Bruce

Bruce is an adoptable male Australian Kelpie looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is a young adult and small in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 6 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Bruce, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/4/2026 09/04/26 13:02 Canine is exhibiting heightened sensitivity to handling, resulting in concerning responses. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/10/26 to provide support and reduce the likelihood of behavior progression. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/11/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 8/30/2026 How long have you had the animal? 3 HOURS. SOURCE STATED ADULT DOGS A5170804, A5170805 AND THEIR 3 PUPPIES, A5170807, A5170808, A5170809 WERE FOUND TOGETHER UNDER A MOBILE HOME. SOURCE STATED DOGS WERE INITIALLY VERY SKITTISH BUT THEY WERE ABLE TO TRAP THE DOGS. What are the cross streets where you found the animal? 39TH AVE AND ROOSEVELT ST Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO Is animal spayed/neutered? NO Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NO Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO Was this animal around any children? NO, SOURCE STATED ONLY AROUND ADULTS Did the animal interact with other animals? YES, SOURCE STATED A5170804 AND A5170805 WERE FOUND TOGETHER WITH 3 PUPPIES, A5170807, A5170808, A5170809 Cats? NO Dogs? YES, SOURCE STATED A5170804 AND A5170805 WERE FOUND TOGETHER WITH 3 PUPPIES, A5170807, A5170808, A5170809 Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO Can the animal walk on a leash? UNK Does the animal know any commands? UNK Where was this animal kept? IN A TRAP/CRATE ENTIRE TIME If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam free? IN A TRAP/CRATE ENTIRE TIME If outside, what kind of fencing do you have, and did it contain the animal? IN A TRAP/CRATE ENTIRE TIME Any destruction behavior? If yes, please describe? NO How would you describe the animal’s energy level? LOW-MEDIUM HOWEVER THAT COULD CHANGE Any escapist behavior? NO, HOWEVER SOURCE BELIEVES DOG MAY RUN OUT IF NOT LEASHED PROPERLY AHEAD OF TIME Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? NO Any Additional details/notes on behavior? NO 8/30/2026 08/30/26 17:09 TR: (2 ADULT DOGS) A5170804, A5170805, AND (3 PUPPIES) A5170807, A5170808, A5170809 WERE FOUND TOGETHER Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/4/2026 Dog resting on bed, handler spoke softly, dog lifted head and looked at handler, wide eyes, handler tossed treat, dog shifted in place as if to get up but remained on bed, stood up when handler opened door, walked to front of kennel and slowly poked head through leash loop held at doorway, backed up as leash tightened but then slowly exited kennel, low tail, unsure movements, exited kennel wing, followed handler a few steps out of building, then began to pull back inside, mouthing at leash, handler gave dog a moment then walked up to doorway again, this time used mild leash pressure to clear doorway and let it close behind dog, dog had low, tense posture, tucked tail, would pull in opposite directions from handler, past yard, eventually handler was able to lead into yard moving slowly and consistently, Added drag line, dog wandered around perimeter of yard, looking outside, tucked tail, shaking back legs, tightly closed mouth, would not approach handler for treats or coaxing, continued to pace at fence, after a while dog jumped up, front paws on fence, pawing upward, handler approached and dog stopped, slinking away from them, continued to sniff at back fence, then began pawing at bottom, attempting to dig, handler approached and stepped on drag line, picking up leash as dog continued to dig at fence, handler started to walk dog back to catch pen, dog would pull back and thrash on leash, biting at leash, would stop when handler allowed dog to return to fenceline, either walking along it or laying down. Handler continued to try walking the dog back, every time they added pressure dog would pull back and thrash, biting at leash, dog had leash in mouth, softly chewing at it but not damaging leash, handler just began walking to catch pen, dog would keep leash in mouth but walked forward, once in the catch pen dog dropped leash, sniffing at gates, handler added clip leash, would pet dogs rear, dog would flinch, turning head to look at handler with widened eyes, exited yard, pulling away from kennel building, dog thrashed and bit leash, while trying to walk back dog resumed chewing on leash, handler attempted to add a second leash as a precaution, dog began to flail wildly, handler unable to place second leash, used some momentum to get closer to kennel building but mostly had to use leash pressure to guide dog closer to building, all the while mouthing leash, once inside dog settled a bit, walked into kennel and allowed leash removal with clip leash 9/2/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was inside for AM cleaning; Dog was standing at door; side eye; low energy; timid; unsure stare; handler reached in and placed leash over head; Dog walked out with caution; Didn't like leash pressure; Walked to M&G room; stop n go; handler had to use body pressure to guide dog correct way; Dog would pull away to corners and bite at leash; Handler got dog to front of M&G room and used slight leash pressure into room; Once in room handler dropped leash; Dog defecated in place; unsure; just walked over and sat in corner; didn't solicit pets or attention from handler; kept distance from handler; Handler tried to kneel down and coax over; dog would retreat to another corner; low growl; handler gave dog more time to decompress; Dog remained the same for remainder of evaluation; dog would remain tense; side eyeing handler; kept distance; handler slowly clipped on clip leash when dog was walking towards exit; dog low growled; stoic; handler used body pressure to lead dog back to kennel; dog would stop and bite leash if dog didn't want to go a certain direction; handler would stop and dog would stop chewing; allowed dog to walk at his pace; used body pressure all the way to kennel; dog ignored dogs in passing; entered into kennel; used clip leash for removal; 8/30/2026 Canine entered intake room in crate. When handler opened crate door, canine avoided handler by looking away and had a tucked tail. Handler was able to place slip lead and coax the canine out of the kennel. Canine immediately located the corner of the room, sat there avoiding handler. Minimal restraint needed for vaccines. Canine would thrash head and body when handler attempted to pick up. A bucket was used to transport to kennel. When attempting to pick up canine to place in bucket, handler used a blanket, but canine continued to thrash, alligator roll, and would bite at leash when handler approached. After a few attempts, handler was able to place canine in bucket and transport to kennel. Canine exited bucket with tail tucked and entered kennel. Slip lead was removed by hand. Name: Bruce Animal ID: A5170804 Breed: BLACK/TRICOLOR AUST KELPIE/MIX Sex: Male Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 20.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 195 Intake Date: 8/30/2026 Deadline 9/10/2026