Twizzler

Twizzler 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 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Twizzler, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/29/2026 10/29/26 12:48 Canine has exhibited escalating behavior that resulted in a bite incident while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 11/3/26 to provide behavior intervention in a non-shelter setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 11/4/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/6/2026 How long have you had the animal? ONE DAY. SOURCE STATES THAT HE FOUND THIS DOG ROAMING ALONGSIDE THE OLD US HIGHWAY 80 WITH NO LEASH/COLLAR ON. UPON APPROACH, HE WAS VERY FRIENDLY AND APPROACHED SOURCE WITH A WAGGING TAIL. What are the cross streets where you found the animal? SOMEWHERE NEAR OLD US 80 AND AGUA CALIENTE 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? SOURCE STATES THAT HE MAY HAVE SOMETHING GOING ON WITH HIS LEFT EAR AS HE KEEPS SHAKING HIS HEAD AND SCRATCHING THAT EAR Is animal spayed/neutered? UNK 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? NO Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? Was this animal around any children? YES, A 18 YR OLD. SOURCE STATES THAT HE DID FINE WITH THE OLDER CHILD. HE BASICALLY PAID HIM NO MIND. Did the animal interact with other animals? NO Cats? Dogs? SOURCE STATES THAT HE DID SEE THE NEIGHBOR'S DOG AND SHOWED NO AGGRESSION. 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 OBSERVED Can the animal walk on a leash? YES Does the animal know any commands? NO Where was this animal kept? BOTH, WHEN INSIDE HE WAS FREE ROAMING, BUT HE WAS OUTSIDE AT NIGHT TIME If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam free? If outside, what kind of fencing do you have, and did it contain the animal? CHAIN LINK - NO ATTEMPTS TO ESCAPE Any destruction behavior? If yes, please describe? NO DESTRUCTIVE BEHAVIOR How would you describe the animal’s energy level? PLAYFUL, BUT HE CAN ALSO BE LAID BACK AND CHILL Any escapist behavior? Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? Any Additional details/notes on behavior? NOTHING MORE PROVIDED BY SOURCE. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/29/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 10/20/2026 Easy to pull, affectionate in the play yard with handler, stayed close to handler for pets, took treats gently. Anxious on return, loud barking from neighbor dogs. 10/13/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels 10/4/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, 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, Soft and wiggly the entire time in the PY. Very loving and just wants to be pet. No reaction to other dogs to and from PY. 9/27/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Grabby at treats, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, can be a bit grabby with treats, but great dog, affectionate and gave kisses. allowed petting all over. 9/19/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Not interested in treats, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Very sweet and wanted affection. Barely a purple, only purple trait was jumping into my lap when I sat down. Interested in a dog walking past with a wagging tail. Sat nicely but didn't want any hot dogs. 9/18/2026 Soft face and body, approached front of kennel to seek attention, took treats gently. 9/10/2026 Dog approached handler with soft body and wagging tail, took treats. Easy to leash, moderate pull to yard, remained soft with wagging tail when walking by kenneled dogs, no attempts to interact. Affiliative with handler, allowed petting all over, leaned into handler with wiggly body and wagging tail, solicited attention from customers standing on other side of fence, returned to handler when coaxed, began panting heavily, whining, front paws on lap, allowed more pets, no longer interested in treats. Easy walk back to kennel, easy return, allowed handler to remove leash by hand. *Adding Older Children 12+ due to intake. Potential adopters should be counseled on slow introductions and proper decompression time to allow dog to adjust to new home. 9/6/2026 Soft and wiggly, easy leashing, allowed petting, leaning in for petting, allowed all handling and vaccines with muzzle wrap restraint, walked to kennel, entered kennel with no issue, mouthy - grabbed pants on leg when leaving kennel, did not make contact with skin, clip lead used to remove leash. Name: Twizzler Animal ID: A5171236 Breed: GRAY/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 63.8 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing S - 321 Intake Date: 9/6/2026 Deadline Date: 11/3/2026