Meet Bruiser; this Neapolitan Mastiff (#A5719425) never knew a soft bed or a spot in the house with his most recent family. According to shelter notes, he has spent his entire life outdoors in a backyard.
And here we first meet Bruiser in his kennel at the Carson Animal Care Center in Gardena, California; all curled up – his rather painful eyes tightly shut as if waiting to forget the world or perhaps hoping the world will soon forget him.
Bruiser arrived at the shelter as an owner surrender more than two weeks ago. The owner got him from another person; Bruiser has lived with other dogs, but has spent his entire life in the backyard.
These are some of Bruiser’s positive qualities as per his owner:
He loves tennis balls. He likes to go for car rides. He walks fine on a leash. He even knows some tricks. He has never tried to escape and loves to go for walks and loves the beach. He is not destructive at all. According to the owner, the two words best describing Bruiser are “calm and obedient.”
No doubt Bruiser was very upset when his owner left him at the shelter. Volunteers said it took 10 days before they were able to get him to be calm enough to film a video.
Video:
This sweet gentle sweetheart needs help fast, and he needs to get his eyes fixed.
Volunteer notes and observation:
A5719425 ✰ BRUISER -8/21/25-
“On approach, he was laying down and low growling. I closed him inside and was able to step one foot in to leash him (he initially dodged the leash) but once leashed he walked out without issue. No pull, in the small yard he wandered and allowed me to pet/touch/handle without issue. Did handling “exam” without issue. He did not seek further engagement or show any pro social behaviors. He does appear to know “sit”.
At one point when I approached to touch he whipped his head but no bite or contact (vision impaired?) I will leave a note for medical.”
Ok for public, Adults REQ
Additional volunteer notes:
“Bruiser was fearful in his kennel, the runner was able to gently leash him and remove him from the kennel. He slightly pulled on leash. In the catch pen when he was introduced to the dogs his body was neutral, his eyes were neutral, his mouth was closed, his ears were low and his tail was low with no wag. He entered the yard and began exploring. He kept to himself and sniffed the dogs occasionally. He was uninterested in the handlers. He maintained a neutral demeanor in the yard and was able to co-exist with the two gentle/dainty dogs. Overall he was tolerant of the dogs and would benefit best in a gentle/dainty yard.”
#A5719425 My name is BRUISER and I’m an approximately Unknown old male Mastiff. I am not yet neutered. I have been at the Carson Animal Care Center since 8/11. I will be available on 8/11. You can visit me at my temporary home at C123.
Neapolitan Mastiff AGE: 6 years old, (not neutered)
Male ARRIVED:8/11
Carson Shelter – 310-523-9566 for INFO
Mon-Sat 11-5pm, Closed Sunday
216 W Victoria St. Gardena, CA 90248
INTERESTED IN FOSTERING? If you’re in LA, OC, San Bernadino or Riverside County and would like to apply to foster a Carson pup, please visit CarsonFosters.com to complete the online foster application.
BRUISER
Location: Carson
He waits in kennel C123
Date in County Care: 8/11/2025
310-523-9566
https://animalcare.lacounty.gov/dacc-details/…
https://24Petconnect.com/DetailsMain/LACO1/A5719425
Carson Animal Care Center
216 W Victoria St, Gardena, CA 90248
310-523-9566
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