Tragic twist for Houston rescue dog: Adopted puppy returned after owner’s Christmas Day murder

'Corridor of Cruelty' dog seeking new home

A dog rescued from the 'Corridor of Cruelty' and adopted is looking for a new owner after his owner became an innocent victim in a deadly shooting. FOX 26's Randy Wallace explains. 

HOUSTON - This is the tragic tale of two Desmond's. Corridor Rescue takes in dogs dumped in a nine-square-mile area known as the "Corridor of Cruelty."

The backstory:

"Most of the dogs we find are injured in some way or duck and ill," said Dawn Venditelli, Director and VP of Corridor Rescue.

In May 2024, street feeder JaNell Mitchell and her son found two dumped puppies named Eleanor and Desmond.

"Robbie picked them up, it kind of happened pretty fast," said Mitchell. "Corridor said they could help, so we brought them to Corridor."

"When they came in, they did not want to be touched," said Venditelli.

In December 2024, 24-year-old Desmond Butler adopts Desmond the dog.

Then on Christmas Day of 2025, the 24-year-old was an innocent victim and was shot to death at a Shell Gas Station on Bellaire Boulevard.

What they're saying:

"Desmond's family did not want the dog, and the roommate's options were put Desmond on the street, or try a shelter, but hadn't had any luck. Can you take Desmond back? "We, of course, said yes," Venditelli said. "Poor dog was dumped, not wanted, found a good home and here he is almost being dumped again, not from any fault of his."

Desmond gets along with cats and small dogs, but no other big dogs. He's not friendly right away and will do best with an experienced dog owner.

Anyone interested in Desmond or other dogs at the Magnolia shelter should click here.