Rue

Rue is an adoptable female Chihuahua looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. She is a young adult and small in size. She is listed on the shelter's euthanasia list, listed due to behavior, and that date has now passed. Shelters often move these dates, so Rue may still be waiting. The shelter can confirm.

Memo 9/8/2026 09/08/26 15:34 Canine is exhibiting heightened sensitivity to handling, resulting in concerning responses. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/13/26 to provide support and reduce the likelihood of behavior progression. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/14/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 8/30/2026 08/30/26 17:09 TR: (2 ADULT DOGS) A5170804, A5170805, AND (3 PUPPIES) A5170807, A5170808, A5170809 WERE FOUND TOGETHER 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 Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/5/2026 Dog was laying on bed, wide eyes, mild tension, no interest in treats, slight trembling as handler opened door, speaking softly, reached in and gently draped leash over head, dog flinched but tolerated, crawled toward back of kennel and sat up against wall, would not come forward with verbal coaxing or treats, handler used towel and gently draped it over dog, as handler began picking up dog dog darted forward, wiggling out of their hands, ran to the corner and sat pinned up against wall, tense, whale eyes at handler, no reaction to the dog in kennel she was pinned up against. Her leash had gotten loose as she darted out, and was placed improperly, handler gently draped a new leash and dropped the initial one, dog was wide eyed, tense, and turning head away, handler would attempt to drape towel over dog and pick up but dog kept body tightly pressed against the wall, would tolerate petting through towel but as soon as the handler tried to pick up dog darted back toward kennel, passing it and pulling away, mouthed at leash, handler decided to end eval attempt due to high FAS, tried to use light leash pressure to bring dog back to kennel but she froze and braced in place, handler then draped towel over dog, petting softly, dog had low crouched posture, attempted to wiggle and thrash out of handlers grasp again, handler was able to maintain enough hold on dog to place in kennel, left leash. 9/4/2026 Handler approached kennel front; Dog was laying down on bed with soft stare; body neutral; Handler unlocked door and tried giving treats; Dog wasn't interested; Handler stepped in and placed leash over head with no issues; went up to pup and secured stopper slowly; Handler pet gently with end of leash and dog allowed; Progress to petting by hand; along head and sides; Dog let handler pick up and carry to yard; Remained in handlers arm but would move front two is doggy paddle motion as if she was in a pool; handler continued to carry to yard; Dogs tail was wagging but was lifted slightly as we walked; Dog allowed handler to pet and set down; Dog walked yard; Wary of environment; wary if handler approached too quickly; Dog remained hunkered low as she surveyed yard; handler would kneel near dog and pet gently; dog sat in place and allowed all petting along head and sides; remained still with soft stare; Handler would try and coax dog closer but dog remained still wouldn't move; when she did move she would sit in corner; unsure; soft stare; light shaking; timid; Handler would come up and pet; knelt down tried giving more treats and dog still wasn't interested; If handler walked yard dog would remain in the same spot; didn't solicit pets and attention on own; When time to go handler knelt down and pet dog for a few minutes; tried to pick up and dog would turn head slowly and mouth towards direction handlers hands; dog was wary of handling; Handler decided to slowly clip on clip leash for precaution; Put on bite gloves; proceeded to try again with picking up with gloves; Handler would pick up and dog would turn head; slowly mouthed (gnawed) on handler glove for a second; Didn't come with force or latch on; Dog was unsure of gloves or intention of handler; Once dog mouthed or gnawed on glove for second allowed handler to pick up and carry back to kennel; remained in handlers arms; still moving front twos in doggy paddle motion; back tail flagged and wagging; Once in kennel handler removed leash by hand; set dog back in kennel and pet gently; 9/3/2026 Handler approached kennel front, dog was laying down in bed. Handler offered treat, no movement from dog. Handler was able to place leash and secure without issue. Handler then draped towel over dog and attempted to pick up. Dog squirmed out of first attempt. Handler readjusted and tried again. Handler was able to pick up and carry dog to PY. Dog defecated on path to PY. Handler set dog in yard and dog continued to defecate. Handler closed gates attached leash extension and released dog. Handler sat on bench and allowed dog time to decompress. Dog paced perimeter of yard and dog not approach or come near handler. After about 10 minutes handler approached to retrieve leash. Dog bolted again. Handler was able to guide dog into tight corner using spatial pressure and retrieve leash. Handler then attempted to hold leash taut in off hand while reaching to scoop dog up with other. Dog air snapped at handler. Handler called for staff to bring a new towel, previous towel had feces on it. Handler attempted to drape towel over and lift dog again. Handler held dog with both hands, dog flailed side to side with mouth open attempting to bite at handlers hands and began to urinate. Handler had staff retrieve mini taxi. Handler was able to scoop dog into mini taxi and secure. Handler carried dog to kennel in taxi and was able to remove leash with safety gloves and prompt dog to exit taxi with light tipping. 9/1/2026 Dog was laying on bed; Neutral Body and tail aligned; Allows petting of pups and handling; Some hesitancy when handler approached; Allows petting; timid; remained calm and neutral; **Due to current kennel presence and previous notes; Requesting Full Evaluation.** 8/30/2026 Canine had tail tucked, avoiding eye contact with handler. Entered intake room in a crate, canine did not want to leave crate. With positive coaxxing, canine exited crate and immediatly seeked the corner of the room, sat there frozen and avoiding handler. No restraint was needed for vaccines. Bucket was used to transport to kennel Name: Rue Animal ID: A5170805 Breed: TAN CHIHUAHUA LH Sex: Female Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 18.0 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 229 Intake Date: 8/30/2026 Deadline Date: 9/13/2026