Kite

Kite is an adoptable female Belgian Shepherd Malinois looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. She is fully grown and medium in size. She is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Kite, or even sharing her story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/23/2026 10/23/26 13:00 Canine has shown resistance to returning to the kennel and associated concerning behaviors. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 10/28/26 to prevent further decline and allow for behavior evaluation in a new environment. May be at risk for euthanasia 10/29/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/16/2026 Spanish speaker unable to answer intake questions Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/21/2026 Dog was closed outside for cleaning, slight tense body but softened when coaxed. Refused treats. Pushed snout against gate opening, allowed leash placement. Exited quickly, strong pull, barked a few times while passing other dogs but did not pull towards them or attempt to engage. Once away from kennels, dog walked with strong pull, some zig-zag, needed direction but no issues walking to main yard. Handler adjusted leash stopper, released leash. Dog explored yard quickly, tail up, panting, intermittent barking towards outside surroundings. Handler gave dog a few minutes, then sat on bench, called dog. Dog approached with soft face, wagging tail, nudged handler's hands with snout. Allowed petting, slight flinch on initial touch but warmed to it quickly. No interest in treats. Continued to pace yard but at a slower pace, still barking at surroundings. Handler called dog to fence. Dog followed. Allowed petting, leaned in against handler, allowed handler to place clip lead. Strong pull on return. Dog barked, growled, made false-charges towards reactive dogs in kennels. Handler used leash pressure, verbal coaxing to guide dog away. Dog would turn towards handler with soft face, wagging tail, but appeared overwhelmed by surroundings. Would not enter kennel, resisted leash guidance, turned to pull towards neighbors. Would not follow handler into kennel. Handler stepped back, spoke softly. Dog sat against alley divider, panting but facial expression soft towards handler. Second handler approached, dog appeared cautious but allowed petting. Second handler went into building, opened divider, called dog. Dog ran into kennel, then bolted back out. Appeared stressed. Resisted any leash pressure. Second handler returned, used sort board to guide dog into kennel while first handler led dog on leash. Closed gate, leash removed via clip lead as precaution. Dog remained soft towards handler once kennel was closed. 10/20/2026 Closed to outer portion of kennel. Dog was at front of kennel; panting; ears back; some pacing at front; settled for treats; took treats gently; placed leash into kennel; tried pushing out; allowed for easy leashing; exited; moderate pull hackles raised; tail flagged. In yard, dog paced; started barking at dogs in neighboring building; hackles raised; tail flagged; extended hand out with treats when dog would walk by; stopped; took one treat at a time; continued to pace & bark; handler continued to offer treats; started to offer treat with one hand; tried to pet with the other hand; dog would pull head back quickly; went back to pacing; handler walked around yard; dog demonstrated lay; dog would approach handler for treats; attempted to pet a few more times while offering treats briefly; handler would pull hand back; dog would start to nudge handler's hand; handler slowly pet; started to pet along neck & back; flinched at times; lip licking; panting; leaned body into handler's legs; slowly pet; flinched at first; settled; leaned harder into handler; allowing for petting; stopped petting; dog shook off; rolled around on ground; came back to handler; flinched on initial pet; slowly removed collar; panting; leaned in; allowed for petting. Picked leash up; walked back with moderate pull; started growling at dogs in passing kennels; alarm barked; did not enter kennel; stepped in; pulled back; handler slowly walked into kennel; tried exiting; dog pushed out; did this twice; had to use light leash guidance; not interested in treats; handler fully stepped in; had to straight arm to keep dog in kennel; tried pushing out; handler was able to exit kennel; allowed for leash removal. 10/19/2026 Dog was closed to front half of kennel during AM cleaning. Was pacing on approach while panting heavy, ears pinned back & whale eyed. Presented leash, dog would start to walk backwards in kennel, able to use a large loop leash to cast onto dog. Walked past behavior taxi & out of kennel building with a strong pull on leash while keeping tail tucked under body, head lowered & ears pinned back. Attached an extended leash once in small PY. Dog would start to pace along fence line while panting with mouth wide open & a spatula tongue, keeping ears pinned back & whale eyed. Scattered treats in middle of PY, dog would eat scattered treats then return to pacing. Would stop @ corners of PY fence & start to push nose against fence line, able to clap hands while speaking & dog would return to pacing. After a few minutes, dog would start to approach handler when called over, holding hand out with treats, dog would take treats quickly then stand back while licking lips, quickly returning to pacing. Handler would pet dog on back of body when passing by handler, dog would do a low growl while continuing to pace. Able to pick up extended leash & attach a clip leash. Walked with a strong pull on leash to kennel. Would not enter in with treats or slight leash guidance. Divider was opened & dog would enter in quickly. Removed leash with use of clip leash. 10/16/2026 Dog was barking at fence when I approached. She let me enter yard and kept distance barking. There were small dogs in the yard with her and she seemed to do ok with them. Was unable to coax. I had finder place leash and walk to truck. Dog resisted going into truck for finder, so I used control device. She resisted control device for brief moment but then cooperated. Stayed in back of kennel and moved away when I attempted to handle and scan. No aggression displayed, only anxious panting. 10/16/2026 Stop and go on leash, stiff body, whale eyed, tolerated vaccines with muzzle wrap, skin crawling, transported to kennel in bucket Name: Kite Animal ID: A5173206 Breed: BROWN/BLACK BELG MALINOIS Sex: Female Age: 3Y 0M Weight: 52.2 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing F - 177 Intake Date: 10/16/2026 Deadline Date: 10/28/2026