01/08/2026
MEDICAL DEADLINE
5PM Thursday 1/15/2026
Name: Maximus
Animal ID: A718907
Age: 6years
Weight: 51 lbs.
Web Link: 24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A8718907
About: Maximus is a middle-aged gentleman with a heart of gold who is searching for a hero to end his long search for a "furever" home. Having been in and out of the shelter system since 2020, he is currently experiencing some shock and sadness being back in a noisy environment. Maximus recently returned to us not feeling his best; his skin allergies were previously unmanaged, and he is currently working hard on a "glow-up" with the help of medicated baths and TLC. Because his skin is still healing, he may be feeling uncomfortable or even a little painful at times, so he is looking for a gentle family who will give him the time and space he needs to truly open up.
In a home setting, Maximus is a dream companion who just needs a patient start. He is already house-trained and crate-trained, and he previously earned a reputation as the perfect patio pup during trips to local breweries. He is polite and calm in public, walks well on a leash, and knows several commands including "sit," "inside," and has excellent recall. While he can be a bit shy and nervous when meeting new faces—especially while he isn't feeling 100%—he is a total love-bug once he feels safe. Volunteers often describe him as a "soul-dog" who will quietly rest his chin on your leg just to be near you, especially if you have some tasty treats to share.
Maximus has a history of getting along well with children and other dogs of all sizes. In shelter playgroups, he is known for being independent and tolerant, making him a great fit for a home with existing pups. However, he did not quite see eye-to-eye with the cat in his previous foster home, so a feline-free household is likely best. He also prefers to have his meals in peace, so he’ll need a family who understands the importance of feeding him separately from other pets while he enjoys his food. Max enjoys his medicated baths and is muzzle trained- very important in case he needs any visits to the vet!
This sweet boy has been waiting years for a family to truly commit to him. He is a resilient, mellow, and smart dog who just needs a patient owner willing to keep up with his allergy medication and provide the stable, quiet environment he deserves. If you are looking for a loyal companion to join you on car rides and cozy nights on the sofa, Maximus is ready to meet you. Please ask a staff member about Maximus today!
Behavior:
Bite History
• Minor level 2 to vet staff finger at Old Pueblo Vet Clinic
- Minor bite level 2 when being leashed in shelter kennel.
No Cats:
• Maximus is not suitable for a home with cats.
• Reason: Injured a cat in 2022 while in foster
Prey Drive:
• Maximus may display chasing behaviors or pull toward small animals such as cats, rabbits, or wildlife while on walks. A confident, strong handler is recommended for safe management.
• Prey drive can be instinctual, breed-related, or a learned behavior reinforced by past experiences.
• Training and Management: Use a secure martingale collar or properly fitted harness during walks. Avoid off-leash areas where small animals may be present.
Resource Guards Items or Food:
• Maximus may guard valued items such as food, toys, bones, or resting spaces.
• Management: Do not attempt to take items directly from their mouth or reach into their food bowl. Instead, trade with a high-value treat or toy to encourage voluntary release or when picking up a food bowl, call the dog away from the bowl into another room before picking up.
• Feeding Protocol: Feed them separately from other pets and in a quiet, low-traffic area. Allow them to eat undisturbed. Remove food bowls only after they have finished and moved away.
• Muzzle Training: Conditioning them to wear a muzzle can be beneficial during resource-handling practice or when introducing high-value items around people or other animals.
• Professional Support: Work with a qualified trainer or behaviorist to develop safe management and counterconditioning techniques.
• Recognize Warning Signals: Be aware of early signs of guarding behavior, such as stiffening, hovering over items, growling, or showing teeth. Respect these signals by calmly creating distance and redirecting their focus.
Stranger Danger:
• Initial Reaction: Expect your new dog to be uncomfortable around and with new people including yourself until they are comfortable with you, they may bark, snap, or flee.
• Introductions: New people require a slow, controlled introduction. Muzzle training is strongly recommended to ensure safety during any necessary close-range interactions or introductions outside of the immediate family unit.
• Safe Retreat: When guests are expected, [insert name] must be secured in their crate or in a safe, separate room away from the commotion and entry points of the home.
• Walks: Restrict walks to low-traffic, quiet areas where unexpected encounters with people or dogs are minimal.
• Re-Entry Management: During the first few days to weeks, they may startle, bark, snap or attempt to flee when you return home. To prevent stress or accidental escape, secure them in a crate or quiet room before leaving. This helps make door entries calm and predictable rather than frightening.
People Selective:
• Maximus prefers to choose their own human friends and may not be comfortable with everyone. Always allow them to approach new people on their own terms.
• Introductions: Keep initial introductions calm, controlled, and brief. Encourage visitors to avoid direct eye contact or reaching towards them until trust is built.
• Muzzle Training: Conditioning Maximus to comfortable wear a muzzle is recommended for new introductions to ensure safety and reduce stress.
• Visitor Management: Keep them securely separated when unfamiliar people are present, especially if they show signs of discomfort or stress. Gradual exposure and positive reinforcement are key to success.
• Recognize Warning Signals: The adopter/foster must be attentive to [insert name]’s body language, which can indicate stress or potential for escalation. Early warning signs include:
• Lip lifting or showing teeth.
• Low growling or vocal tension.
• Avoidance, stiff posture, or freezing.
• These warnings should be respected immediately by creating distance and giving them space to recover.
Separation Anxiety:
• Maximus may experience stress or anxiety when left alone, which can result in vocalization, pacing, or destructive behaviors.
• Crate Training: Proper crate training can provide a safe space and help prevent destructive behaviors when unsupervised.
• Enrichment & Comfort: Provide mental stimulation through frozen kongs, puzzle toys, or other enrichment items. Background noise such as calming music or television can also help reduce stress.
• Gradual Independence: Practice short departures and slowly increase alone time to build their comfort level.
• Companion Dog Support: Some dogs experiencing separation anxiety may feel more secure and settle better when another calm, stable dog is present in the home.
Adoption/Foster Process:
All interested parties must meet the dog at PACC before their deadline. Some dogs may also require an introduction to any dogs they may potentially live with. Once introductions are complete and if the IP has decided this dog may be a good fit, the process is as follows:
Interested parties:
• Must visit PACC before the 5pm Thursday 1/15/2026 deadline to meet with an adoption/foster counselor who will go over notes and introduce you to the dog.
• Are encouraged to reach out to a rescue group ASAP (even before coming to PACC), to start the approval process. Please contact PACC at [email protected] if approved to pull.
Collaboration with Rescue Groups:
• Rescue groups are encouraged to reach out to PACC immediately if they will pull this animal into their rescue (and if there are requirements: Interested adoptive party, spay/neuter if not already completed, etc.)
• Rescue groups are encouraged to start their adoption process with any interested parties who have contacted them directly and email PACC at [email protected].
Please note that it is ultimately up to the rescue group's discretion to decide whether to proceed with adoption.
