Mortimer

Mortimer is an adoptable male Chihuahua looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is senior and small in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Mortimer, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/26/2026 08/26/26 12:39 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for handling during their time in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 8/31/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/1/26 or sooner if warranted. **Due to the dog's current medical condition, this dog may need to be released unaltered and will need to be altered by the New Hope Partner following transfer.** Intake 8/23/2026 08/23/26 10:18 ADR The following dogs came in together: A5170230 A5170234 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/22/2026 Dog was sleeping on approach, did not wake when handler used verbal cues. Handler lightly tapped on bottom of kennel, dog woke, looked at handler, stood quickly and widened eyes, retreated away. Trembled hard, avoided eye contact. Dog stood with rounded posture in back corner, head down. Handler was able to place leash. When handler attempted to place blanket, dog darted away, then forward as if to jump out of kennel. Handler kept door mostly closed, dog was stress panting, pacing in kennel. Handler was able to secure blanket. When being lifted, dog began thrashing hard under blanket, panting hard, groaning. Dog appeared to be hyperventilating; handler pulled blanket away from dog's head. Dog had mouth open wide, lip scrunched up, panting hard and salivating. Dog was very tense, continued to squirm and groan, cry out while being carried to M&G room. Handler gently placed dog on floor, removed blanket. Dog whined and retreated quickly to corner of room. Sat with hunched posture, feet tucked in, head down and turned away, would not make any eye contact with handler or look in their direction. No interest in treats or verbal coaxing. Dog turned to corner, panting. Handler was able to gently scratch dog on top of head, dog had no reaction, remained stiff and panting. Handler sat nearby, tried speaking softly, coaxing dog. Dog looked over shoulder, retreated farther away from handler, underneath chair. Handler gave dog a few more minutes but dog remained frozen, turned away, feet tucked in. Handler stood, slowly moved closer with blanket, dog began scurrying away. Handler retrieved leash, dog appeared to begin panicking, panting hard and groaning, then yelping, trying to get out of leash, urinated. Handler draped blanket, able to pick dog up. Dog cried, groaned, thrashed under blanket. Handler made sure dog's face and head were uncovered once being carried. Dog had commisure pulled back, salivating, very tense. Handler removed leash by hand, placed dog into kennel. Dog ran to back of kennel, stood with back arched, head pointed down, breathing hard, saliva gathered at corners of mouth. Handler watched dog for a few moments, walked away once dog appeared to settle. 8/21/2026 Laying down towards front of kennel, moved away, started trembling, and avoiding eye contact. Requesting full eval based on intake and kennel presence. 8/19/2026 shaking, carried to vaccine table due to size/age, head lowered, laying on vaccine table, nervous of handler, allows all petting, allows all handling, continued shaking, carried to kennel, ran into corner of kennel away from handler, panting, raised paw up, leash removal by hand Name: Mortimer Animal ID: A5170230 Breed: CHOCOLATE/TAN CHIHUAHUA SH Sex: Male Age: 8Y 0M Weight: 13.8 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing K - 425 Intake Date: 8/19/2026 Deadline Date: 8/31/2026