Baby Ruth

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

Memo 10/21/2026 10/21/26 15:56 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 10/26/26 to facilitate further behavioral evaluation and support. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/27/26 or sooner if warranted. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/17/2026 Dog was standing in back half of kennel, tense body, tail tucked, back arched, stared at handler, wouldn't approach with verbal coaxing or treats, closed divider. Dog was cowered and corner, growled and side eyed when handler approached again, ignored treats tossed nearby. Retreated to opposite corner when presented with leash, able to reach in and place leash with large loop, dog came forward then froze at door, ears pinned, eyes shifty, scanning surroundings, unable to coax out of kennel. Able to gently guide into taxi, dog curled up on bottom, no issues riding to yard. Handler slowly tipped taxi, dog attempted to crawl further back into taxi, handler stepped away, dog remained in taxi, sat and scanned surroundings with wide eyes, unable to coax dog out verbally or with high value treats. Handler moved away and sat behind taxi out of dog's view, handler could see dog's muzzle from the side, air scenting, remained in taxi. After a moment handler approached and picked up leash, once again dog attempted to crawl further back into taxi, handler positioned taxi upright, dog curled up on bottom, growled when handler lightly pet, no issues riding back to kennel, handler gently guided dog into kennel, dog retreated towards divider, used clip leash. 10/16/2026 Dog was closed to back for AM cleaning. Moved towards back of kennel; rounded body posture; tail tucked; ears back; whale eyed; ate treats tossed nearby very slowly; kept eyes on handler; opened kennel door; tried verbally coaxing; not interested; handler tried placing leash over head; flinched; able to place leash over head; ears back; placed behavior taxi right at front of kennel; slowly approached front; would not exit; tried luring into behavior taxi; would not enter; used light to moderate leash guidance; placed front paws into taxi; handler tried to pet lower back; skin crawled; pulled out of taxi; handler again used light leash guidance; dog walked in; urinated briefly; rode well to yard; tense body. In yard, dog would not exit taxi; handler tossed treats; not interested; tense body; furrowed brow; ears back; tail tightly tucked; whale eyed; dog remained in taxi for entire time. After a few moments; handler slowly approached; trembling; dog pushed further into taxi; urinated; whale eyed; tail tightly tucked; picked leash up; rode well back to kennel; added clip leash with no issues; placed taxi right at front of kennel; entered kennel; removed leash with clip leash. 10/14/2026 fearful of handler in truck kennel, frozen, air snapped, unable to safely leash, placed onto C.D. , thrashing, yelping, wide-eyed, unable to touch or handle without advanced restraint, urinated, taken to kennel in pet taxi 10/13/2026 K9 WAS CARRIED OUT AND PLACED ON TRUCK BY OWNER. Name: Baby Ruth Animal ID: A5173042 Breed: BLACK/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER/MIX Sex: Female Age: 2Y 0M Weight: 46.6 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing D - 109 Intake Date: 10/13/2026 Deadline Date: 10/26/2026