Phil

Phil 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 large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list and today is the last day, listed due to behavior. Adopting Phil, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/23/2026 10/23/26 15:50 Canine has shown consistent over-arousal resulting in near bites to handlers and is 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) 10/23/2026 Closed out for AM cleaning. Dog approached front of kennel; whale eyed; high tail wag; furrowed brow; tossed treats; ate treats off ground; tried to leash; head shy; tried leashing for a few moments; tried pushing out hard; as handler was trying to leash; dog jumped up trying to bite at leash near handler's hand; each time handler tried pulling leash out; dog would chase after it being pulled out & bit at leash pulling it back in; tossed treats; dog eventually noticed treats; able to pull leash out; scattered treats on floor; dog started to eat treats; tried to leash; dog would redirect leash onto leash biting at it and pulling it all the way to back of kennel; scattered several treats along the front of kennel; dog eventually let go of leash; started eating treats; handler was able to place leash over head; settled; exited; moderate pull. In yard, handler added an extended leash; dog explored; high tail wag; approached handler; walked away; continued to explore; handler offered treats; dog tried jumping up for treats; able to lure into sit; tossed treats; continued to approach & demonstrate sit for treats; handler walked around yard; dog continued to explore; dog would quickly approach handler; handler had arms and hands resting on the side; dog came from behind trying to grab at handler's hand; handler showed dog hands with open palms; dog sniffed; mouthed; walked away; handler walked over to yard gate; slowly picked leash up; dog turned head; side eyeing; slowly pulled stopper up; opened yard gate; able to add clip leash while dog exited yard. Walked back to kennel with moderate to hard pull; did not enter kennel; tossed several treats; dog eventually entered; removed leash with clip leash. 10/22/2026 Greeted handler at front of kennel with flagged tail wag, soft body, came forward to accept treats gently. Head shy with leash placement but pawing/pushing out of kennel door, able to place loop in front of dog and dog placed head thru loop. Strong pull to play yard, tail flagged, pulls to sniff dogs in passing, tense bodied but no reactivity noted. In yard dog would accept pets while placing leash stopper and began quickly pacing/exploring yard to go potty, would come to handler sitting on bench with high arousal, flagged tail wag, tense wiggly body, wiggly, began leaning into handlers leg for pets but quickly jumped up onto bench attempting to lick handlers face, some difficulty directing away due to dog continuing to push towards handler but settled once handler got up and started to walk around. Marked around yard, would approach handler when called over but kept distance unless handler sat down on bench, would come to handler to accept treats gently, knows \"SIT\", when treats were no longer presented dog would become mouthy and nip towards handlers hand, did not break skin, started to become aroused and jumping up onto handler attempting to lick handlers face, tossed treats to distract dog. Came to handler when called over to leave, became erratic towards play yard exit, jumping on kennel door with wagging flagged tail, made snarling noise when placing clip leash but settled once exiting yard. No issues on return, flagged tail and tense wiggly body when sniffing dogs in passing. Walked into kennel on own, used clip leash for leash retrieval. 10/21/2026 Requesting full evaluation based on intake notes. 10/19/2026 k9 is attention seeking but pulls ahard on leash. allowed all handling, scanning and loading on the truck. 10/19/2026 walks on leash, hard pull, solicits attention from handlers, wiggy body, hard wagging tail, not settling, jumpy with handlers, does not settle / focus with treats, interested in squeaker toy for brief periods of time, muzzle wrap for vaccines, able to settle and stood still for last half of vaccines, eager to interact with handlers, hard pull to kennel, interested in neighboring dogs, would approach kennel bars and sniff at dogs in kennel (tail up/ no hackles or ears raised, no barking, would walk away and sniff at next dog), walked into kennel, attempted to push past handler, leash removal by hand, Name: Phil Animal ID: A5173336 Breed: TAN/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Male Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 67.4 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing G - 230 Intake Date: 10/19/2026 Deadline Date: 10/28/2026