Fender

Fender is an adoptable male Australian Shepherd looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a young adult and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Fender, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/28/2026 10/28/26 15:14 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 11/2/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 11/3/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/20/2026 10/20/26 17:57 Came in together 5173393 5173396 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/28/2026 Closed to back for AM cleaning. Laying down; whale eyed; tossed treats; not interested; tried leashing; began growling; paced; avoided leashing; handler used large loop; able to leash after several times; assistant handler placed behavior taxi right in front of kennel; opened kennel door; dog slowly started crawling towards front; would not fully enter taxi; tried walking past taxi; assistant handler stepped in with sort board; dog exited; dashed past taxi; pancaked; brought taxi over; assistant handler followed behind with sort board; used moderate leash guidance; dog flailed into behavior taxi; rode well; at times standing on hind legs; leaning body forward; used light leash pressure to keep dog in taxi; tolerated handler to pet on lower end while in taxi. In yard, dog exited taxi; moved away; explored; panting; tail slightly tucked; urinated & defecated; handler approached to pick waste up; dog would move away; head low; approached end of yard; placed front paws against fence; vocal; interested in vehicle; gave some tail wags; paced; slowly approached assistant handler; extended hand out; briefly sniffed; walked away; handler crouched; verbally coaxed; dog walked around handler keeping distance; went into corner of yard briefly; taxi was nearby; dog entered taxi on own. In taxi, handler was able to pull stopper up slowly; allowed for slow petting; handler placed a second leash over; allowed assistant handler to slowly pet on head; pet lower back; dog stood on hind legs; got leash through body; removed leash; placed second leash due to first leash being soiled; allowed assistant handler to remove first leash; rode well back to kennel; tolerated for petting on lower back; entered kennel; removed leash with clip leash that was attached prior. 10/23/2026 Dog was lying on bed, frozen, eyes shifty, unable to coax forward verbally or with treats, retreated to back half of kennel when presented with leash, closed divider, approached again, dog was lying in front of kennel door, trembling, still no interest in treats, retreated and pancaked in corner when presented with leash, able to reach in and slowly place leash, dog remained frozen, would not enter taxi with treats or gentle leash guidance, used sort board to guide into taxi, pancaked at the bottom of taxi, tense body, whale eyed, urinated, no issues riding to yard. Dog exited taxi and began pacing yard, tail tucked, panting heavily, eyes wide, scanning the top of fence, whining and vocal, pushed muzzle through fence gaps, wouldn't settle, avoidant of handlers, ignored treats tossed around yard. Dog began biting at fence, handler approached and picked up leash, dog hid underneath chairs, as assitant handler brought over taxi dog began thrashing and chewing on leash, continued to thrash as handler guided dog into taxi, once in taxi dog settled, no issues riding back to kennel, dog scurried into kennel and retreated against divider, used clip leash. 10/20/2026 k9 biting at trap, lunging at officer, attempting to bite and jump through the door. Control device used to load in to truck kennel 10/20/2026 brought in on control device, not allowing any handling, vaccinations given placed in bucket, taken to kennel Name: Fender Animal ID: A5173393 Breed: BROWN/WHITE AUST SHEPHERD Sex: Male Age: 1Y 0M Weight: 36.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing S - 332 Intake Date: 10/20/2026 Deadline Date: 11/2/2026