Buddy

Buddy is an adoptable male Bullmastiff looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is a young adult and medium in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 4 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Buddy, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 9/23/2026 09/23/26 14:38 Canine has shown increasing over-arousal and is becoming difficult to manage safely while in care. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 9/28/26 to allow for behavioral support and assessment in a different setting. May be at risk for euthanasia 9/29/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/20/2026 Dog would jump up while demand barking on approach to back half of kennel. Opened kennel door, dog would attempt to push muzzle into gate then bite @ leash. Handler opened kennel divider to call dog to front half of kennel, dog came to gate with a relaxed & wiggly body while standing on all 4's. Able to open kennel gate & drape leash onto dog quickly. Walked with a moderate pull on leash to main PY. Would have high, playful energy while interacting with both handlers. Would be jumping & mouthy, not applying pressure on hands. Able to redirect off without issues. Was not interested in treats or toys. Would run around to do zoomies then come back to handlers, allowing more petting. Would jump up onto bench, allowing all petting. Appears to know \"SIT\". Picked up leash without issues. Walked back to kennel, would start to pull back while biting @ leash once @ kennel gate. Handler would step into kennel, dog would not follow. Not interested in tossed treats. Opened kennel divider, dog would enter into kennel then quickly turn & push out of gate, would start to bite & thrash body on leash again. Once settled, assistant handler walked to back half of kennel to call dog into kennel. Dog would enter into kennel, turn body & started to bite @ leash again. Once dog would drop leash from mouth, handler was able to quickly remove leash. Dog would enter into back half of kennel once leash was removed, closed kennel divider. 9/19/2026 , I went on an East meets West walk today! 9/19/2026 When handler went to kennel dog was jumping of the kennel walls and fence, when handler attempted to leash dog, dog was mouthy, biting the leash and pulling it into the kennel, repeadly pushing at the kennel door, trying to push past handler. Handler then tried to leash dog, dog nipped at handler's finger, appeared playful, did not break skin. Handler requested assistance from second handler to pull dog, Second handler then presented leash dog was staring at it handler then threw treats into kennel dog went to get treats, Handler was able to leash dog with little issues, When returning dog to kennel, second handler brought dog into the building dog did not want to go back into kennel he planted his feet and would not move, handler then tried to pet dog to reassure dog then whipped his head around putting his whole mouth onto handler hand with pressure without breaking skin leaving indents with red marks in handlers skin, handler then took dog outside to calm him down couple mintutes later handler was able to put dog back into back of the kennel when trying to get leash back from dog he once again grabbed handlers hand not breaking skin. 9/10/2026 High arousal, Difficult to pull from kennel, Difficult to return to kennel, Played with toys, Fetch toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit. In yard, ran zoomies, jumped in and out of kiddie pool. Loved chasing toys and flinging them around. Dropped large stuffy toy into pool, then tried to fling it around even when it was waterlogged. Loved chasing and playing with tennis ball, frequently bringing it back to handler for more throwing. Rolls over for belly rubs when he finds the time between playing with various toys. His highly energetic side is his way of coping with the stress of his environment. Finally tuckered himself out and plopped himself down by handler's feet. Can be gently and playfully mouthy like a puppy. Went into kennel nicely on return but kept making u-turns right back out. 9/3/2026 Solicited attentions, Difficult to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Exuberant to come out. A bit nervous of barking. Round & round in kiddie pool, had fun. Chased toys, flung them around. Front paws on my lap seeking affection, & just soaked it up. Appears potty trained. Looked me softly in eyes, a sign of friendship & trust. Sweet, friendly boy! 8/29/2026 k9 did not eat kibble offered. 8/24/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels 8/16/2026 Approached front of kennel with fast tail wags. Allows petting. Interested parties should be made aware of all medical notes. Interested parties should be counseled on providing this dog with proper decompression time in a new home.  Allowing time to adjust is important for their comfort and well-being.  Adopters should be counseled on proper dog-to-dog introductions, which should only occur after the dog has fully decompressed. Based on kennel presence & intake notes, dog is behaviorally adoptable @ intake color. 8/14/2026 walks on leash, takes treats gently, light restraint for vaccines, seeks attention, allows all petting and handling, soft wiggly body, tail wagging Name: Buddy Animal ID: A5169995 Breed: BROWN/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 1M Weight: 59.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing B - 060 Intake Date: 8/14/2026 Deadline Date: 9/28/2026