Hickory

Hickory is an adoptable male Cattle Dog looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is still very young and small in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list and today is the last day, listed due to behavior. Adopting Hickory, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/23/2026 10/23/26 14:09 Canine is presenting with under-socialized behavior and limited engagement. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 10/28/26 to provide structured support and prevent potential progression of these behaviors. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/29/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/16/2026 10/16/26 10:43 HMartinez Came in together: A5173207, A5173208, A5173210, and A5173211 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/23/2026 Required to be picked up and applied bear hug restraint when administering injection. k9 urinated a small amount when being handled. Once ad 10/21/2026 Dog was lying down curled against kennel mate on kuranda bed. Slowly opened kennel divider & took one step into kennel, both dogs would retreat through kennel divider. Handler stepped out of kennel & closed kennel door while assistant handler was attempting coax one of the dogs forward, both dogs would retreat through divider again. Handler slowly opened kennel & presented leash, able to close divider once kennel mate was in back half of kennel. This dog would quickly retreat to kuranda bed again. Would not come forward for treats or verbal coaxing. Able to step into kennel & dog would start to pace around handler, handler was able to secure leash placement once dog would stop pacing. Dog would lay back down on kuranda bed curling body tightly. Handler lightly touched back end of dog, dog would quickly stand up & retreat into behavior taxi. Would ride to small PY while having a stiff body & tucked under tail. Once in small PY, dog would quickly exit out of behavior taxi & retreat to corner of PY. Would lay down while avoiding all eye contact, keeping nose to ground. Would have ears alternating from being pinned to flattened. Was not interested in treats & would do intense skin crawling when touched by handler. Handler picked up leash without issues, dog would quickly retreat back into behavior taxi on own while trembling body with tail tightly tucked under & ears pinned back. Rode back to kennel then quickly entered into kennel, would retreat to kuranda bed & curl body while trembling. No issues on leash removal by hand. 10/20/2026 On outer portion with kennel mate due to AM cleaning. Curled up in back corner with kennel mate; whale eyed; handler opened divider; both dogs crossed through the divider; handler slowly opened kennel door; kennel mate shifted outside; closed divider to separate from kennel mate; dog moved into corner; curled up; avoiding eye contact; tossed treats; not interested; handler slowly stepped into kennel; started to circle/ paced in place; able to leash; dog picked up a treat off ground; spit it out; cowered into corner; slowly pet; dog started moving away; attempted to pick up; dog walked out of kennel; handler had hands on back; guiding into taxi; walked straight into taxi; rode well; standing on hind legs; ears back; whale eyed. In yard, dog exited taxi; walked over to corner of yard; curled up in corner with kennel mate; assistant handler approach; kennel mate moved out the corner; dog remained curled up in corner; ears back; whale eyed; avoiding eye contact; did not move from corner for entire time; watched kennel mate move around the yard. Handler slowly approached; dog remained in corner; did not move; whale eyed; closed mouth; placed taxi right at front; dog walked past taxi into catch pen; handler brought taxi into catch pen; dog circled around taxi; positioned taxi to block off one side; attempted to pick up; dog scurried into behavior taxi; rode well back to kennel; curled up at bottom of taxi; exited taxi; entered kennel; cowered into corner; allowed brief petting; skin crawled; slowly removed leash. 10/19/2026 Dog did not eat dry kibble offered previous day. Will be adding 2 TBS of canned food during PM feeding. 10/16/2026 Avoidant of people, but food motivated. Used trap. Used catch pole to transfer K9 into truck kennel. Avoids eye contact with ACO 10/16/2026 Carried onto ramp with blanket restraint, stiff body, whale eyed, baring teeth. Vaccinated with catch pole restraint Name: Hickory Animal ID: A5173211 Breed: BLUE TICK/TRICOLOR AUST CATTLE DOG/MIX Sex: Male Age: 0Y 6M Weight: 15.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing G - 203 Intake Date: 10/16/2026 Deadline Date: 10/28/2026