Mustang

Mustang is an adoptable male Black Labrador Retriever looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is senior and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 9 days left, listed due to medical. Adopting Mustang, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Requirements OLDER CHILDREN 12+ Recommendations GO SLOW IN HOME TRAINING FAMILY INTRODUCTION Memo 10/30/2026 10/30/26 14:57 Dog needs an outlet with NH Partner for further workup with diagnostics that the shelter environment cannot provide. (urgent medical). Dog can be adoptable, as long as adopter is aware that further diagnostics and veterinary care are needed (see medical notes). If no outlet is found for by COB 11/8/26, dog is at risk for humane euthanasia on 11/9/26. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/29/2026 Out for Green training. Eager to come out but easily leashed, very minor pull. Checked in w/ handlers, very engaging, soft & bright-eyed, eagerly accepted treats (hot dogs) but gentle pressure. Allowed some petting, didn't seek much and tended not to prompt additonal overtly. Went right back into his kennel, leash removed by hand. 10/27/2026 Pulled Mustand for AM cleaning and potty break. He was very easy to leash, very cooperative. No pulling. Not too interested in playing in yard, but did solicit attention. Loves to be pet! He was very easy to return to kennel. 10/26/2026 Solicited attention , remained calm during the walk. Easy to remove and return from kennel. Pulled sligthly on leash and ignored the dogs while passing kennels, love stuffies. No waste observed in Life Room; relieved inmediately upom going outside 10/24/2026 I went on a Hope Whispers community walk today. 10/23/2026 Solicited attention and remained calm during the walk. Easy to remove and return from kennel. Pulled slightly on leash and ignored the dogs while passing kennels, Showed no interest in toys. No waste observed in Life Room; relieved himself inmediately upom going outside. 10/22/2026 Took dog out for PM bathroom break. Easy to leash and pull from life room, dog came right up to door when handler approached. Dog whined a little bit while walking to go outside but stopped after urinating outside. Dog walked slowly next to handler, easy to redirect, and did not engage with other dogs who were barking. Dog went right back into life room and able to unleash by hand. 10/22/2026 Mustang came out of room calmly and as soon as we got out of the builting he went pee so i suspect he held it from the morning due to no acidents in room. Also when he went into a play yard he deficated and had normal stool. on the way back to room he loved smelling all the places on the paths and was content after ariving at the room and was easily put away. 10/20/2026 Opened room door, dog approached door for an easy leash placement. Walked slowly to main PY while stopping for resting breaks. Would urinate for a long period of time once out of main building. Explored main PY with nose to ground while having a relaxed/soft tail wag. Would approach handler on own, allowing all petting. Offered treats in an open palmed hand, dog would be very mouthy with treats, switched to offering treats by placing onto ground. Would sit next to handlers feet, looking around surroundings. Picked up leash & walked slowly back to kennel, sniffing along the way. Entered into room & allowed leash removal to be done by hand without issues. *This dog can be mouthy when taking treats.  Treats should be given from an open palmed hand or tossed in air/ground. Adopters should be advised on safe treat-giving practices. *Interested parties should be counseled on providing this dog with proper decompression time in a new home.  Allowing time to adjust is important for their comfort and well-being.  Adopters should be counseled on proper dog-to-dog introductions, which should only occur after the dog has fully decompressed. *Keeping OLDER CHILDREN 12+ as a REQUIREMENT based on staff reports of dog displaying resource guarding behaviors towards toys as well as dog's mouthy tendencies around treats. **Interested parties should be made aware of all medical notes** 10/19/2026 Solicited attention and remained calm during the walk. Easy to remove and return from kennel. Pulled slightly on leash and ignored the dogs while passing kennels, Showed no interest in toys. No waste observed in Life Room; relieved himself inmediately upom going outside. 10/15/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, pull slightly on leash while walking, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels. Appears potty trained with no waste in Liferoom and immediately relieving herself once outside. 10/15/2026 Very engaging on approach, eager to come out but easily leashed. Explored in yard for a few minutes before spendintg the rest of his time prompting soft contact from handlers, seeking & allowing all petting, often prompting additional. Takes treats eagerly, clumsily at times but very soft pressure. Went right back into his room, leash removed w/ ease. 10/14/2026 Took Mustang out for morning walk during cleaning. He was very easy to leash, very good when walking. Little to no pulling. He enjoyed walking around more than being in the yard. He enjoys pets, and treats. Very easy to return to room and unleash. 10/12/2026 Dog was easy to leash and eager to leave room. Dog would pull slightly on leash while walking, but would redirect with minimal leash pressure. Dog appears potty trained with no waste in Liferoom and immediately relieving herself once outside, wandered around park smelling, approached handler for attention. Upon retrieval, dog was again easy to leash and walk back into to Liferoom. Dog accepted treats (Hot dogs) during walk gently, Easy to rekennel and unleash. 10/10/2026 Dog did not at dry kibble or canned food offered ffrom previous day will add in treats to 2nd feed today to entyce eating. 10/10/2026 Dog was easily leashed from meet and greet room, pulled lightly on leash but would redirect with mild leash pressure. Dog accepted treats readily and gently. Dog was easy to walk back into Liferoom and take leash from. 10/10/2026 Dog approached handler when enetring room, easy to leash, walked with slight pull wanting to smell surrounding. Brought to park, wandered around park smelling, approached handler for attention. Easy to rekennel and unleash. 10/9/2026 Dog was tekn outside for potty break. Dog walked to yard with no issues. Dog whined and cried on way to yard. Dog went to bathroom upon going into yard. Dog seems to be potty trained. 10/9/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, easy slow paced walk. Appeared to be potty train (Did not found feces in kennel and inmediately went potty in the first morning walk - urinated for a while) 10/8/2026 Walked on leash, Easy to pull from kennel and easy to return, not interested on toys. Appeared interested when pasing by kennels, explored yard and seek for attention 10/8/2026 Was observed that dog ate canned food offered previous day. Will be addig \"wet food\" sign to kennel sleeve. 10/7/2026 Dog did not eat previous day. Will be adding 2 TBS of canned food during PM feeding 10/5/2026 FROM FOSTER: Somewhat potty trained - he tries really hard to hold it but not always successfully. His bladder is quite weak I think, so he needs to empty it more regularly. He woke up around 2am needing to pee, so we went out and he took a bit of time to settle but did eventually He is afraid of elevators, we moved to a ground floor room this morning so that should be easier both for his bladder and that fear. He likes the car as long as he is in a comfortable position which he struggles to find sometimes He communicates a lot through crying, sometimes it takes me a bit of time to figure out why - but we walk through the list of going out for a pee, water/food, comfort, toy. Picky with treats but a big fan of peanut butter treats, bacon and pup cups. He asks for comfort, if you stop petting him, he will nudge you or give you the eyes to keep going The biggest challenge has been that he loves his walk but because of the limp, his toe nails have worn down so much that if we walk more than a few minutes his quicks open and he bleeds a lot. My colleague who is a veterinarian is going to bandage them a bit today and I will go to a PetSmart store to look at some little booties. 10/3/2026 Dog appears to be potty trained. When taken out in AM's for cleaning dog urinates for extended peroids of time. Placed appears potty trained card. 9/17/2026 Out for Green training. Dog was soft, engaging, placid in kennel, easily leashed, came right out. Soft interest in neighbors, hurried away from one who (appropriately) flashed teeth & airsnapped at him w/out escalation. Meanering, dawdling walker, next-to-no pull on leash. Explored a bit in yard, checked in w/ handlers, promtped & allowed petting, tended to resume exploration rather than seek additional, but checked in fairly often. Enthused about treats but took w/ appropriate pressure. Leash was easily reacquired, dog went right back into kennel, leash removed by hand w/ ease. 9/17/2026 Dog was soft, engaging, placid in kennel, easily leashed, came right out. Soft interest in neighbors, hurried away from one who (appropriately) flashed teeth & airsnapped at him w/out escalation. Meanering, dawdling walker, next-to-no pull on leash. Explored a bit in yard, checked in w/ handlers, promtped & allowed petting, tended to resume exploration rather than seek additional, but checked in fairly often. Enthused about treats but took w/ appropriate pressure. Leash was easily reacquired, dog went right back into kennel, leash removed by hand w/ ease. Handling dog required no advanced or intermediate methods/techniques. Updating handling status from Purple to Green based on ease of handlng. 9/17/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Sl pull to door. Pottied immediately out of building. Accepted treats quick, sit. Wagging tail, friendly w/handler & another vol that entered yard. Very gentle, slow moving boy easy to handle. 9/6/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Grabby at treats, Easy/Loose Leash, Stop and go, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit 8/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Grabby at treats, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Stop and go, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Relaxed body in yard. Affiliative, allowed all pets. He drags rear paws and so no walk outside of yard. Went right in kennel on return unleashed by hand. 8/12/2026 Easy to leash, soft/wiggly body, moderate pull to PY. Once in PY, K-9 solicited attention and allowed petting all over. Entered kennel without issue and allowed leash removal by hand. 8/7/2026 Dog was standing at life room door, wagging tail, soft face. Easy to leash. Walked with moderate pull, needing some direction on leash but no issues navigating to main play yard. Dog stopped to relieve self for several seconds, then followed handler into yard. Dog explored with loose body language, panting, tail wagging. Very engaged with sniffing surroundings. Came to handler when called, allowed all petting but appeared more interested in exploring yard. No reaction to people passing by outside. Dog demonstrated \"sit\" command, very grabby with treats, would jump up and snap mouth around them. Handler opted to toss treats onto grass instead of offering by hand. Moderate pull on return. Dog saw another dog being walked in hallway a few yards away, this dog began growling, whining, pulling hard towards other dog. Handler stood still, kept moderate pressure on leash until other dog was out of sight. This dog settled, walked to room, entered with handler. Turned towards handler with soft face, wagging tail, allowed petting. Leash removed by hand. Handler tossed treat to opposite side of room, then stepped out. *Adding OLDER CHILDREN 12+ requirement based on staff reports of dog displaying resource guarding behaviors towards toys as well as dog's mouthy tendencies around treats. This dog should not be introduced to any other dogs or pets until end of 14-day decompression period.* 7/28/2026 Day 1: During AM walk through, handler observed that K-9 ate half of the kibble offered. K-9 was laying down in kennel. Ate treat. 7/20/2026 easy to leash and high energy in the yard. loves to be independent and play with his toys although, very protective. easy return to kennel no issues. 7/16/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Timid, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Walked well to yard. Explored, allowed pets, treats gently. Very independent, and interested in sniffing around. Walked well back to kennel. 7/14/2026 Soft and wiggly, high energy, easy leashing, allowed all handling and vaccine booster, strong pull, easy kennel return, easy leash removal. 7/5/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Not interested in treats, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Mustang was happy to exit his kennel and enjoyed time in the yard. He was an independent guy, enjoying time to explore. He multiplied multiple times and appeared potty trained. He was happy to get the pets offered and polite with his interactions. He was a good boy! 7/3/2026 Approached front of kennel with soft body, tail wagging, and took treats gently. Placing \"yellow\" due to kennel presence and intake notes. 6/30/2026 k9 allowed all handling, scanning and loading on the truck. 6/30/2026 walks on leash, allows all petting and handling by male and female handler, muzzle wrap for vaccines, low grumble during vaccines, did not buck or thrash after grumble, no difficulty in handling, no difficulty in handling overall Medical Treatments 10/27/2026 10/27/26 12:40 K9 Observed struggling to stand up in life room, would eventually rise. 10/27/26 13:06 Restart gabapentin 100mg 2 caps po bid x 7 days. 10/10/2026 10/10/26 11:01 k9 NIK during AM tx's. mgs/pur 10/5/2026 10/05/26 16:47 Collection Method: Free catch Urine Color: Yellow Urine Clarity:Clear Specific Gravity (Refractometer): 1.022 WBC: 0-5/HPF RBC: 2-5/HPF Epithelial Cells: 0-3/HPF Bacteria: Cocci seen Crystals:None seen Leukocytes: Moderate (++) Nitrite: Positive Urobilinogen: Normal Protein: Trace pH: 7.0 Blood: Negative Ketone: Small (15) Bilirubin: Negative Glucose: Negative JNR 10/5/2026 10/05/26 16:13 Hx. Foster brought dog back d/t continued lameness and dragging his RH limb (which was wrapped w/ distal limb bandage at offsite veterinary office). Foster also noted that blood droplets have been noted in his urine (fresh urine sample brought by foster). BAR, BCS 5.5/9. OPHTHO - OU lenticular sclerosis, no ocular discharge, no blepharospasm. RESP - eupnic; no coughing/ sneezing/ nasal discharge. MS (limited palpation d/t dog low growling) - LF grade 3/5 lameness; RH grade 3+/5 lameness w/ moderate amount of muscle atrophy and distal limb bandage. NEURO - ataxic in hindlimbs, intermittently drags RH limb. A: Forelimb lameness - ddx. osteoarthritis, coccidioidomycosis, neoplasia, etc; hindlimb lameness and ataxia - ddx. caudal neuropathy, osteoarthritis, spondylosis, neoplasia, etc; intermittent hematuria - ddx. UTI P: 1. Gabapentin (100mg capsule) - 2 capsules PO BID x 14 days. 2. Cephalexin (250mg capsule) - 3 capsules PO BID x 14 days. 3. Dog is adoptable if adopter is made fully aware of dog's medical notes and need to follow-up with family veterinarian re full workup, including comprehensive bloodwork, possible radiographs, long-term pain management, etc. Dog is not medically suitable to foster. 4. Patient requires medical resources beyond those routinely available within the shelter. An alternative treatment and/or placement pathway is being pursued prior to consideration for Priority Portal placement. nhilde 10/5/2026 Weight check 79.2# kt 10/5/2026 Return from foster. Current on vaccines. Confirmed chip #985141011772072 is implanted by scanner. 9/30/2026 09/30/26 13:16 Bravecto (fluralaner) for dogs >44-88lb (1000mg) 1 tube of topical solution applied in multiple spots between shoulder blades and along back by _PUR__. Reapply after three months 9/24/2026 As handler took canine out during morning clean handler observed the canine back left leg to be limping/dragging 09/24/26 11:17 Dog is currently under treatment for this. 9/24/2026 09/24/26 12:41 BAR, BCS 5/9. OPHTHO – OU no ocular discharge. RESP – no clinical signs of CIRDC (ie. sneezing; coughing; nasal discharge) noted today. GI - great appetite. P: No treatment for CIRDC needed at this time. Continue to monitor. nhilde 9/23/2026 09/23/26 15:44 BAR, active. BCS 5/9 No coughing, sneezing or oculonasal exudates observed. No treatment needed at this time. Monitor for CIRDC. 9/22/2026 09/22/26 11:26 coughing 9/22/2026 09/22/26 14:12 BAR, active. BCS 5/9 No coughing, sneezing or oculonasal exudates observed. No treatment needed at this time. Monitor for CIRDC. 9/21/2026 09/21/26 11:51 NIK during AM Tx. JNR 9/17/2026 When walking past kennel dog was seen struggling getting up and out of bed and struggling to get over guillotine dragging back legs. 9/17/2026 09/17/26 16:00 BAR BCS 7/9 Stiff in hindlimbs upon rising. Mild discomfort on palpation of hips and caudal lumbar spine. Restart gabapentin 100mg po bid x 7 days. Dog will benefit from weight loss and will need follow up with family vet to set up a longterm plan for mobility issues. 8/20/2026 08/20/26 13:13 BAR, actively chewing on a kong. Food dish is empty. No C/S/V/D. No treatment needed at this time. 8/20/2026 During AM cleaning, animal care staff reported large pile of vomit in kennel. Vomit consisted of partial and fully digested kibble, with a light brown/yellowish color. 7/14/2026 07/14/26 10:04 Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv, manufactured by Merck, Serial number: _02121B37A_ administered SQ, R lateral shoulder by _TEA_. 7/6/2026 Pre-operative Examination, performed by: __NH__ Pre-op tech: __TC__ T: __101.4__°F HR: _130__bpm RR: _24__brpm General Appearance: BAR Respiratory: NSF Cardio: NSF Repro/Urogenital: NSF Derm: CALLOUSED ELBOWS Ears: NSF Eyes: OU LENTICULAR SCLEROSIS Nervous: NSF M/S: HL ATAXIA, LF GRADE 2-3/5 LAMENESS Dental: SEVERLY WORN DENTITION GI: NSF L/N: NSF BCS: _5_ /9 Dental grade: _3_ /4 Observations during pre-op/procedure: MS EXAM UNDER SEDATION D/T GROWLING Treatments: Pyrantel pamoate (50 mg/ml) _7.0__ ml PO administered once pre-op. Carprofen (50 mg/ml) _2.8_ ml SQ administered once pre-op. Microchip Implanted SQ, placement confirmed via microchip scanner. Please see Microchip Entry for number. Induction & Prep Tech Initials_KDS/DD_ Anesthesia: Induced with TTDex (5 ml cake 100 mg/ml Telazol to 2.5 ml 10 mg/ml Butorphanol + 2.5 ml 0.50 mg/ml Dexmedetomidine) _0.6___ ml IM at __0950__ Intubated at _1001___ with __12.0__ -size ET tube Maintained on Isoflurane and Oxygen. Anesthesia End Time: __1019__ Anesthesia Tech Initials: __SW___ Recovery Tech Initials: ___BZ___ Monitoring: Time: __1001__ T__100.8__ °F; HR _90___ bpm; RR ___10_ brpm Time: __1016__ T__100.6__ °F; HR _89___ bpm; RR __20__ brpm Time: __1031__ T__101.4__°F; HR _80___ bpm; RR _20___ brpm End Recovery Time: _1037___ T_101.4___ °F; HR _80___ bpm; RR __20__ brpm Uneventful recovery. Surgery – Canine Orchiectomy (Neuter), performed by: _NH_ Pre-scrotal incision made with no. 15 blade. Closed technique, single ligation of spermatic cords with strangle knots using __0__ Webmax. 2-layer closure: SQ layer closed with simple continuous sutures, continuing into continuous intradermal using __0__ Webmax. Green tattoo etched. Applied tissue adhesive over pre-scrotal incision and tattoo. Rx and/or Post-op recommendations: Recommend follow up with primary veterinarian regarding overall health, baseline bloodwork, and preventative care. RX: CARPROFEN 100MG - 1.5 T PO SID X 7 DAYS, START 7/7 RX: GABAPENTIN 100MG - 1 C PO BID X 14 DAYS Entering Tech Initials: ___TC__ 7/5/2026 Volunteer observed hind legs were weak. VET TECHNICIAN EXAM (Date: _07/05/26 14:23______) DUE TO VET CHECK REQUEST Attitude: BAR BCS: _5/9 Ocular Discharge / Squinting: N Coughing/Sneezing: N Nasal Discharge - Mucoid / Serous: y, serous Vomiting/Diarrhea: N Appetite: Good, ate treats offered Other Notes of Concern / Observations: Slightly drags hind legs when trying to walk over guillotine DND 07/06/26 09:48 NIK @ 7:54 - surgery today - see surgery notes 6/30/2026 Nobivac 3-Rabies, manufactured by Zoetis, Serial number 848582: administered SQ, R lateral hip, by __GB__, supervising veterinarian ST. Nobivac Canine 1-DAPPv, manufactured by Merck, Serial number: 02121B37A administered SQ, R lateral shoulder by __GB__ Nobivac Intra-Trac3, manufactured by Merck, Serial number: 00541526B administered IN by__GB__ Flea and Tick Bravecto (fluralaner) for dogs >44-88lb (1000mg) 1 tube of topical solution applied in multiple spots between shoulder blades and along back by __GB__. Reapply after three months. Male: Testicles palpable with adult reproductive features, consistent with unaltered male. Confirmed by: __GB__ Mylar placed by GB In-Kennel Behavior Rounds No In-Kennel Behavior Rounds Memos Bite History No recorded bites Name: Mustang Animal ID: A5167530 Breed: BLACK/WHITE LABRADOR RETR/MIX Sex: Neutered Age: 10Y 3M Weight: 79.2 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing L - 342 Intake Date: 10/5/2026 Deadline Date: 11/8/2026