Details for A831861

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Animal information

A831861

Located At: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Description: My name is Sammie.
I am a spayed female, black Pit Bull Terrier.

Weight: I weigh approximately 59.00 lbs.
Age: The shelter staff think I am about 4 years old.
More Info: I have been at the shelter since Jun 09, 2024 and am ready to go home today!
I am in Kennel D133.
If you are interested in adopting this pet, visit us during regular business hours. Please email pacc.adopt@pima.gov for any questions regarding the adoption process.
If you believe this is your lost pet, come down during regular business hours to reclaim or email pacclostandfound@pima.gov with any questions.

Bio: CENSUS DEADLINE
CLOSE OF BUSINESS Friday May 15, 2026
AVAILABLE FOR ADOPTION OR FOSTER
Name: Sammy
Animal ID: A831861
Age: 4 years
Weight: 59 lbs.
Web Link: https://24petconnect.com/PimaAdoptablePets/Details/PIMA/A831861
About: Sammie is a young sweetheart who came to the shelter after being found wandering Tucson on her own. She’s a friendly, bouncy lady who is loved by everyone she meets! She’s spent nine months thriving in a foster home- here’s what we learned:

- She did great with an energetic 12-year-old boy
- She is crate trained and prefers to sleep in her kennel
- She is house trained
- She loves to run and frolic outdoors and to roll in the grass
- She loves toys that crinkle or squeak
- She knows commands for “quiet”, “this way” and “wait”
- She is smart and sweet

“Sammie is very treat- motivated, learns easily, loves car rides, pets, and being brushed. Don't let her big barks at the shelter scare you; she is a love. Sammie loves her people greatly, likes to cuddle on the couch, and give lots of respectful kisses, and she likes to get hugs and kisses too. She is a wonderful dog and is hoping to find her perfect forever family. If you take her home, please give her time to decompress and show you what an amazing dog she is.”

Sammie is beloved by shelter staff and volunteers too- here’s what some of her friends have said:

“Sammie is an absolute sweetheart and she’s always wagging her tail with her signature smile. She loves running and relaxing in a play yard.”

“Sammie explored the yard with loose body language and didn't seem to care much about the barking dogs around us. She allowed me to pet her between laps of the yard, and after she had thoroughly explored the yard, she was more engaged with me. She did zoomies with me and after some more snuggles, I returned her to her kennel. She was overall a very easy going and happy girl.”

“Sammie was a delight to have out. Sweet affectionate girl. She sits nicely for treats, makes good eye contact, takes treats gently, and leans in for petting. A very good girl!”

“Sammie is very friendly and sweet. She’s always wagging her tail when I take her out. She knows sit, watch me, and takes treats gently. This once shy girl is blossoming, and I hope she’ll find her forever family soon.”

Sammie has been independent when meeting other dogs in playgroup and would like to meet any resident dogs before heading home to ensure a good fit. She may do best in a home without cats. Please ask to meet Sammie today!


Available for foster care (2+ weeks) or adoption through PACC.
Interested parties:
Must visit PACC before the COB Friday May 15, 2026 deadline to meet with a counselor who will review notes and introduce you to the dog to ensure that it’s a good fit. Some dogs may also require an introduction to any dogs they may potentially live with.


Home Management Plan
1) Bite History
      • Minor bite - giving a treat and caught fingernails and small part of finger, very grabby when taking treats

2) Recommend Dog Introduction
    • If you have other dogs in the home, we recommend arranging a controlled introduction prior to adoption to ensure compatibility and reduce stress for all pets.
    • Reason: previous dog selectivity/not getting along with other dog in home in 2024

3) Dog Introduction Required With Small Dogs
• Reason: previous dog selectivity/not getting along with other dog in home in 2024, no history with small dogs.
• Slow, Structured Introductions: Introductions must be gradual and carefully managed in neutral territory. Monitor all body language closely, and end sessions on a positive note.
• Muzzle Training: It is recommended to condition Sammie to a comfortable basket muzzle before introductions. This provides safety and allows for positive experiences during early meetings.
• No Dog Parks: Sammie should not attend dog parks or other uncontrolled environments. These settings can overwhelm or trigger negative interactions, making progress more difficult.
• Behaviors could improve with proper management and/or professional training.

4) Best with NO Cats/Small Animals
      • barks and chases, needs to be kept separate
      • Prey drive may be related to instinctual and/or breed related behaviors

5) Resource Guards Items or Food from People
• Sammie 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 calmly.

6) 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, Sammie 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.

7) Highly recommend going home with another dog
      • Separation anxiety when no other dog is with her (seen in home)

8) On Prozac
• Sammie is currently taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) for behavioral support.
• Do NOT stop or change this medication without consulting your personal veterinarian.
• MUST be tapered: Stopping abruptly may cause negative physical or behavioral side effects.

Data Updated: This information was refreshed 10 minutes ago.
Shelter information
Location: Pima Animal Care Center - Tucson
Address: 4000 North Silverbell Road
Tucson, AZ 85745

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