Bouzouki

Bouzouki 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 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Bouzouki, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/18/2026 09/18/26 13:41 Canine is exhibiting heightened sensitivity to handling, resulting in concerning responses. Placement with a New Hope Partner is needed by close of business 9/23/26 to provide support and reduce the likelihood of behavior progression. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/24/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/16/2026 Dog was at front of kennel; soft; tail wagging; offered treats; took treat gently; opened kennel door; flinched; handler slowly placed leash over; backed away; came back forward; walked into handler's arms; carried to yard. Handler sat down in chair; held dog in lap for a moment; dog jumped out of lap; explored; urinated; defecated; approached handler; offered treats; not interested; sniffed handler's legs; continued to explore; followed handler around; handler knelt down; moved away; would not fully approach; continued to explore. Dog eventually approached; allowed for slow petting around head/neck area; handler lightly brushed back; dog jumped/flinched; let out a whine; moved away; would not approach handler; slowly approached; dog; tried petting again on back; flinched; soft whine. Picked leash up; knelt down; tried to slowly pick up; whipped head around; vocal; did this a few times; offered treats; took treats gently; placed treats on ground; started eating treats; scooped dog up; flailed; settled once in arms; carried back to kennel; removed leash; placed back in kennel. 9/15/2026 Dog was lying in middle of kennel on approach. Opened kennel gate, offered treats in hand, would slowly come forward for treats. Extended hand to pet on head, dog would quickly lower head while shifting head to side with whale eyes & licking lips. Offered more treats while continuing to speak softly to dog. Used wide loop leash then offered more treats. Attempted to pet again, dog again would lower & shift head to side while licking lips. Placed blanket over dog & picked up without issues. Placed dog onto lap once in small PY, dog would jump off of handlers lap & start to pace along fence line. Offered treats, dog would slowly come forward to take treats from hand. Would start to pace then urinate & defecate. Approached handler again, offered treats then would extend hand to pet, dog would dodge hands while attempting to pet on head. Handler would pet on side of body then slowly inch hands to neck. Dog would lean into handlers hands while being pet on neck. Handler would remove hands then offer more treats. Handler would walk around, dog would continue to explore with nose to ground, if handler would walk towards dog, dog would scurry to opposite side of PY. Handler would sit back down in chair then call dog over, dog would slowly come back towards handler. Offered treats in hand then placed blanket over dog. Picked up & carried back to main building. Placed dog into a new kennel to provide 2 kennel spaces. Removed leash by hand slowly while dog would be eating treats on floor of kennel. 9/13/2026 Tail tucked, nervous. Came forward when handler opened gate, flinched back and briefly lip curled when handler attempted to pet. Requesting full evaluation. 9/12/2026 Dog tolerated all gentle handling 9/12/2026 carried onto ramp for intake, allows most handling and petting, moderate restraint for vaccines, soft body, tail wagging, reactive to vaccinations/restraint, carried to kennel without issue Name: Bouzouki Animal ID: A5171553 Breed: WHITE/BROWN CHIHUAHUA SH Sex: Male Age: 10Y 0M Weight: 5.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing K - 405 Intake Date: 9/12/2026 Deadline Date: 9/23/2026