RESCUE-ONLY DEADLINE CLOSE OF BUSINESS Wednesday MARCH 25, 2026 Must be pulled by a partnered rescue Name: Rocky Animal ID: A888923 Age: 2 years Weight: 59.40 lbs. Web Link: 24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A888923 About: Meet Rocky, a strikingly handsome blue and white Pit Bull mix with a slender, athletic build and a heart full of pup energy. This bouncy, friendly boy is the ultimate versatile companion—described by those who know him as a perfect balance between a dedicated couch potato and an enthusiastic hiking partner. Rocky absolutely loves playing with his toys and is looking for an active, engaging home where he can truly shine. He is a smart pup who already knows how to sit for treats, though he isn't afraid to give an impatient little bark to remind you that he's waiting! Because he is so eager for interaction, Rocky is looking for an owner who sees training as a fun way to provide enrichment for both his mind and his body. Rocky is looking for a dedicated, final-forever home with an owner who understands his specific needs and is ready to help him succeed. He first came to us as an owner surrender following a bite incident involving resource guarding of food and people. After a brief adoption, he returned to the shelter because he struggled with separation anxiety and escaping his kennel. During that time, he also bit a visitor after breaking out of his crate, though thankfully he did not break skin. Because Rocky has proven he is quite the escape artist and can be protective of his snacks and his people, his new family will need to be knowledgeable about managing resource guarding and prepared to use a heavy-duty crate. Using a secure crate for feeding times and when visitors are in the home will be a vital tool to keep both Rocky and his guests feeling safe and relaxed. With a patient family willing to put in the work, Rocky has all the makings of a loyal and loving best friend. He is so ready for a fresh start where he can settle onto a cozy sofa after a long day of exploring the trails with you. If you are an active adopter looking for a smart, handsome, and energetic partner to grow with, please ask to meet Rocky 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 WEDNESDAY MARCH 25, 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: minor bite, victim reach over to pet dog, owner had food, its unclear if Rocky was guarding the food or the owner or both • Incident Details: bite no skin broken- Rocky broke out of his crate and bite a visitor Containment Issues: • Rocky has a known history of escaping enclosed spaces. • Escape Method: breaks out of a crate, will need a heavy duty crate. • Supervision and Safety: Keep them on leash until fully acclimated to the home and routine. Do not leave unattended outdoors or in unsecured areas. • Preventative Measures: Ensure fences are secure and at an appropriate height. Regularly check gates, latches and weak points for damage or loose areas. • Longline Use: When spending time outdoors in an enclosed yard, use a longline to give them extra space to explore while keeping them safe and under control. Do NOT use tie outs, leash should be held and maintained by the handler at all times. Should NOT be used in unenclosed or public spaces. Resource Guards Items or Food: • Rocky 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. Resource Guards Attention From People: • Rocky 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 Rocky 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. Separation Anxiety: • Rocky 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. • Gradu