Derry

Derry 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 with only 2 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Derry, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/27/2026 10/27/26 14:25 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 11/1/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 11/2/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/16/2026 How long have you had the animal? 2 WEEKS. SOURCE WAS WALKING AROUND COMPLEX AND SAW THE DOG WANDERING IN THE COMPLEX. THE DOG SAW THEM AND APPROACHED SOURCE'S BOYFRIEND. SOURCE HAS BEEN TRYING TO FIND OWNER IN THE COMPLEX, BUT HAS HAD NO LUCK. What are the cross streets where you found the animal? CENTRAL AVE AND BELL RD Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NONE Is animal spayed/neutered? NO Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? YES, GROWLED TOWARDS STAFF MEMBER WHILE WALKING UP TO SCAN. GROWLS AT SOURCE. GROWLS AND BARKS AT OTHER DOGS. Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO Was this animal around any children? NO Did the animal interact with other animals? Cats? NO Dogs? YES, THIS DOG BARKS AND GROWLS AT OTHER DOGS WHILE ON A WALK Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NONE Can the animal walk on a leash? YES, PULLS Does the animal know any commands? NO Where was this animal kept? INSIDE If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam free? CRATED If outside, what kind of fencing do you have, and did it contain the animal? N/A Any destruction behavior? If yes, please describe? POTTY ACCIDENTS How would you describe the animal’s energy level? HIGH ENERGY, BUT SHY/UNSURE Any escapist behavior? NONE Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NONE Any Additional details/notes on behavior? NONE Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/30/2026 Moved to G-building. Dog was at alarm barking; retreated to back portion of kennel; tossed treats; not interested; closed divider; pulled dog from back; leashed; dilated pupils; ears pinned back; tense; exited; moderate to hard pull; did not enter kennel; tossed treats; not interested; used moderate leash guidance; pulled back; tried to return to outer portion; would not enter with treats; stepped in; dog would not follow; radioed for assistance; assistant handler approached; dog gave brief low tail wags; assistant handler used sort board; dog pulled away; walked into kennel; removed leash with clip leash attached prior. 10/21/2026 Closed to back half of kennel for AM cleaning. Dog was tense, ears pinned, pupils dilated, tail tucked and low growling, ignored treats tossed in kennel. Dog slowly came forward as handler opened door and presented leash, retreated while trying to place leash, approached again with verbal coaxing, able to quickly place leash while dog was focused on opened door. Dog exited kennel, hard pull to yard, tail tucked, ears pinned, easily startled. Backed away and side eyed as handler lowered leash stopper, attached extended leash, handler sat in nearby chair, dog approached with pinned ears and low wagging tail, sniffed handler, still not interested in treats, avoidant when trying to pet. Over time dog became overstimulated as nearby dogs began barking, pacing along fence, vocal, tense body, pupils dilated, tik tok tail, handler was able to verbally coax dog over, dog approached with wiggly body and wagging tail but remained avoidant when trying to pet, play bowed in front of handler while still barking due to nearby dogs. Followed handler into catch pen, able to pick up leash, hard pull back to kennel, easy return, used clip leash. 10/20/2026 Closed to back portion of kennel for AM cleaning with stiff body, head lowered and low growling, lip curls when placing hand in front of kennel, no interest in treats offered or tossed in, hard staring handler, trembling body. Froze in place allowing for easy leash placement, exited kennel with eyes wide, tail tucked, hackles raised, some pulling to small play yard, wary of surroundings and starts to pull towards dogs in passing with some neutral tail but turns to look at handler throughout walk, whale eye and tense bodied. Did not drop leash while in yard, dog would begin sniffing intensely, skin crawled heavily when lightly brushing end of leash on back while sniffing, slowly lifted head to side eye/whale eye, started to chuff towards handler with some hard staring, no interest in treats tossed near but able to redirect dog away via leash and walk around yard. Tense bodied and wary of handler/surroundings in yard, easily startled and flinches heavily for loud noises. Some head flipping when applying clip leash, had to wait for dog to be distracted. Walked back to kennel with no issues, stiffens up when walking near staff members, walked into kennel on own, used clip leash for leash retrieval. 10/16/2026 On approach, dog alarm barking, growling, wid eyed. Ignored treats, never settling. Unable to come near dog. Had finder walk dog to S-kennel 10/16/2026 Placed on catch pole for officer safety, upon approach dog was biting at catch pole. Stiff body, whale eyed, tolerated vaccines with catch pole restraint, walked to kennel on catch pole Name: Derry Animal ID: A5173231 Breed: RED/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER/MIX Sex: Male Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 73.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing G - 237 Intake Date: 10/16/2026 Deadline Date: 11/1/2026