Joan Of Bark

Joan Of Bark is an adoptable female Bullmastiff looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is a young adult and small in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Joan Of Bark, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/29/2026 10/29/26 12:37 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 10/22/2026 How long have you had the animal? 3 days What are the cross streets where you found the animal? 23rd ave and Tuckey Ln 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 Is animal spayed/neutered? ? 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? alarm barks at the children Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? no Was this animal around any children? yes, doesn't like them Did the animal interact with other animals? yes, Cats? Dogs? one large pitbull..... was too rowdy with each other 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 Can the animal walk on a leash? ? Does the animal know any commands? ? Where was this animal kept? ? If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam free? roam If outside, what kind of fencing do you have, and did it contain the animal? Any destruction behavior? If yes, please describe? no How would you describe the animal’s energy level? high Any escapist behavior? ? Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? ? Any Additional details/notes on behavior? Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/26/2026 Sitting at front of kennel with eyes wide, ears go from alert to pinned back repeatedly quickly, trembling body, very timid. Started to slowly back away from door as leash was presented but able to place leash with no issues, does not walk on leash, allowed handler to carry into taxi with no issues. Frantic in taxi, no attempts to escape but shifting all over taxi on way to m&g room, flinches heavily when touched, tail tightly tucked. In m&g room dog took a few moments to exit taxi, would only approach handler for treats offered and accepted treats gently, flinches heavily with skin crawling whenever petted, wide eyed throughout, ears continued to go from alert to pinned back, will begin pacing around room when loud noises occur, tail tightly tucked, heavily trembling body, erratically enters taxi then quickly exits, pawing at taxi. No issues picking up and placing in taxi, observant on way back to kennel, no issues picking up dog from taxi and placing into kennel, removed leash by hand. 10/25/2026 Dog was closed to back half of kennel on approach during AM cleaning.  Dog would retreat to divider wall while having ears pinned back & a tucked tail.  Slowly leaned into kennel to drape a large loop leash onto dog while dog would be trembling body.  Slowly fully entered into kennel while speaking softly.  Offered treats to dog in hand, would gently take treats while keeping head lowered & whale eyed.   Walked behind dog while making a treat trail into behavior taxi.  Attempted to jump out of behavior taxi while riding to small PY.  Explored with ears alternating from being flattened to fully pinned back, tail fully tucked under body & head lowered.  Would approach handler when coaxed with treats, keeping an arms length distance while taking treats cautiously.  Handler would stand up to walk around, dog would quickly retreat to opposite side of PY.  Would only stay standing in one spot if handler approached with treats being visible in hand while speaking softly.  Would quickly retreat to opposite side of PY once treats were eaten.  Handler slowly approached dog & stepped onto leash.  Held leash in hand while kneeling down, offered more treats then slowly picked up dog.  Placed into behavior taxi, rode well back to kennel.  Entered into kennel with treats being tossed into kennel.  Removed leash with pre-attached clip leash as dog would not come forward, sitting along kennel wall, whale eyed & trembling body.  Offered more treats near kennel gate then closed gate, dog would slowly approach to eat treats once gate was closed. 10/24/2026 tense body, tail tucked, eyes wide, ears low, shifty gaze, came forward for treat but stiffened when not receiving treats. requesting full eval based on kennel presentation. 10/23/2026 Tense body, curved spine, wide-eyed. Handler crouched, spoke softly, offered treats. Dog eagerly accepted treats through gate. Easily startled, did not soften or relax but continued to take treats when offered. 10/22/2026 I had finder place on truck. Dog had tail tucked and looked at me with worreid bulging eyes. Tolerated some gentle handling. 10/22/2026 2nd was able to give vaccines with minimal restraint, trembling, wide eyes, tense musculature, carried to kennel and allowed for leash removal. Name: Joan Of Bark Animal ID: A5173495 Breed: BROWN/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER/CHIHUAHUA SH Sex: Spayed Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 21.6 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing G - 210 Intake Date: 10/22/2026 Deadline Date: 11/3/2026