Bubba

Bubba is an adoptable male Bullmastiff looking for a home at Maricopa County Animal Care & Control - West in Phoenix, Arizona. He is fully grown and large in size. He is currently on the shelter's euthanasia list with only 3 days left, listed due to behavior. Adopting Bubba, or even sharing his story, could save a life before it's too late.

Memo 10/28/2026 10/28/26 12:03 Canine has shown resistance to returning to the kennel and associated concerning behaviors, displayed resistance to confinement in previous environment. Placement with a New Hope Partner is required by close of business 11/2/26 to prevent further decline and allow for behavior evaluation in a new environment. May be at risk for euthanasia 11/3/26 or sooner if warranted. Intake 10/24/2026 What is the reason for surrender? SOURCE'S FIANCE IS NOW PREGNANT AND THEY DO NOT HAVE THE SPACE FOR THIS DOG How long have you had your pet? 2 WEEKS Where did you get this animal from? MCACC Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? DOG WAS ON MEDS FOR KENNEL COUGH, FINISHED THE MEDS. SOURCE NOTED NO SIGNS OF ILLNESS SINCE. We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? N/A Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? N/A Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? N/A Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? DOG DID BARK AT ONE OTHER DOG WHILE IN LOBBY Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? NO How is the animal around children? NO Please describe behavior around children? NO Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 2 MEMBERS IN HOUSEHOLD. DOG IS FRIENDLY AND PLAYFUL WITH ALL MEMBERS IN HOUSEHOLD. DOG IS ALWAYS SEEKING ATTENTION AS WELL Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? Cats? NONE Dogs? PLAYFUL AND FRIENDLY WITH SOURCE'S OTHER LARGE DOG. DOG WAS OBSERVED WHINING AT OTHER DOGS WHILE IN LOBBY Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NONE Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NONE Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NONE Is the animal house-trained? YES Is your pet potty trained? YES Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? YES, SOURCE STATED THEY WORKED WITH CRATING DOG AND SAID AFTER 5 MINUTES OF WHINING DOG LAID DOWN AND WAS CALM Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT Where was this animal kept? INSIDE Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? NONE Last vaccinations / last vet visit? N/A How would you describe your pet's energy level? CALM WITH ENERGETIC SPURTS Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? BROOMS What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? HARD CHEW TOYS, SQUEAKY TOYS, WALKS, AND BALLS Any escapist behavior? YES Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? SOURCE STATED THEY LEFT THE FRONT DOOR OPEN AND THE DOG WALKED OUT TO EXPLORE, CAME RIGHT BACK IN Any Additional details/notes on behavior? SOURCE STATED THE DOG WILL NOT GO POOP UNLESS THE DOG IS ON WALK. SOURCE STATES IT IS A GREAT DOG AND ALWAYS WANTING ATTENTION. SOURCE STATES DOG WILL BEG FOR FOOD. 10/1/2026 What is the reason for surrender? OWNER IS NEEDING TO RETURN THIS DOG BECAUSE HE IS NOT A GOOD FIT FOR THE FAMILY. OWNER STATES THAT HE IS A CHEWER AND DOES NOT WANT TO GO INSIDE OF THE KENNEL. How long have you had your pet? 2 DAYS Where did you get this animal from? MCACC Is your pet spayed/neutered? YES Is this animal currently showing any signs of illness, taking any medication, or has the animal been diagnosed with a medical or behavioral condition? NO We offer resources such as low-cost veterinary care, trainers, food/medication coupons, and financial assistance. Would you like any resources instead of surrendering? Has the animal bitten anyone? If yes, please explain? NO Any near bites (contact but did not break skin)? If yes, please explain? NO Do you have pictures of injuries/bites? Did the bite occur within the last 10 days? Date of bite? Has the animal shown any signs of aggression toward people or animals? NO Has the animal ever seriously injured or caused the death of another animal? How is the animal around children? YES, KIDS AGING 2 YRS TO 13 YRS. OWNER STATES THAT HE DID WELL AROUND THE SMALL KIDS. HE BASICALLY MINDED HIS OWN BUSINESS, BUT HE ALLOWS PETTING FROM THE KIDS. OWNER STATES THAT HE SHOWED NO SIGNS OF AGGRESSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARDS THE CHILDREN. Please describe behavior around children? Please list all household members the animal lives with or regularly interacts with, and describe interactions? 3 ADULTS AND 3 KIDS Please describe how the animal interacts with other animals? YES Cats? OWNER HAS NOT INTRODUCED THIS DOG TO ANY CATS. Dogs? OWNER STATES THIS DOG DID MEET A FRENCHIE. OWNER STATES THAT HE WASN'T VERY PLAYFUL WITH THE OTHER DOG. HE JUST LOOKED AT HIM AND WENT ON ABOUT HIS OWN BUSINESS. OWNER STATES THAT HE DID NOT SHOW ANY SIGNS OF ANIMAL TO ANIMAL AGGRESSION. Livestock (horses, cows, goats, chickens, etc.)? NO Other Animals (birds, small mammals, reptiles, etc.)? NO Resource Guarding: Describe any known guarding of food, toys, people, or space? NO AGGRESSION TOWARDS FOOD OR TOYS. OWNER STATES THAT HE DOES LOVE TO PLAY WITH HIS TOYS AND PLAY TUG OF WAR. HE WANTS TO PLAY THIS ALL DAY LONG Is the animal house-trained? OWNER REALLY DOESN'T KNOW BECAUSE HE MENTIONED ONLY HAVING THIS DOG FOR 2 DAYS. Is your pet potty trained? THE FIRST DAY OWNER STATES THAT HE DID URINATE ON THE TRASH CAN, BUT NO MORE ACCIDENTS ON THE INSIDE. Familiar with a dog door? NO Crate trained? NO, OWNER STATES THAT HE REFUSES TO GO INSIDE OF HIS KENNEL AND HAS DESTROYED THE KENNEL THAT OWNER BOUGHT FOR HIM. Leash trained? YES Knows commands? SIT Where was this animal kept? INSIDE, FREE ROAMING. Any history of destruction? If yes, please describe? YES, OWNER STATES THAT HE IS A CHEWER. HE DESTROYED HIS DOGGY BED, DOGGY CAGE, HIS SON'S SOCCER BALL WAS CHEWED INTO HALF, THE WATER HOSE OUTSIDE HE ATE IN HALF AND HE MADE THE NOZZLE BEND. Last vaccinations / last vet visit? NOTHING MORE THAN WHAT HAS BEEN PROVIDED BY MCACC How would you describe your pet's energy level? HIGH TO MODERATE. OWNER STATES THAT AT PLAY TIME HE IS MORE EXCITED, BUT MOST TIMES HE CAN JUST BE CHILL. OWNER STATES THAT HE IS A VERY SMART DOG AND VERY CURIOUS. Any known fears (fireworks, car rides, baths)? OWNER STATES THAT HE LOVES CAR RIDES. What are your pet’s Likes (favorite toy, activity)? TUG OF WAR WITH HIS TOYS. OWNER STATES THAT HE MAY NOT HAVE A FAVORITE TOY, BUT WHATEVER IS IN HIS MOUTH AND HE CAN PLAY TUG OF WAR HE IS WILLING TO PLAY. Any escapist behavior? NONE OBSERVED Any Door Dashes/Runs away, if so, describe? Any Additional details/notes on behavior? OWNER STATES THAT HE WANTED HIM TO BE A INSIDE DOG, WHEN HE WOULD BE PLACED OUTSIDE BY HIMSELF, HE WOULD HOWL A LITTLE BIT TO COME INSIDE. OWNER STATES THAT HE IS A GREAT DOG, JUST VERY STRONG AND WHEN THE KIDS GET HOME FROM SCHOOL, NO ONE WOULD BE ABLE TO HANDLE HIM. OWNER STATES THAT HE IS A GREAT DOG, JUST NOT A GOOD FIT FOR THIS FAMILY. Evaluation Comments (Observations from our staff and volunteers) 10/30/2026 Upon kennel approach, k9 came up to handler with soft body and happy tail wags. Handler was able to leash k9 with no issues. K9 bolted out of kennel and walked to clinic with hard pull. Once in clinic, k9 ran to multiple handlers and allowed all petting, played with toys and laid down. Slight pull back to kennel. K9 was hesitant to go back in kennel but allowed handler to pick up and \"waddle\" into kennel. Removed leash by hand with no issues and gave a couple more pets before closing kennel. 10/28/2026 Updating color due to NHO status. 10/27/2026 Pulled for AM cleaning. Very easy to leash, cooperative when walking, no pulling. He was very playful in the yard, very interested in toys. Did solicit attention. He was very easy to return to kennel. 10/27/2026 Bubba was easy to pull from his kennel. We spent time in the play yard, where he explored, played with a toy, and checked out the pool. We then took a short walk along the front of the shelter. He walked very good on a leash. Showed interest in other dogs but no barking or pulling. He was very difficult to return to his kennel. Three attempts were made to walk him back, but he was unwilling to enter. Additional staff assistance and a taxi were required to safely return him to his kennel. 10/27/2026 Dog was in main PY, responded to assistance needed in kennel return. Handlers walked dog to side entrance of K-wing, all the way down the hall towards P3's, turned corner & entered into Life Room area without issues. While approaching kennel room, dog would start to pull back on leash while panting heavy, resisting to enter. Handler walked dog backwards to opposite side of double door entrance, would start to slowly jog with dog to go around the Life Room to approach door in opposite direction again, dog would do a sudden stop, started to pull back on leash again. Handlers attempted to coax dog in by bouncing a ball, presenting a large stuffed toy & a rope toy, dog would not walk forward, started to pull back again each time while still panting heavy. Allowed petting in between each toy & break. Handlers attempted to lure with food dish, hot dogs & chicken, dog would not be treat motivated. A behavior taxi was brought to dog, handler would hold leash taut while male handler would lift dog into behavior taxi. While riding out of main building & to new kennel, dog would attempt to jump out of behavior taxi, able to use leash to keep dog into behavior taxi. Exited into new kennel & allowed leash removal to be done by hand. 10/26/2026 Easy leashing, easy to remove and return from kennel. Strong pull on leash, ignored the dogs while passing kennels and not bothered by reactive dogs and greeting people passing by. No waste observed in Life Room; relieved inmediately upom going outside, explored yard independenly ans solicited attention, allowed pet all over. Found tug toy on yard and approached to play with soft wiggly body 10/25/2026 Soft face, calm bodied with wagging tail, took treats gently. Placing \"GREEN\" based on intake notes and kennel presence. 10/24/2026 soft wiggly body. easy leashing. walked to kennel with no issues. allwoed all handling and petting. 10/11/2026 Grabbed dog from clinic after liquid treatment. Bubba walked along side handler, not bothered by reactive dogs and greeting people in passing. Walked well to gen pop. sick yard, greeted PA's nicely then explored independently. Grabbed some stuffed toys and nuzzled handler then PA for a game of tug. Sniffed around the yard again and then returned to PA, laying down at their feet allowing all petting. Sat at gate and paitently waited for handler to remove shoe covers. Walked well to building and stopped at LR door. Handler opened the door wider and bubba went right in, easy leash removal. 10/10/2026 Dog did not eat dry kibble, canned food offered, did eat some shredded chicken from volunteer. Added in some canned food with a little water to see if dog would lap up. Dog did lap once or twice then stopped. Will ask for more shredded chicken in a different bowl also. 10/10/2026 Dog is potty trained so handler removed from kennel to take outside. Allowed leashing and walked by handlers side entire walk. No pulling, showed no interest when walking by kenneled dogs. Easy return to kennel and allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 10/10/2026 Handler noticed that dog did not eat food in AM and has not been eating much for the past few days. Bowl contained dry kibble, wet food and chicken. Handler offered a bowl of just chicken and rice. Dog ate entire bowl of food in one sitting. 10/10/2026 Dog was laying on bed upon approach. Dog got up from bed and waited in front of door when handler unlocked door. Dog was easy to leash. Dog walked to yard slightly behind handler, no pulling, ignored dogs in passing kennels, was intrested in people walking past. Once in yard, dog grabbed toy that was laying on turf and carried it around yard. Dog found a spot in the corner of the yard and laid down. Dog came when called by handler and allowed petting all over. Dog did not seek attention from handler unless handler called dog over. Dog walked back to LR with no issues. Handler left LR door propped open when taking dog out of kennel. When returning to LR, dog followed into LR right behind handler with no issues. Dog allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 10/9/2026 Dog di not eat prvious days food of kibble, canned, shredded chicken and rice on top. Dog is QAR. 10/9/2026 Dog di not eat prvious days food of kibble, canned, shredded chicken and rice on top. Dog is QAR. Will try a bowl with just canned food to see if dog eats it. 10/9/2026 Dog was taken out for walk, alllowed handler to leash. Dog did not pull on leash. Dog walked slowly behind handler to the yard. Once in the yard dog went to bathroom. Dog sought attention from handler and rested head on lap. Dog walked back to life room with no issues and allowed handler to remove leash by hand. Dog seems to be potty trained. 10/9/2026 Solicited attention, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, easy slow paced walk. Appeared to be potty train (Did not found feces in kennel and inmediately went potty in the first morning walk - urinated for a long while) 10/9/2026 Dog was laying on bed when handler approached. Dog got up from bed and walked towards dog slowly when handler unlocked door. Dog allowed handler to leash. Dog walked to yard slightly behind handler \"dragging his feet\". Once dog got to yard he laid down in turf and watched handler sit down. Handler called dog over, dog came over and put head in handlers lap. Dog opened toy bin in play yard and pulled out a stuffed toy. Dog brought toy onto turf and laid down with it. When leaving the yard, dog came when called by handler. Dog walked back to LR with toy in mouth. Once dog got to doorway of LR, dog stopped and planted feet. Handler went into LR and callled dog inside. Dog went into LR with toy. Dog allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 10/8/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, easy pull, easy return, easy to walk. takes treats nicely, ignored other dogs, knows sit. slow paced walk 10/8/2026 Soft and wiggly. Allows all pets and handling. 10/7/2026 Approached handler with soft body and wagging tail, took treats. Easy to leash, walked loose leash to liferoom. Entered room without assistance, removed leash by hand, tossed treats, handler was able to exit room with no issues. 10/7/2026 soft eyes/body language, loose wagging tail, handlers entered life room with k9, k9 leaned into pets, wagging tail. Very minimal restraint for vaccine administeration. No issues. 10/7/2026 Dog did not come out through portal right away but emerged & softly approached when handler offerd leash. Easily leashed, firm but manageable pull, strong but did not try to go very fast. Environmental in yard, sniffed around/explored a lot, allowed some petting & maintained soft, loose body language but did not seek attention. Not eager to return to kennel, unable to negotiate a return to exterior run. Dog was not eager to enter interior from same end (east) of building, handler walked him around and entered D bldg. from west door. Dog moved at a quick amble to his kennel, went right in when handler got it open, leash removed by hand. 10/6/2026 Outside for AM cleaning laying at front of kennel with soft neutral body, started wagging tail as handler interacted, accepted treats gently. Easy leash placement at front of kennel, began urinating immediately once out of kennel, walked with easy leash pull to play yard, no interest in dogs in passing. In yard dog would immediately go potty before exploring with neutral body and tail, will come to handler for attentions and accepted pets all over, gently accepted treats. Flagged tail when exploring but softens and wags tail when interacting with handler. Discovered how to open toy bin, would show interest in stuffy toy and tennis ball, allowed handler to reach for toys as dog interacted with no issues. Easy leash pull back to kennel but became hesitant to approach kennel, froze with tense body in front of kennel door, attempted to toss tennis ball and treats into kennel but dog remained frozen in place, would not follow handler into kennel, would allow handler to pet and softens with handler interaction but continued to resist entering kennel. Used slight leash pressure to guide dog into kennel, dog would slowly walk into kennel with leash pressure, able to remove leash by hand with no issues. 10/6/2026 Dog did not eat previous day. Will be offering 2 TBS of canned into PM feeding. 10/4/2026 Dog did not eat previous day. Will be adding 2 TBS of canned food into PM feeding. 10/3/2026 Dog approached handler with soft body and wagging tail, took treats. Easy to leash, moderate pull to yard, ignored kenneled dogs. Explored yard, nose to ground, high wagging tail, frequently marked and ground scratched, approached handlers with soft body and wagging tail, allowed petting all over, sat for treats, took gently. Interested in toys, played fetch, would drop ball next to handlers or swap ball for treats. Allowed handler to approach and pet, able to pick up leash, froze when nearing building, tried using treats and verbal coaxing but dog remained frozen, resisted when trying to guide into building. Handlers walked dog around to opposite end of building, tried coaxing dog in but once again dog resisted, decided to return to back half instead, froze in front of gate between E and F buildings, able to guide dog through using firm leash guidance, assistant handler had kennel door open, handler began walking dog at a fast pace towards kennel while maintaining short leash, handler walked with dog into kennel using firm leash guidance, able to exit and remove leash by hand. 10/2/2026 Approached front of kennel; soft; tail wagging; took treats; easy leash; exited; walked well. In yard, explored; sought attention from handlers; soft boy; tail wagging; interested in yard; watched staff walk by; soft body; approached handlers; took treats gently; allowed for all petting; remained near handlers; jumped up onto the bench; soft wiggly; picked leash up; jumped down; exited yard. Walked well back to kennel; did not want to enter building; tossed treats; not interested; assistant handler held door open; dog pulled away; stopped; froze; body weight shifted back; handler walked; dog would not follow; applied light leash pressure; remained frozen; walked dog to back portion of kennel; stopped right in front of kennel; applied light leash guidance; shifted body weight back; assistant handler went to inner portion of kennel tried calling through divider; handler stepped into kennel; verbally coaxed; tossed treats; not interested; assistant handler approached with sort board; dog took a few steps; would try to get around sort board; moved towards neighboring kennel; dog would not continue to move forward; assistant handler continued with sort board; handler had to use both hands and used hard firm leash guidance; dog entered kennel; allowed handler to step out; allowed for easy leash removal. 10/1/2026 Easy leashing, walking into Triage. Allowed all petting. Walked to kennel strong pull, stopping at door to dog building. Applied light leash pressure and verbal coaxed, dog following handler into building. Arriving at dog kennel, dog approached neighboriung dog with flagged tail, hackles riased, growling. Applied moderate leash pressure away, dog pulling towards dog. Applied brief strong leash pressure away from neighbors kennel and into his kennel. Able to remove leash by hand 9/26/2026 , I went on a Hope Whispers walk today 9/26/2026 Solicited attentions, Easy to pull from kennel, Easy to return to kennel, Takes treats nicely, Easy/Loose Leash, Somewhat Pulls on Leash, Calm, Ignored dogs when walking past kennels, Sit, very easy dog despite his largeness,easy pull, easy return, easy to walk. takes treats nicely, ignored other dogs, knows sit. slow paced walk 9/25/2026 Dog was standing at kennel door, stoic, stared at handler, stood and took treats gently from hand, gave tail wags when presented with leash, allowed leash placement, no issues walking to yard, stopped frequently to sniff and mark. Explored yard, nose to ground, tail flagged, frequently marking and ground scratching, softened with wagging tail when interacting with handler, took treats gently, continued exploring but checked in with handler frequently and allowed more pets. Followed handler into catch pen, able to pick up leash and walk back to kennel with no issues, easy return, came forward with soft body and wagging tail and allowed handler to remove leash by hand. *Potential adopters should be counseled on slow introductions and proper decompression time to allow dog to adjust to new home. 9/24/2026 Laying at front of kennel with neutral body, stoic, got up with flagged tail wag when leash was presented. Easy leash placement at front of kennel, easy leash pull to main play yard, stop n go to mark along walk, no interest in dogs in passing. Once in yard dog was distant from handler all of evaluation, neutral bodied but flagged tail throughout while slowly sniffing/going potty around yard. Would not come to handler when called over, no interest in treats tossed near or offered. Never approached handler but would allow handler to approach, just redirects walking pattern away from handler. Let dog have a few moments, continued to mark and explore around yard entirety of evaluation. Picked up leash, would tolerate petting but did not seek out attentions, would look away from handler but neutral bodied, tail remained flagged. Walked back to kennel with no issues, would not enter kennel, lightly pulling away from kennel but followed handler into kennel, allowed handler to remove leash by hand. 9/23/2026 Standing at kennel door, tense, stiff wagging tail, eyes followed handler but dog remained frozen, slowly took treats from hand, didn't soften. Requesting full eval. 9/22/2026 walks on leash, hard pull, soft body, wiggly body, \"vet hold\" for vaccines, solicits attention from all handlers on ramp, resists entering kennel, leash removal by hand, will try to push past to get out of kennel Name: Bubba Animal ID: A5172033 Breed: GRAY/WHITE AM PIT BULL TER Sex: Neutered Age: 4Y 1M Weight: 89.0 lbs Kennel: West Kennel, Wing D - 081 Intake Date: 10/24/2026 Deadline Date: 11/2/2026