Jackson

Jackson is an adoptable male Labrador Retriever looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is fully grown and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Jackson, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Requirements OLDER CHILDREN 12+ Recommendations FAMILY INTRODUCTION IN HOME TRAINING GO SLOW EXPERIENCED HANDLER Memo 10/28/2026 10/28/26 12:21 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 11/2/26. May be at risk of euthanasia 11/3/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 3/12/2026 How long have you had your pet? SINCE 8 WEEKS OLD. Where did you get your pet? FAMILY MEMBER HAD A LITTER. Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES. Do you have any vaccine history for your pet? PROVIDED. Has your pet been around other animals? What kind of animals? How would you describe the interaction with other animals? THIS PET HAS NOT LIVED WITH ANY OTHER PETS WHILE WITH SOURCE. WHEN A FAMILY MEMBER BROUGHT OVER THEIR MALE DOG THIS PET AND FAMILY MEMBER'S DOG WERE INITIALLY PLAYING AND THEN THE PETS STARTED GROWLING AT EACH OTHER. THIS PET WAS STANDING OVER THAT DOG. NO PET PETS WERE INJURED IN THAT INCIDENT. SOURCE STATED THAT THIS PET HAS BEEN AROUND ITS OWN MOTHER RECENTLY AND THEY GOT ALONG FINE. THIS PET WILL PULL TOWARDS OTHER DOGS WHEN OUT WALKING AND SOMETIMES BARK AT THE DOG OR BARK BACK IF DOG BARKS AT HIM. Has your pet been around any other people or children? If yes, how would you describe the animals behavior towards other people/children? SOURCE STATED THAT THIS PET WAS INITIALLY FRIENDLY, PLAYFUL, ENERGETIC WHEN PET FIRST LIVED WITH SOURCE AND SPOUSE. THIS PET IS MORE LIKELY TO RESPOND TO MALE OWNER WHEN THEY ARE TRYING TO GET PET TO FOLLOW COMMANDS. ABOUT 1 YEAR AGO A CHILD ENTERED HOME. AS THE CHILD HAS GROWN OLDER, THIS PET HAS BECOME MORE REACTIVE TOWARDS THAT CHILD. Has your pet shown any aggression around other people? If yes, what were the circumstances? YES. THIS PET HAS STARTED TO JUMP ON AND BARK AT FEMALE SOURCE WHEN THEY ARE ATTEMPTING TO TELL HIM NO. THIS PET HAS ALSO STARTED TO GROWL AT FEMALE SOURCE WHEN THE PET DOES NOT LIKE SOMETHING THAT FEMALE SOURCE IS DOING. THIS PET WILL TRY TO PLAY WITH 1 YEAR OLD'S TOYS AND IF 1 YEAR OLD DOES NOT WANT PET TO PLAY, THIS PET WILL BARK AND LUNGE AT 1 YEAR OLD. WHEN FEMALE SOURCE ATTEMPTS TO INTERVENE, THIS PET WILL BARK AND LUNGE AT THEM. SOURCE IS CONCERNED THIS BEHAVIOR WILL ESCALATE AND SOMETIMES CALLS MALE OWNER TO TRY AND GET PET TO LISTEN. Where was your pet kept, inside or outside? BOTH. ACCESS TO DOG DOOR. If inside, did you keep your pet in a crate? Was he/she destructive in any way? BOTH. CHEWS THE PERSONAL ITEMS (SHOES/CLOTHES, ETC) EXCLUSIVELY OF FEMALE OWNER. HAS CHEWED SOME WOODEN TOYS. If outside, what kind of fencing do you have and did it contain the animal? TALL FENCING CONTAINED PET. PET WILL DOOR DASH. Is your pet potty trained? YES. Does your pet have any aggression, like **growling, curling their lips, lunging** around food, toys, or bones? PET WILL GROWL AT PEOPLE IF THEY TOUCH HIS TOYS. THIS PET ALSO TRIES TO GUARD, BY GROWLING, CHILD'S TOYS. Is there anything we need to know medically about your pet? NO. Does your pet walk on a leash? YES. PULLS. Does your pet know any obedience/tricks? KNOWS NAME. SIT, STAY, LAY DOWN, FETCH Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/26/2026 RUNBUDDY - Walked right into van and onto mill with minimal coaxing, a little unsure at first but once got footing, began walking and settled in, relaxed into a trot and walked entire time, ignored other dog. 10/25/2026 Social / Approaches easily, Easy / Cooperative, Took on field trip, Medium energy, Social / Affiliative, Affectionate towards handler, Easy return, Food motivated, Took treats gently, DAYFOSTER Jackson went on a new adventure for a walk thru greenspace. Hes very relaxed on his day trips, Enjoys petting & attention. Ended it with his burger & some fries 10/25/2026 Social / Approaches easily, Easy / Cooperative, Took on field trip, Medium energy, Social / Affiliative, Affectionate towards handler, Easy return, Food motivated, Took treats gently, DAYFOSTER Jackson went on a new adventure for a walk thru greenspace. Hes very relaxed on his day trips, Enjoys petting & attention. Ended it with his burger & some fries 10/21/2026 Neutral / Observant, Easy / Cooperative, Took on walkpath, Medium energy, Intermittent engagement, Easy return, Not interested in toys, Jackson had some time in the play yard and a walk. He settled into a loose leash walk at a nice pace. 10/18/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, DAYFOSTER-Jackson enjoyed our weekly trip to Dobson Lake. The weather was perfect and we spent longer than normal at the lake, just sitting on the bench & watching the ducks. He's very well behaved, loves car rides & his burger and I snuck him a few fries too 10/14/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Jackson was a very good walker today. His leash was mostly loose, and he walked at a nice pace. Settled in for pets and even gave a kiss. 10/11/2026 Fido Field Trip - Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Perfect in the car on our way to Dobson Lake. Jackson is very well behaved & enjoys walking around the lake & soaks up the peace and quiet away from the shelter. He loves his fries as much as the burger from the Drive Thru. His demeanor was calm & sweet on our outing. 10/10/2026 , Hope Whispers 10/8/2026 M&G 10/4/2026 Fido Field Trip - Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Jackson is a professional car rider. Calm & nose out the car window. Leisurely stroll around Dobson Lake, relaxing in shade in the grass. Knows the drive thru routine & loves a burger. Sweet boy to spend time with & enjoyed our time out. 9/30/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Ignored dogs 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, Jackson only pulled a bit on leash at the beginning of the walk otherwise mostly loose leash. He allowed all pets and really warmed up once away from the shelter. Jackson takes his treats super gently. He was not reactive to other dogs while out walking but did look at them. 9/21/2026 Fido Field Trip - Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Jackson is a little grabby at treats. Jackson is wonderful to walk. He walked at the perfect pace around the park. After warming up, he allowed lots of pets on back and chest. He enjoyed a plain hamburger patty. 9/15/2026 Out for Purple training w/ volunteer. Kinetic in kennel but settled for leashing, pulled away from reactive neighbor when allowed to do so. Explored independently in yard, soft but environmental, checked in after a while, allowed petting but tended not to seek additional. On return he went right back in, leash removed by hand. 9/12/2026 , hope whispers 9/7/2026 Solicited attentions, 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, Pulled to exit, JACKSON: Leashed w/4 on the floor. Moderate pull on leash; steady pace. In/out of pool afterwards; allowed all petting from handler. Walked right back into kennel; easy leash retrieval on return. 9/2/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Jackson was a very good boy today. He did a few zoomies in the yard and stayed close to the handler. He even got a quick bath and was very good in the tub. 8/29/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Pulled to exit, Leashed w/4 on floor, went to PY explored then comes up for affection. Notices passing dogs appear curious. Not interested in treats, accepts all affection. Walked into open kennel and allows easy leash retrieval. Overall great boy! 8/25/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Sit, Jackson is a sweet boy that loves chicken and hot dog treats. Athletic pup with a spring in his step. 8/20/2026 Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 8/17/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Sweet but shy boy. Warms up and accepts pets after a while. 8/13/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Jackson is a sweet and curious boy. Great walker. 8/11/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Sweet boy. Medium pull on the leash. Great walker. 8/8/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Hope Whispers 8/5/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, pulls to get out and then walks well on a leash, needs a minute to warm up and then enjoys pets and everyone who approached, he let me wipe him down, used nice manners, hopped in the pool 7/31/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in treats, Strong Pull on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Quick leash, strong pull to yd, pull towards reactive dogs; allowed pets (did not solicit them) but would come near; alert w/ ears up, intently listened to keys jingling on other side of wall; got into pool but no play; pull back to kennel, easy unleash 7/23/2026 Avoidant, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Alert body posture with tail slightly tucked in yard, expl;ored but ignored me at first. After letting him wander, and offering treats and water he evntually slowly approached and became affiliative, allowing all pets. Went right in kennel on return, unleash by hand. 7/17/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Used clip lead to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, JACKSON pulled while in the building but walked well on leash when we got to the parking lot. Affectionate and sits well for treats. 7/11/2026 , Hope Whispers 7/7/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Pulled to exit, Sit, Yard only due to heat. Upon return slight pull to some kennels. Manageable. 7/2/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, In the yard Jackson is on high alert pacing. Loves affection but does not seek it. Pulls to people but is easily pulled back. Ignored the little dog in its play yard & was able to maintain a sit while a vol w/ a non-reactive pup passed. Went right into kennel 6/26/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Used clip lead to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, JACKSON solicited attention and sniffed around play yard. A little reluctant to return to kennel, used clip lead. 6/20/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Leashed w/4 on floor pulls until out of building then loose leash walk, enjoys finding plants to sniff, ignored birds, noticed dog across moderate curiosity but ignores dogs on exit and return. VERY gentle with treats. Overall great boy! 6/12/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Strong Pull on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Moderate pull on leash interested in the dogs barking as we passed outside kennels in yard mostly just explored more interested in surroundings came by once for quick pet no treats in yard or walk but nicely in kennel slight hesitation going in kennel stepped in and he followed 6/12/2026 Recommend purple. Would flinch with touch when not expecting, but pulled strong toward other dogs on walk. More appropriate for purple walkers. 6/12/2026 Updating color level due to recent walk board notes; 6/6/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Sit, Pulls toward other dogs while on walk. Loose leash at times, moderate pull at times. Tossed treat through guillotine for return. 5/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels 5/25/2026 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, Leashed w/4 on floor very easy. Ignores all dogs, no pull on walk, allows all affection, sits nicely and VERY gentle with treats. Easy return walks right into open kennel, ignoring barking neighbors and allows easy leash retrieval. 5/19/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Dog jumped up and down when handler approached, but sat when asked to be leashed. Pulled hard to play yard, but stayed with handler during walk. Stopped to say hello to people walking past him on trail. Calm dog, once out of his kennel. Knows how to catch. Easy return. 5/17/2026 dog didnt eat 5/12/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Easy to pull. Eager to be out. Pulled to play yard but stayed with the handler during walk. Knows his commands and likes treats. Returned to his kennel with treats. 5/3/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, He was a very sweet boy. Easy to handle. He wanted to explore the yard on his own. Came to check in every few minutes but was not as interested in being pet. He loves exploring and sniffing around. He was calm when other dogs past by and was not scared of noises or people 5/2/2026 During AM walk through, handler observed that K-9 was actively bleeding (unknown source). 4/28/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Easy leash and pull from kennel. Walked well on leash, staying with handler and no pulling. Took treats gently. Treat motivated. Easy return to his kennel. 4/20/2026 dog didnt eat 4/19/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Calm, Pulled to exit, Sit, pulled to yard, explored, focused on sniffing, exploring, approached people walking by, came to handler for treats, accepted pets but didn't solicit them. dropped a treat to remove leash. 4/12/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit, Alert relaxed body in yard, explored, affiliative, allowed all pets. Went right in kennel on return. 4/2/2026 Avoidant, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Pulled to exit, explored yard and generally avoidant, accepted booty scratches, doesn't seek out petting, stands alert at fence with dogs nearby and with vet techs/dogs outside of yard. no barking or pulling but alert body. easy return but did pull toward other dogs. 3/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, 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, Jackson was easy pull/return to kennel. Easy loose leash, ignoring other dogs on long walk, Timid, ears back, tail tucked at times. Calm, inquisitive after kennel exit with ears alert. Not interested in toys, took treats nicely and sat on command. Asked for shake with treat offer 3/22/2026 did not eat 3/16/2026 Closed out for AM cleaning. Dog was at front of kennel; soft; low tail wags; took treat gently; opened kennel door; allowed easy leashing; exited; walked with moderate pull. In yard, dog shook off; explored; tossed treats; sniffed; not interested; continued to explore; relaxed; coaxed with squeaker toy; approached; low tail wags; sniffed squeaker; handler was able to slowly pet lower back; skin crawled on initial pet; started tail wagging; briefly turned head; lip licked; leaned in briefly for petting; went back to exploring; tried coaxing with treats; not interested. After a few moments, handler was able to approach; softly spoke; skin crawled on initial pet; allowed for slow petting; lip licked briefly; continued to explore; interested in staff walking past; low tail wags; soft. Handler approached; picked leash up; tolerated petting; moderate pull back to kennel; stopped a few feet in front of kennel; handler walked in; dog followed; allowed handler to remove leash. *Interested parties should be counseled on proper dog to dog introductions and allow for proper decompression time. **Dog has demonstrated escape-oriented behaviors in previous care and should be supervised at all times when around open doors to home, yard gates etc. 3/15/2026 Outside for AM cleaning standing at front of kennel tail tucked, stoic, some tense body but started to have tucked wagging tail as handler knelt down and baby talked. Not interested in treats offered, started to have shifty eyes, easily startled by loud noises outside of kennel. Allowed for easy leashing at front of kennel. Some pulling, sniffed along walk, zig zag walking pattern, no issues directing to yard. Once in yard dog was touch sensitive and skin crawled heavily when handler touched dogs back, allowed handler to place leash stopper, began sniffing intensely with tail tucked. Will have wagging tucked tail if handler talked to dog but dog would not approach handler, would walk close to handler with soft body and ears dropped back but flinches away when handler attempted to pet. Not interested in treats offered, spent most of evaluation sniffing intensely around yard while pacing. Started pacing near play yard exit as handler sat on bench, would not come to handler if called over but would look at handler with tucked wagging tail. Allowed handler to approach and pick up leash with no issues. Some pulling back to kennel, zig zag walking pattern, started to cower when walking near building entrance but dog settled when walking to back portion of kennel. Walked into kennel on own, allowed handler to slowly remove leash by hand. 3/12/2026 Leashed with large loop. Walked zig zag moderate pull. In room, dog searching for exit, ignoring hanlders, declining treats. Thrashed when administering vaccines. Able to slowly remove leash by hand Name: Jackson Animal ID: A5161272 Breed: BRINDLE/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER/LABRADOR RETR Sex: Neutered Age: 6Y 0M Weight: 50.4 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing B - 109 Intake Date: 3/12/2026 Deadline Date: 11/2/2026