Warthog

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

Memo 10/29/2026 10/29/26 12:46 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for handling and other concerning behaviors during their time in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 11/3/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 11/4/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/21/2026 10/21/26 15:52 SGallegos: the following dogs were brought in together A5173474 A5173470 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/26/2026 Handler approached kennel front, assistant handler left briefly to retrieve behavior taxi. Handler lowered guillotine, dog was laying on bed facing away from handler. Handler tried to soft speak and offer treats; dog was not interested. Handler was able to lean in and place leash on second attempt, dog was towards back and facing away. Once leash was secured dog began walking forward, dog walked pass taxi but then froze in front of nearby kennel. Dog attempted to retreat back to kennel and began defecating. Assistant handler retrieved taxi and dog loaded up without issue. Handler was able to pick up feces while dog was being transported to yard. Dog stayed low in taxi and allowed transport. Once in yard handler attach leash extension and adjusted stopper. Dog was then released after tipping taxi. Dog kept distance from handlers and defecated in corner. Dog then began briefly digging with front left paw in another corner. Assistant handler approached and cleaned up feces. Dog appeared to wander in section nearest to building until noticing exterior fence line. Dog pranced over to exterior fence line and then remained there for rest of evaluation. Dog laid down in corner near catch pen and yawned. Dog was panting in the corner about 30 ft from handlers. Handler allowed dog about 10 minutes and then dog darted away when lead handler approached to retrieve leash. Handler grabbed leash and tried to walk dog to taxi, dog would not move and backed into corner. Assistant handler brought taxi over and tried to load dog in. Dog initially stepped in but would not put back end in. Dog backed out. Assistant handler retrieved sort board and guided dogs back end into taxi. Handlers tipped taxi up and transported back to kennel. Lead handler was able to place clip leash and when returned dog immediately exited and entered kennel. Handler used clip leash to remove and left behind a few treats. 10/24/2026 Handler approached kennel front dog was inside for AM cleaning; Dog was pancaked to ground; avoided eye contact; stoic in place; tense; side eye; Handler gave treats through door; Dog wasn't interested; Handler unlocked door and casted leash a couple times making contact; Dog just allowed leash contact but was avoidant of it; started to defecate; stood up and was moving away from contact; Handler had to step and lean in to place leash over head; handler was able to get it on 3rd try leaning in; handler used slight leash guidance pressure; dog just sat in place; Handler spoke softly and placed taxi in door way; Dog still wasn't moving; Assistant handler went in with bed and used pressure to guide dog into taxi; Dog went right in; Able to tip up taxi and secure leash; Pushed to yard; Dog remained pancaked on bottom of taxi; Once in yard handler added drag line and dropped leash; dog just walked yard; would walk in close proximately to assistant handler on bench but didn't solicit pets or attention; neutral bodied in yard and slight tail swaying but dog never greets handlers; If approached dog was slightly avoidant; Handler tried engaging in treat scatter an tennis ball or toys; Dog did seem interested in stuff went up and grabs lightly and doesn't pick up; disengaged with toy a second later; dog would go to fence line and start digging; lead handler would find stuffed toys in those two corners were the dog started to dig; remained the same ; independent; wary of handlers; didn't solicit any attention during evaluation; when time to go handler grabbed leash; dog would dart away; avoidant; started to bite on leash; handler was able to get dog to stop;tried to use body pressure to get dog closer to taxi; assistant handler help sort dog and guide dog into taxi; as lead handler kept good leash pressure away from handler to sort safely and fear free; dog went into taxi once realizing taxi was there; Dog went in and pancaked to bottom; handler added clip leash; once at kennel front; tipped taxi down; dog didn't realize kennel was behind him; used leash guidance to try and turn dog; dog went in kennel with ease; used clip leash for removal; 10/21/2026 bucketed to kennel; stiff tense body; direct stare; control pole for entire intake process; avoidant of handler; Name: Warthog Animal ID: A5173474 Breed: BLACK/WHITE GERM SHEPHERD/MIX Sex: Male Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 41.6 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 201 Intake Date: 10/21/2026 Deadline Date: 11/3/2026