RESCUE-ONLY DEADLINE CLOSE OF BUSINESS Tuesday April 2, 2026 Must be pulled by a partnered rescue Name: Siena Animal ID: A894489 Age: 1 year 6 months Weight: 29.5 lbs. Web Link: 24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A894489 About: If you are looking for a loyal, velcro companion who will always be by your side, Siena might be the girl for you. This 1-year-old Shepherd mix is a beautiful tri-color pup who truly thrives on human connection. Her previous family noted that she is incredibly affectionate, loves going for long walks, and is a fantastic passenger on car rides. Siena is a young dog with a lot of potential, but she is looking for a very specific environment to help her feel safe and successful. She was recently returned to the shelter because she struggles with significant resource guarding. In her previous home, she felt the need to guard her favorite adults from both the child and the other dogs in the home. Because of these behaviors, Siena requires an adult-only home where she can be the only pet. She also did not do well with cats, so a home where she is the center of attention is a must. While her guarding is a serious behavior that will require ongoing training and management, Siena has shown a different side here at the shelter. When meeting other dogs at PACC, she was nervous and mostly kept to herself. She tends to do okay with other dogs when there are no resources—like food, toys, or specific people—for her to guard. With a dedicated, experienced family who are willing to implement a solid management plan, it may be possible for Siena to live with another dog in the future. However, this would only be after she is fully settled, and her new owners have a clear handle on her guarding behaviors. For now, she deserves a chance in a home where she won't be put in situations that trigger her need to protect her resources. Siena is currently on a Rescue-Only deadline, which means she needs a partnered rescue group to pull her and support her transition into a new home. 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 Thursday April 2, 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: Resource Guards Items or Food: • Siena 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: • Siena 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 Siena 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. Resource Guards Attention From Dogs: • Siena may guard human attention or affection from other dogs, particularly around their favorite people. This behavior can lead to tension or conflict if not managed carefully. • Professional Support: Establish firm, consistent boundaries and seek guidance from a qualified trainer to develop safe management and redirection techniques. • Management Around Other Dogs: If they begin showing signs of guarding (blocking, growling, stiffening, or posturing), calmly stand up and walk away to remove the valued resource - your attention. • Balanced Attention: Divide attention equally between all pets in the home and reward calm, neutral behavior when other dogs approach. • Training Focus: Practice structured exercises such as “stay” and “place” to help them learn impulse control and patience when attention is shared. No Other Dogs: • Siena is not suitable for a home with other dogs. • Reason: due to resource guarding • Management: They should be the only dog in the household. Avoid dog parks, group walks, or introductions to unfamiliar dogs to maintain safety and reduce stress. • Behaviors could improve with proper management and/or professional training. No Kids: • Siena is not suitable for a home with children. • Reason: due to resource guarding • Management: For safety and comfort, they should be in an adult-only home where interaction can be calm, predictable, and structured.