Becky

Becky is an adoptable female Belgian Shepherd Malinois looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is fully grown and medium in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 5 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Becky, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 8/28/2026 08/28/26 17:11 Canine has shown inconsistent responses to handlers, including episodes of behavior escalation. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/2/26 to prevent further progression and support ongoing evaluation. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/3/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 8/22/2026 08/22/26 12:53 HMartinez Came in together: A5170414 and A5170415 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 8/28/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 8/27/2026 Inside for AM cleaning laying on bed with tense body, some low growls as handler approached, would hesitantly come forward as handler knelt down in front of kennel when baby talked with tucked tail, quickly false-lunged as handler stood up but settled quickly, would sniff handlers hand and treats offered but did not eat treats, stoic and tense bodied. Stayed at front of kennel when leash was presented, head shy with leash placement but some softer body observed, allowed handler to place large loop over head with no issues. Exited with some pulling, tail tucked, wary of surroundings and startled by reactive dogs in passing, started to have more loose body and tail wag once away from dogs on way to \"J\" yard, softening up as handler baby talked, no issues walking to yard. Once in yard dog would begin to sniff intensely, tolerant of petting on back, dropped leash and dog followed handler to chair with soft body, wagging tail, sat in front of handler with soft eyes and accepted pets all over. Dog would have some pacing along fence when exploring with loose tail wag and soft neutral body, becomes wiggly with some high energy as handler walked around yard and stayed close to handler, repeatedly sits in front of handler with soft eyes/face accepting pets all over whenever stopped. Dog would stiffen up and alarm bark at assistant handler approaching yard, tucked wagging tail, would approach to sniff at fence line but wary of assistant handler with some more alarm barks, picked up leash as assistant handler entered yard, dog would stay close to lead handler soliciting attentions but would have moments of approaching assistant handler to sniff and accept treats becoming more softer bodied with wagging tail towards assistant handler but overall stayed close to lead handler when not interacting with assistant handler. Came to handler when called over to leave, walked back to kennel with some pulling, some zig zag walking pattern but loose tail wag and soft body. Easy return to kennel, walked into kennel on own, allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 8/27/2026 Assisted with mock M&G style evaluation. Handler approached J-yard where second handler was waiting with dog. As handler approached fence, dog ran up with flagged tail, began alarm barking. Softened when coaxed but remained wary, would intermittently alarm bark. Handler presented flat hand outside of fence, dog sniffed hand, tensed up, made quick air snap towards hand. Handler pulled away, spoke gently, presented hand again, dog sniffed, walked away when called by second handler. Second handler(H2) retrieved leash; first handler(H1) stepped into yard. Dog appeared cautious, wary of H1, stayed close to H2. Leash dropped. Easily startled. Dog appeared soft and affiliative with H2, leaned in for petting, would not initially approach H1. H1 placed EZ cheese treat on grass, dog came forward, ate treat, returned to H2. H1 did not force interaction, stood calmly while speaking with H2, dog displayed no interest and kept distance. After a few minutes, dog slowly approached H1, sniffed hand briefly, wagged tail, returned to H2. Dog explored yard near H2 but would not approach H1 unless treats were being offered. H2 walked away, crouched, dog followed, leaned face into H2. H1 attempted calling dog, coaxing, but dog would not approach, would not turn to look when called. H1 opened gate, H2 walked dog out of yard, then returned dog on own. 8/26/2026 Closed out for AM cleaning. Lunged forward; muzzle punching the gate; offered treats; alarm barking while air snapping; did not take treats; started to settle; ears pinned back; tail tucked; whale eyed; sat at front of kennel; placed large loop over; leashed; exited; pulled hard; zig zagged on leash; pulled away; settled; continued walking. In yard, dog explored; tail tucked; explored; offered treats; not interested; continued to explore; handler walked around in yard; dog would start to follow; handler sat in chair; dog would briefly approach; sniffed briefly; went back to exploring; defecated; shook off. After a few moments, approached handler; extended hand out; sniffed; allowed for slow petting; flinched; allowed handler to continue petting; brief tail wags; soft face; leaned head into petting; remained near handler; handler stood up; dog followed; sat at handler's feet; continued to allow for petting; took treats gently. Picked leash up; walked back with moderate pull; did not enter kennel; darted past kennel; opened kennel door wide; tried offering treats; not interested; pulled back; sat; handler stepped into kennel; gave dog a few moments; applied light leash pressure; dog walked forward; tried pushing out; used firm leash pressure to keep in kennel; allowed handler to remove leash. 8/25/2026 Dog false-lunged and alarm barked when handler approached, low posture, whale eyed, bared teeth when offered treats, startled when closing divider, ignored treats tossed in kennel, retreated to bed. Slowly came forward with verbal coaxing, avoidant of leash, retreated to back of kennel, ears pinned and tail tucked, dodged leash placement, able to step foot in kennel and place leash with large loop after a few attempts. Stop and go to sniff surroundings, ignored kenneled dogs, moderate pull. Explored yard, tail tightly tucked, panting heavily, yawning, scanning surroundings, nose to ground, ignored treats, stood near handler but would not fully approach, side eyed when trying to verbally coax over, continued exploring, did not seek attention. Followed handler into catch pen, able to pick up leash, skin crawled but allowed petting on back, moderate/hard pull to kennel, able to direct when needed, hesitant to enter kennel, resisted when trying to guide in, handler was able to step in kennel and guide in with gentle leash pressure, able to exit, loosen slip lead with clip leash and remove rest by hand. . 8/23/2026 calm on approach, allowed leash and walked outside on their own. allowed muzzle wrap, gentle pets, and restraint for spay check. walked back to kennel, easy to kennel and removed leash by hand 8/22/2026 Growled, lunge, barked, hackles, and bared teeth. Bit catch pole. Whale eyes and tail tuck seen. Able to leash and K9 walked with ACO to truck. Place into truck kennel and when scan for a microchip, skin crawl and whale eyes seen 8/22/2026 walks on leash, allows all handling and petting, mild restraint for vaccines, timid, neutral body, solicited attention at times, tail tucking, go slow when handling, orange due to field behavior Name: Becky Animal ID: A5170414 Breed: BROWN/BLACK BELG MALINOIS/MIX Sex: Female Age: 7Y 0M Weight: 48.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing G - 234 Intake Date: 8/22/2026 Deadline Date: 9/2/2026