RESCUE-ONLY DEADLINE CLOSE OF BUSINESS MONDAY MARCH 23, 2026 Must be pulled by a partnered rescue Name: Nutmeg Animal ID: A887186 Age: 2 years Weight: 50 lbs. Web Link: 24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A887186 About: Meet Nutmeg, a two-year-old tan Shepherd mix whose adorable one ear up, one ear floppy look is guaranteed to melt your heart. Just like the aromatic spice he’s named after, Nutmeg is ready to bring warmth, sweetness, and a bit of spice into a dedicated home. This energetic pup is a favorite among shelter volunteers, who describe him as a super friendly boy with a soft, fluffy coat and a great smile. He is always enthusiastic about getting out for fresh air, is polite for leashing, and connects with people quickly. Whether he’s in sled-dog mode ready for a walk or just hanging out by your side wanting to be petted, Nutmeg is an eager-to-please companion who takes treats gently and is a lot of fun to be around. As a young dog with plenty of potential, Nutmeg is looking for a very specific, quiet sanctuary—ideally a home with just one or two people where he can be the center of your world. He has shown that he can be quite protective of his favorite person and will need an owner committed to working through his resource-guarding tendencies with continued professional training. While in his previous home, he had two bite incidents; the first occurred when he got loose and bit a man coming down the stairs, which was potentially guarding behavior, and the second happened when a teenager was trying to help the owner get him into a crate. Since being back at the shelter, a third incident occurred where he bit someone after being startled when a kennel divider was accidentally opened. Because he can be easily startled and values his space and his people so highly, he is looking for an adult-only home with few visitors to ensure everyone stays safe and comfortable. Nutmeg's social side really shines when he's focused on his human, and he is happiest when he can engage in reward-based training to build his confidence. While he has been a bit uncomfortable around other dogs in large playgroups, he may be open to a canine sibling if the match is right, so he’d love to meet any resident dogs before heading home. If you are a patient, dedicated advocate who can provide a structured environment and a lot of love, Nutmeg is more than ready to show you what a loyal, happy, and smart companion he can be. Ask to meet this adorable, one-of-a-kind boy today! Adoption 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 COB MONDAY MARCH 23, 2026 deadline to meet with an adoption 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 rescue approval process. Please have the rescue contact PACC at PACC.UrgentDogs@pima.gov if approved to pull. • If an IP has not already contacted a rescue, PACC will notify all partnered rescue groups of an interested party and request their assistance. Once you have come to PACC to meet with the dog and determined that you’d like to move forward, your information will be sent to partnered rescue groups. If a rescue group is interested and feels they may be able to pull, they will then reach out to IPs. 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 PACC.UrgentDogs@pima.gov. Please note that it is ultimately up to the rescue group's discretion to decide whether to proceed with adoption. HOME MANAGEMENT PLAN: Bite History: • Incident Details: in home- minor bite, victim (male) was walking downstairs, owner (female) lost control of Nutmeg, bite to leg. • Incident Details: in home- minor bite, victim (13-year-old boy) was trying to help the owner (female) get Nutmeg into a crate and was bit on the hand. • Incident Details: in shelter- moderate bite, staff was cleaning his kennel, the divider was opened by accident and Nutmeg was startled and bite the staff on the arm and face. Resource Guards Attention From People: • Nutmeg may guard attention or affection from certain people, particularly those they are bonded to. • Muzzle Training: Muzzle training is strongly recommended for all new introductions to ensure safety and reduce stress for both Nutmeg and others. • Professional Support: Establish clear boundaries early and seek guidance from a qualified trainer to help manage and modify guarding behavior. • Management at Home: Create a calm, designated space where they can relax when guests arrive or when attention is divided. Avoid scolding or punishing guarding behaviors - focus on redirection and rewarding calm, appropriate responses. • Recognize Warning Signals: Watch for signs that they are becoming uncomfortable, such as stiffening, growling or placing themselves between people. These behaviors should be respected by giving space and calmly redirecting their focus. Possible People Selective: towards men • Nutmeg 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 Nutmeg 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 Nutmeg’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. Shy/Nervous: • Decompression Period: Allow Nutmeg ample time and space to settle into their new environment. Pushing interactions too soon can increase stress and delay progress. • No Forced Handling: Avoid handling that Nutmeg does not initiate or consent to. Let them approach on their own terms. Use high value treats, calm praise, and gentle encouragement to build trust. • Building Affection: They may take time to show affection or seek attention. Every dog adjusts at their own pace - patience and consistency are key to helping them feel secure. • Confident Dog Recommended: They may benefit from living with a calm, confident dog who can model appropriate behavior and help build trust in new env