Almondo

Almondo is an adoptable male Siberian Husky looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is fully grown and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Almondo, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Recommendations FAMILY INTRODUCTION GO SLOW IN HOME TRAINING OLDER CHILDREN Memo 10/27/2026 10/27/26 15:09 This dog has demonstrated a persistent, recurring pattern of fluctuating in-kennel stress and anxiety, ranging from moderate to significant, over an extended period of time. These behaviors are often a response to the overwhelming sights, sounds, and confinement, along with the lack of choice or control over their environment. Although this dog continues to show appropriate behavior outside of the kennel with positive interactions with staff and volunteers, without intervention, well-being will continue to decline. Immediate placement is needed with an experienced adopter or New Hope Partner who can provide time and space to decompress in a calm, supportive home. Placement needed by close of business 11/1/26. May be at risk of euthanasia 11/2/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/27/2026 High Energy / Excited, Mild Challenges, Reactive toward other dogs, Took on walkpath, Moderate pull on leash, Strong Pull, Stop and Go, Reactive when seeing dogs, High energy, Benefited from active engagement, Social / Affiliative, Affectionate towards handler, Accepted pets, Easy to redirect, Mild hesitation, Took treats gently, Not interested in toys, Had zoomies, Demonstrated sit 10/22/2026 Easy to pull and return to kennel, Somewhat pulls on leash, Sits, Shakes, Takes treats nicely, Briefly played with toys, Avoidant, Head shy, Would allow slow pets but did not solicit them 10/20/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Sit, jumpy at pull leashed overhead moderate pull on walk, playful in yard. solicts attention allows all handling, easy unleash by hand and return sweet boy 10/14/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Sit, easy to pull, took Almondo on walk, on walk light pull to start, enjoyed the smells on the walk, saw other dogs on walk and seemed interested and wanting to play, took Almondo to yard, in yard he smelled around and allowed handler to brush and pet him, easy return 10/10/2026 , Hoper Whispers 10/7/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Shake 10/4/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, ALMONDO: Leashed w/4 on the floor. Strong pull throughout walk, sniffed everything. Allowed all petting, but did not solicit attention. Took treats gently. Walked right back into kennel; easy leash retrieval by hand. 9/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 9/27/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Almondo knows sit, down, shake and roll over. He walked perfectly in a harness leash and I could have used a regular leash no problem. Almondo loves to sniff and explore but also will absorb pets and attention. 9/22/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Shake 9/17/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Initial high energy in yard. Relaxed body, affiliative, allowed all pets. Loves the pool. Eliminated 1x. On walk he was mostly mod pull but significannt sections of loose leash. On return he went right in, unleash by hand. 9/12/2026 , hope whispers 9/10/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Shake, easy to leash, strong pull toward yard, explored yard playful, solicts attention, allowed all handling, soft wigly body, likes the pool, easy unleash by hand and return 9/5/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, AMONDO is a great boy, leashes w/4 on floor pulls until out of building then settles into loose leash walk. Enjoyed laying in the grass, treat motivated will do commands. Walks into open kennel. He is a GREAT boy! 9/1/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Shake, jumpy on approach, leashed overhead, strong to moderate pull on walk, explored yard playful likes the pool, seeks attention, allowed all pets and handling easy return sweet, playful boy 8/26/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, loves going in the pool 8/20/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, easy to leash, explored yard, playful plays chase, allows all handling, leans in for pets, no walk due to heat, easy to unleash by hand and return sweet boy 8/15/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Sit, Shake, Leashed w/4 on floor went to play yard, explored, walked through pool, seeks affection. Sits, shakes and very gentle with treats. Leans in and accepts pets all over. Walks right into open kennel. Awesome boy! 8/13/2026 Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Loved hopping in the pool and kicking rocks. 8/8/2026 Easy to return to kennel, Hope Whispers 8/5/2026 Fenceline intro and neutrality walk with: Pepper A5157336 & Eddie A5135279 (fenceline intro only) Moderate pull to yard, pulled to neighboring kennels, urinated multiple times in yard, perked when other dog came to fenceline, tense bodied and began pulling to fence, placed nose to fenceline and exchanged sniffs with other dog then immediately began growling and muzzling fence, lunging forward with high tail wag, seperated and other dog came forward, sniffed for a little longer with other dog then began growling and lunging at fenceline again, went on neutrality walk, walked in front of other dog, had hard time settling into walk, would turn around and focus on other dog, listened to redirection but continued to turn around, once redirected forward Almondo walked with light pull and settled towards end, walked back to kennel, able to remove leash by hand. 8/4/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Shake, Playful relaxed body in yard. Affiliative, allowed all pets and grooming. Interested in other volunteers walking by. Reactive to a passing dog but no piloerection or bared teeth. On walk mostly mod pull 7/29/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, ALMONDO: Calm on approach, Leashed w/all 4 on floor, allowed all handling, enjoyed playing tag type game in yard,, affectionate, easy leash retrieval on return 7/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Shake 7/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Shake 7/17/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Grabby at treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Allows pets when excited can get a little mouthy 7/10/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Used clip lead to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, ALMONDO enjoyed laying in the play pool and was very good at letting me brush him with a rake comb. Allowed pets and interacted well in play yard. 7/4/2026 Solicited attentions, Easily startled, Avoidant, 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, Sit 6/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Easy pull/return and easy dog in general, but strong pull on leash and some reactivity on leash 6/23/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Grabby at treats, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Shake, easy to pull explored yard no walk due to heat, used open palm for treats can be grabby, allows all handling after out awhile, easy to unleash by hand and return, sweet boy 6/16/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, liked to lay in the pool 6/9/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, High Energy, Sit, Almondo was easy to leash & exit... strong pull to the yard .. but then very sweet & calm... sits for treats... solicits pets, attention & affection... awesome dog.... easily returned... 6/8/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, fun pup; enjoys petting and attention and loved to play treat toss 6/2/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Calm, Sit 5/30/2026 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, Sit, Almondo is such a great boy, he is calmly on leashing, walks w/a loose leash, highly hotdog motivated & allows all pets. Another dog was across the street, he ignored him and just kept walking. Very easy to return. 5/27/2026 05/27/26 13:51 Pet laying on bed growling with pylo when attempted to get out of kennel for booster. Aborted mission jp 5/25/2026 Avoidant, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Used clip lead to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Leashed from standing. Went to play yard, explored then approached offered treats, sat & takes treats nicely. Took for short walk, walks @ end of leash no pulling. Eventually stopped for affection, very easy to return. 5/19/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was standing with ears up and alert; Soft stare at handler with neutral body; Handler unlocked door and added clip lead for precaution; Held leash in opening; Dog came forward allowing easy leashing; dog walked out with moderate pull; ignored dogs in passing; Dog walked out to yard and immediately was urinating and marking multiple spots; Handler dropped leash and allowed dog some decompressing time; handler sat on bench as dog walked yard marking; dog remained neutral and wagging tail; ears alert; Handler would call over and dog was very treat motivated; Dog sat for treats; Grabby with treats; ate treat scatter; Handler would scatter treats and pet dog gently along back; Dog allowed petting but didn't solicit; If handler tried petting dog over head dog was wary of over head pets; Dog would allow but would shy away from handler if handler tried; Dog stayed near handler as handler gave treats by hand and scattered treats; Assistant handler came in and entered yard; handler held onto leash for a few minutes; dog remained neutral tail wagging; would take treats from assistant handler; Assistant handler pet butt end of dog and dog turned head when handler tried petting but didn't engage further just remained neutral ;Dog would do this with both handlers ; Handler would pet along back and butt end at one point and dog stood and didn't shy away when petting; Dog is more independent; When time to go handler grabbed leash and walked dog back to kennel; dog allowed leash adjustment and walked back to kennel; ignored dogs in passing; stopped at kennel front; handler stepped in and dog followed; allowed handler to remove leash by hand. even though clip leash was attached handler felt could remove by hand with success and ease; gave dog treats to end on positive interaction; 5/18/2026 Handlers approached front kennel, dog was loose bodied and excitable. Handler began offering treats and dog chased after and ate them. Handler prepared leash with clip leash attached and large loop. Handler was able to lure dog into loop with treat and secure. Once leash was secured handler walked dog out to PY. Dog did not bark or lunge at handlers at all during leashing process or on approach. On path to PY dog walked with moderate pull, and pulled towards places to mark. Handler was able to reach down and tighten leash stopper and tossed clip leash over back to limit possibility of leash loosening and then attached leash extension. Once dog was released handlers sat on bench and dog surveyed and marked the yard for a few minutes. Dog did not willingly approach handlers but would come close for treats being tossed out and ate treats from handlers hands gently. Dog displayed loose posture for majority of yard time, dog was soft postured when accepting treats. Dog defecated and when handler approached to clean up feces dog followed handler around with neutral posture. Dog would intermittently stop interaction with handlers to sniff and mark in yard. After some time handler then approached dog and was able to retrieve leashes without issue and walk dog back to kennel. Handler was able to reach down and loosen stopper. Dog was hesitant to enter kennel but with light leash pressure walked in. Handler then removed leash using clip leash, handler left behind small jackpot. 5/17/2026 Dog kenneled outside for AM cleaning. Handler approached, tossed treats, dog ate, paused, alarm barked at handler, tossed treats, came up to gate and took treats from handler, gave a small, soft tail wag at spine level, paused, then alarm barked again, wide eyes, furrowed brow. Handler showed leash through door, tossed treats. Handler repeated, then opened door, attached clip leash and held large loop high in kennel, dog barked, handler tossed treats, then handler offered treats through leash loop. Dog came through loop, backed out as handler tightened leash. Repeated again, dog backed out, no barking, on third attempt, able to secure leash. Dog exited kennel, lowered head, tense, sniffed a nearby bush for a moment, handler was able to adjust stopper while dog sniffed. Walked slightly behind handler to yard, handler attached extra leash. Dog wandered yard, still tail above spine level, avoiding eye contact with handlers. Assistant moved to opposite catch pen to close outer gate, dog paused and watched, assistant tossed treats, dog sniffed ground, ignored assistant. Dog wandered independently, gradually becoming less tense with still tail at spine level, looser musculature, but had deeply furrowed brow, tightly closed mouth, and ears upright throughout entire evaluation. Dog defecated, handler moved to get bag, dog watched for a moment, then resumed sniffing ground. Dog sniffed along fence line, briefly whining, sniffed behind the bench where handlers were sat, did not look up or attempt to approach handlers, walked away. Dog walked around kiddie pool, leash became stuck, dog flinched away when pool moved, recovered fairly quickly. Handler held out hand and softly called to dog as he passed by, dog whale eyed handler and whined. After a few more minutes of sniffing and urine marking, assistant began tossing treats to dog, dog attempted to catch, would sniff them out on ground. Assistant gradually tossed treats closer, dog followed, slightly low, wide stance. When assistant stopped throwing treats, dog was about 5-6 feet away, sniffed ground, then froze and hard stared at assistant with short, tight lip, and alarm barked, disengaged on his own, continued to sniff ground. Both handlers tossed a few treats away, handler walked to catch pen, dog entered, allowed handler to pick up leash, handler adjusted stopper as dog sniffed ground. Hesitant to enter kennel, followed treats in, jumped on door while removing leash, barking, handler able to remove with clip 5/11/2026 Pulled K9 from truck kennel using control device, barking, avoidant, stiff body, wide eyed, control device used for entire intake process, walked to kennel. Name: Almondo Animal ID: A5164672 Breed: BLACK/WHITE SIBERIAN HUSKY Sex: Neutered Age: 5Y 5M Weight: 66.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing A - 064 Intake Date: 5/11/2026 Deadline Date: 11/1/2026