Ruger

Ruger is an adoptable male Shar Pei looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - East in Mesa, Arizona. He is a young adult and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 2 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Ruger, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Requirements OLDER CHILDREN 5+ Recommendations LEASH WORK IN HOME TRAINING EXPERIENCED HANDLER FAMILY INTRODUCTION Memo 9/24/2026 09/24/26 14:08 This dog has demonstrated a persistent, recurring pattern of fluctuating in-kennel stress and anxiety, ranging from moderate to significant, over an extended period of time. These behaviors are often a response to the overwhelming sights, sounds, and confinement, along with the lack of choice or control over their environment. Although this dog continues to show appropriate behavior outside of the kennel with positive interactions with staff and volunteers, without intervention, well-being will continue to decline. Immediate placement is needed with an experienced adopter or New Hope Partner who can provide time and space to decompress in a calm, supportive home. Placement needed by close of business 9/29/26. May be at risk of euthanasia 9/30/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 3/19/2026 How long have you had the animal? 4 DAYS. DOG WAS ROAMING THE NEIGHBORHOOD, FINDER HAD PUT FOOD OUT AND WAS ABLE TO GET THE DOG TO GO INTO THEIR YARD. Has the animal been around other animals? What kind of animals? How would you describe the interaction with other animals? GOOD WITH FEMALE DOG IN HOME. PLAYFUL, TRIED TO MOUNT MULTIPLE TIMES. LOW GROWLS AT OTHER MALE DOG IN THE HOME. Was the animal around any other people or children? If yes, how would you describe the animals behavior towards other people/children? NO CONTACT WITH CHILDREN. Has the animal shown any aggression around other people? Might want to include a few examples of what aggression looks like. Barking, growling, lunging, etc.? If yes, what were the circumstances? GROWLS ON APPROACH, BUT WARMED UP QUICK. Did you keep the animal inside or outside? OUTSIDE If inside, did you keep the animal in a crate or allowed to roam? Was the animal destructive in any way? CRATE,CHEWED UP CRATE AND BEDDING. NO OTHER DESTRUCTION. If outside, what kind of fencing do you have and did it contain the animal? WOOD FENCE, YARD CONTAINED DOG. Did the animal show any aggression, like **growling, curling their lips, lunging** around food, toys, or bones? GROWLED WHEN DOGS OR PEOPLE CAME NEAR ITS FOOD. Has the animal shown any signs of illness? NO SIGNS OF ILLNESS. Does the animal walk on a leash? PULLS HARD ON LEASH. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 9/25/2026 m&G 9/24/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, High Energy, Sit, Ruger was a very good boy. He did very well on his walk, loose leash with a nice steady pace. Sniffed all the spots. 9/22/2026 Out for Purple training. Dog was very vocal & kinetic in kennel but very cooperative for leashing. He came right out, began to fence fight w/ neighbor but seemed to be given pause when she did not thus engage with him. He was easily led away, walked ahead/minor pull, very calm & soft in yard. He explored, splashed/waded around in pool, sought & allowed a considerable amount of petting from handlers, at times prompted additonal. On return he again was thwarted in fence fighting attempt by neighbor's indifference, went right back in, leash removed by hand. 9/18/2026 Out for Purple training. Kinetic/bouncy kennel presentation, settled when handler reached in to leash, came out in a rush and dashed up to neighbor's kennel for a brief tense stare-down but came away at soft verbal urging from handler. Minor pull to yard. Once in & leash dropped, dog was soft, wiggly & engaging, no jumping or other inappropriate means of interaction. Dog would explore/sniff around but check in w/ handlers often, leaned into petting, sought it out and often prompted additional. Enjoyed wading through pool. Upon return he had a brief bout of fence fighting w/ neighbor, both dogs seemed to anticipate and resist distraction, but dog again came away very easily with brief verbal prompting, went right back into kennel, leash removed by hand w/ ease. 9/16/2026 Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Strong pull on walk then settles into medium pace. Loves to stop and sniff all the bushes. 9/12/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Ruger enjoyed his walk out of the bldg today. Strong pull at first but then settled into a nice pace. Enjoyed pets and leaned in; checks in often. Smooches his face on your leg on hand sometimes with his mouth closed and very gently. Sweet boy! 9/6/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, RUGER: Leashed w/4 on the floor. Strong pull to play yard (no walk due to heat). Affiliative w/ handler and allowed all petting. Sat for treats; took them very gently. Easy-going and friendly. Chased todays, but no fetch. Easy leash retrieval on return. 9/2/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Fetch toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Ruger was a very good boy coming in for lots of pets. He loves to sniff around then come in close for attention. 8/29/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Calm, Pulled to exit, Sit, Ruger is a sweet boy! Leashed w/4 on floor, went directly to PY follows you around, enjoys standing in the pool, sits & takes treats nicely will also bob for treats in the pool. Accepts all affection, walks right into open kennel and allows easy leash retrieval. 8/24/2026 Solicited attentions, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Pulled to exit, Sit, Ruger was playful and friendly in the yard. Greeted all volunteers and staff that came to meet him at the yard fence. He will chase a toy or ball here and there and play in the doggie pool. Came to me to solicit attention multiple times. 8/19/2026 Handler approached kennel front dog was demand barking and jumping up at glass. Handler unlocked gate and then tossed in few treats to redirect focus. Handler was able to then prepare leash and drape over dogs head as dog attempted to push out. Once leash was secure handler opened gate and walked dog to PY, dog pulled with moderate to strong pull. Once in PY handler adjusted leash stopper and released dog. Dog surveyed independently and greeted a volunteer passing by dog was loose and wiggly in posture when socializing with volunteer. Dog returned to handler, and solicited pets. Handler initiated treat toss game. Dog would chase after treat, return and sit for the next treat and repeat. Handler did this for a few minutes and then allowed dog 5 minutes or so to decompress and run around. After some time handler retrieved leash and walked dog back to kennel. Dog pulled strongly towards occupied kennels but was able to be guided pass. Handler tossed treat into kennel dog entered turned around and allowed handler to remove leash by hand. Handler left a few treats behind. 8/18/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Moderate to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Shake, jumpy on approach, moderate pull; on walk, explored yard, playful, likes the pool, gentle with treats, allows all handling easy unleash by hand and return sweet, boy 8/14/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Ruger was excited to exit his kennel but once leashed he hardly pulled to the yard. On our walk, he was mostly loose leash, friendly, sat for treats and leaned in for pets. 8/9/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, RUGER: Calm on approach, Leashed w/all 4 on floor, very affectionate, allowed all handling easy leash retrieval on return 8/2/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, RUGER: Leashed overhead while standing. Strong pull to play yard/switched to harness leash. Affiliative w/ handler, allowed all petting. Sits/takes treats very gently. Hard pull towards barking dogs in kennels, but walks right back in/easy leash retrieval by hand. 7/28/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Moderate to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Fetch toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Sit, jumpy on approach leashed overhead strong pull to exit, moderate pull on walk, explored yard, leans into handler for pets, allowed all handling sweet, energetic boy easy to unleash by hand 7/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Sit, likes to run and play with stuffies, very affectionate, leans in for pets, interested in splash pad, took a while to wade in, good with everyone who approached 7/17/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Used clip lead to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, RUGER loves the water and toys. Hard pull to exit but then loose on leash once to the sidewalk. Sought attention and interested in passing people. 7/11/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, High arousal, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Stop and go, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, Sit 7/5/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, RUGER: Leashed overhead while standing. Strong pull to yard; affiliative w/ handler. Sits/takes treats very gently. Used harness leash for walk, steady pull, hard pull towards other barking dogs, but non-vocal/easily redirected. Allows all petting. Easy leash retrieval/return. 6/30/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, RUGER: Calm on approach, leashed w/all 4 on floor, allowed all handling, affectionate, loose wiggly body when dogs passed by yard, easy leash retrieval on return 6/25/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Sit, likes pets and affection from everyone, enjoyed find it, listened to commands, enjoyed brushing, nice manners 6/19/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, RUGER: Leashed overhead while K9 was standing calmly. Strong pull to play yard. Very affiative w/ handler, allowed all petting. Sat/took treats very gently. Fetched a couple times, drops ball, moves on. Easy/loose leash with harness. Easy going! Easy return to kennel. 6/17/2026 Easy leashing and removal from kennel, walked well at first then started pulling but walked to scale well, had to place on scale w/self but stayed until obtained weight, no issues applying flea/tick, walked back to kennel with some pulling , entered kennel and removal of leash with no issues. jp 6/10/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Appeared interested when walking past kennels 6/5/2026 Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, Used modified harness for walk still pulls but it's less, allows pets 5/29/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, used modified harness for walk in yard played a little with a ball did the a - frame in the agility yard well 5/23/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Takes treats nicely, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Sit, RUGER: Leashed overhead, easy to pull/return. Strong pull to play yard; affiliative w/ handler. Easy to walk w/ harness leash. Stops/sits for treats, takes them very gently. Saw male dog (Stitch) out walking, lightly barked/softy body/tail wagging. 5/16/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Not interested in toys, Strong Pull on Leash, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Pulled to exit, RUGER: Leashed overhead, easy to pull. Affiliative w/ handler in play yard. Initial strong pull on leash; then loose leash w/ harness. Walks with soft, wiggly body. Stops, sits for treats, takes them gently. Handler knelt down and he leaned in for pets. Walked back into kennel. 5/10/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Pulled to exit, Sit, Ruger is outgoing and greets everyone that wants to say hi to him. Walks really well with a modified leash harness. 5/4/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Fetch toys, Takes treats nicely, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Quick leash, not reactive; playful, friendly, came over for pets & attention; sat nicely to take treats; chased & returned balls; mild pull on leash mostly but strong pull once back in wing 4/28/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Sit, Walked w/moderate pull to yard. Jumped up, affiliative, accepted treats, sit. Paws in lap. Walked well w/harness wrap, slight pull. barked & pulled towards dogs in kennels but easily directed away. 4/20/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, Food motivated, affectionate, likes the play pool, loves toys, soft body and tail wagging. 4/16/2026 excited, high energy, pulled on leash, not timid, jumped on handler for attention not yellow energy at all green or purple. 4/12/2026 Updating color level to PURPLE based on recent walk notes. *Due to finder's notes of resource guarding food, adding an Older Children 5+ requirement. Dog should be fed separately from other animals in home. Potential adopters should be counseled on slow dog introductions and proper decompression time to allow dog to adjust to new home. 4/12/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Moderate to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Played with toys, Fetch toys, Takes treats nicely, Strong Pull on Leash, High Energy, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, wearing a cone and constantly licking handler while trying to leash and pushing gate. got zoomies immediately in yard, some jumping up on handler. excited and silly, puppy like. catches treats well. drops toy for fetch, corn cobbed leash on return. 4/3/2026 Solicited attentions, Playful, Moderate to pull from kennel, Moderate to return to kennel, Played with toys, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Strong Pull on Leash, Calm, Appeared interested when walking past kennels, Dog had large medical cone on & was having a hard time w/it. Bumped into things. Not frightened but very frustrated. Approached me & received lots of affection. Nuzzled my hand for more. Gave me kisses. Flung stuffy toy around & fetched ball; returned 3/25/2026 Closed outside for AM cleaning. Dog approached handler with soft body and wagging tail, took treats. Head shy and backed away when trying to place leash, came forward again with verbal coaxing, able to place leash, dog backed away again when securing leash. Dog exited kennel, moderate pull to yard, hackles raised when walking past kenneled dogs, no attempts to interact. Explored yard, tail partly tucked, nose to ground, startled at times, ate treats tossed around yard. Dog softened with wagging tail over time, allowed handler to approach and pet, jumpy when offered treats but sat when given verbal cue, took gently. Jumped up on handler a couple times but settled quickly. Followed handler to gate, able to pick up leash, moderate pull back, when approaching kennel dog started pulling towards neighboring dogs, could feel dog growling through leash, easy to redirect and return to kennel, allowed handler to remove leash by hand. *Due to finder's notes of resource guarding food, adding an Older Children 5+ requirement. Dog should be fed separately from other animals in home. Potential adopters should be counseled on slow dog introductions and proper decompression time to allow dog to adjust to new home. 3/22/2026 Requesting a full evaluation. 3/19/2026 skin crawl when pet, wide eyed, ears back, some lip licking, did allow some petting, not treat motivated, walked to kennel Name: Ruger Animal ID: A5161687 Breed: GOLD CHINESE SHARPEI/MIX Sex: Neutered Age: 2Y 6M Weight: 63.5 lbs Kennel: East Kennel, Wing E - 338 Intake Date: 3/19/2026 Deadline Date: 9/29/2026