Shepherd

Shepherd is an adoptable male German Shepherd 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 Shepherd, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/29/2026 10/29/26 12:12 Canine has exhibited behaviors consistent with separation anxiety challenges in previous home settings. These may persist without appropriate management. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 11/3/26 to provide behavior support and post-placement follow-up. May be at risk for euthanasia 11/4/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/23/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE STATED THAT THEY NO LONGER WORK FROM HOME AND THIS PET IS ALONE MOST OF THE DAY. SINCE THE DOG GETS ANXIOUS WHEN ALONE TOO LONG, SOURCE FEELS THEY ARE NOT ABLE TO PROVIDE THE TIME, ATTENTION, AND EXERCISE THIS PET NEEDS. SOURCE ALSO FEARS THIS PET WILL HURT ITSELF TRYING TO GET OUT WHEN LEFT ALONE TOO LONG. How long have you had your pet? 4 1/2 YEARS Where did you get this animal from? BRED AT HOME BY THE SOURCE'S FATHER. Is your pet spayed/neutered? NO Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? NO Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NO, IN FACT SOURCE STATED THIS PET IS SUBMISSIVE TO AGGRESSION FROM PEOPLE AND ANIMALS. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? YES, LIVES WITH TWO CHILDREN AGES 6 AND AGE. Please describe behavior around children? LOVING, PLAYFUL, AND FRIENDLY. Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 ADULTS AND 2 KIDS. Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? EITHER PLAYFUL, OR IF THE OTHER PET IS AGGRESSIVE, THIS DOG IS UNREACTIVE. Cats? CHASES CATS Dogs? SOURCE STATED THAT THEIR OTHER DOG RECENTLY PASSED AND THIS DOG HAS BECOME SUBMISSIVE TO OTHER DOGS. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? NO, HAS DESTROYED 2 KENNELS AND DOES NOT LIKE BEING KENNELED WHEN ALONE. IF SOURCE IS AT HOME THE DOG IS FINE IN A KENNEL. Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT, STAY, LAY DOWN IF YOU POINT. Where was this animal kept? INSIDE WITH ACCESS TO A YARD. Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? SINCE THE OTHER PET PASSED AND SOURCE STARTED WORKING OUTSIDE THE HOME, THIS PET HAS CHEWED A MATTRESS AND BROKEN TWO WINDOWS. Last vaccinations / last vet visit? UNKNOWN How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH BUT PLAYFUL PER SOURCE. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? LOUD NOISES NAD BEING ALONE. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? WALKS, SQUEAKY TOYS, AND FETCH. Any escapist behavior? YES Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? YES, BUT SOURCE SAID IF YOU YELL TREAT HE COMES RIGHT BACK. Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE STATED THAT THEIR OTHER DOG RECENTLY PASSED AND THE TWO DOGS WERE BEST BUDDIES. THEY ALSO HAD TWO CLOSE FAMILIY MEMBERS MOVE AWAY. SINCE THEN THIS PET HAS BECOME INSECURE OF LOSING SOMEONE OR BEING ALONE TOO LONG. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/29/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 10/28/2026 Handler approached kennel back; Dog was in front and approaches handler with nub up and wagging; Neutral body and alert; Handler unlocked door and held leash in opening; Dog came forward with some hesitancy from the leash; Handler had to open door more and place leash over head; Dog came forward; walked with mild to moderate pull; immediately sniffing and exploring; Walked into yard with no issues; Handler secured leash and pet dog before dropping leash; Dog was sniffing around; Handler allowed dog to decompress; Dog was shortly later urinating and defecating in multiple spots; dog may have been previously potty trained; Dog was neutral energy; didn't jump on handler at all; Spent most of time sniffing; Handler would call over to dog by name and dog would come over to handler and solicit pets and rub under handlers legs; leaning into petting and allowed petting and handling all over; dog was nub wagging entire time; same body language; mild panting from time to time; wasn't interested in toys or treats; handler tried to engage in play zoomies and dog was a little startled so handler decided to not; Dog recovered quickly and remained the same; still came up and allowed handler to pet all over; When time to go handler called by name and walked to exit; Dog followed; dog allowed leash grab and walked with same mild pull to kennel; entered upon arrival; unleashed by hand with ease; 10/27/2026 Handlers approached kennel front, dog was hesitant initially but softened once handler began soft speaking and presented leash. Dog allowed leash but briefly backed away. Once leash was secure dog walked out of building withe moderate pull. Dog marked and kept nose to the ground on path to PY, dog ignored occupied kennels in passing. Handler attached leash extension and released dog. Dog continued to mark yard and defecate. Dog defecated several times, each softer than the last. Dog kept to self majority of the time and shook off occasionally. Handler tried several times to lure dog over or catch dogs attention with treats, dog was not interested. Dog was neutral if not soft in posture. Dog approached assistant handler and allowed petting and leaned in briefly before returning to sniffing around. Handler retrieved leash after about 7-10 minutes and walked dog back to kennel. Dog again walked with mild-moderate pull and ignored occupied kennels in passing. Handler stepped into kennel due to dogs initially hesitancy. Handler then stepped out and held gate mostly closed. Handler was able to verbally coax dog forward and remove leash by hand without issue. 10/26/2026 Requesting full eval due to history. 10/23/2026 Pet was timid in the room and lowering to the floor with ears back. Did not want treats when offered. Allowed all handling and was vaccinated with mild restraint. Walked on leash to kennel and leash was removed by hand without any issues. Name: Shepherd Animal ID: A5173585 Breed: BROWN/BLACK GERM SHEPHERD/MIX Sex: Male Age: 5Y 3M Weight: 43.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 206 Intake Date: 10/23/2026 Deadline Date: 11/3/2026