Dormouse

Dormouse is an adoptable female Carolina Dog 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 currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Dormouse, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/17/2026 09/17/26 14:34 Canine has demonstrated low tolerance for handling and other concerning behaviors during their time in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/22/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/23/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 9/9/2026 09/09/26 13:57 Casselman: A5171341 A5171343 A5171345 A5171346 A5171348 A5171351 A5171353 A5171354 A5171355 A5171356 A5171366 A5171368 A5171369 A5171370 A5171342 A5171338 A5171371 09/10/26 13:09 Per Activity notes, this dog came from a property with multiple dogs that have a history of being at large and attacking/killing neighbor's cats, chickens, ducks, and possibly other livestock. Unknown which specific dogs were at large and involved in incidents. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/16/2026 **Dog was pulled and returned at same time as kennel mate, A5171346 but evaluated individually** Handlers approached kennel front, dogs were laying on bed together. Lead handler knelt down and began offering treats, dogs were hesitant initially but dog up and began coming forward. Dogs remained tense and hesitant, handler tried to lure dog through loop with leash presented. Dog would back away when leash was presented. Handler stood up and was able to take a step in and place leash. Handler then held leash taut and scooped dog up with opposite hand. Handler was able to carry dog to M&G room. Dog was rigid in posture with legs fully extended. Once in M&G room alone handler adjusted leash stopper and released dog . Dog stayed away from handler initially, handler sat on chair towards back of room. Handler began offering treats, dog would approach for treats but would not take treats from handlers hands. About 5 minutes into evaluation dog approached handlers shoe and sniffed for a few seconds and then ate a few more treats from the ground. Dog then sat at opposite side of room and began ignoring handler. Handler continued to offer treats, dog ignored them. Handler tried to verbally coax dog would not look at handler. Handler allowed dog a few minutes and then retrieved leash. Handler again held leash taut and scooped up dog. Dog was rigid in posture and thrashed briefly then allowed carrying. Handler saw assistant handler and dogs were returned at the same time. Handler was able to remove leash by hand and place dog in kennel, dog retreated to back and then kennel mate was also returned. Dogs were neutral in posture when reunited. 9/14/2026 Dog was at front of kennel, low softly wagging tail, sniffing hnder through door, slightly wiggling in place, stayed at fron until handler opened door and held out leash, weight shifted back, sniffed leash but with any motion of it toward dog, dog would back up, slowly coming forward again, handler knelt down and held a smaller loop, dog would take treats from handler but still wary of the leash, kennel mat also came forward to get treats, as both dog were leaning through open door handler was able to quickly place leash, dog immediately began thrashing backwards, retreated to other side of the kennel, handler held leash as loose as possible, assistant used treats to slowly lure dog back to front of kennel and handler closed divider. Assistant leashed kennel mate and picked up, handler stepped in and this dog quickly tucked into the corner with tense body, tried to jump away but handler was able to scoop up dog and carry, dog was tense with rigid limbs, handler placed dog in M&G room, dog sat under chair, handlers began tossing treats, dog would start moving around room, tense with low tail, quick darting movements, stood in front of window looking out at dogs in kennel, froze, then began barking, disengaged independently, resumed exploring and searching out treats, handler knelt on ground, placed treats all around, dog was more hesitant to come forward to treats by handler but slowly started to pass a little closer each time, eventually grabbing nearest treats, would conitnue moving quickly, but kept coming up to take treats from handler, would take them out of their hand, mistakingly grabbing handler's finger once, did not allow any petting, would jump away from handlers attempts to reach out, assistant also would feed treats to dog and handler wuld attempt to pet as she ate, dog still jumpingaway from contact. Dog would move around the room, avoidant of the leash on ground and jumping up if it brushed against her, would occasionally return to the window and bark or growl at dogs across the hall, remained tense and hyper vigilant. After a few minutes handler picked up leash, dog retreated to corner, handler held short leash and scooped up dog, dog had stiff limbs but allowed handler to carry back, removed leash by hand, then placed dog back in kennel. 9/13/2026 AM Rounds: Canine came to the front of the kennel with a soft, wiggly, body. Handler bent down to front of kennel and canine solicited attention rubbing self on kennel door and licking handlers hand through the door. 9/9/2026 Wagging tail upon approach, did not allow handling. Caught in net, skin crawling 9/9/2026 Requesting full eval due to history. 9/9/2026 K9 FLARED DURING INTAKE, K9 WIDE EYED, K9 TIMID, K9 TAIL TUCKED, K9 QUIET, K9 ORANGE DUE TO BEHAVIOR Name: Dormouse Animal ID: A5171345 Breed: BROWN CAROLINA DOG/MIX Sex: Female Age: 1Y 0M Weight: 10.6 lbs \t Age \t\tReason at ris Kennel: East Kennel, Wing S - 196 Intake Date: 9/9/2026 Deadline Date: 9/22/2026