/2026 walks on leash, light restraint for vaccines, allows all dog handling, tail wagging, solicits attention Name: Sweet Pea Animal ID: A5163404 Breed: BROWN/BLACK AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Spayed Age: 3Y 6M Weight: 39.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing B - 165 Intake Date: 10/21/2026 Deadline Date: 10/28/2026