There’s no fluff to cut here. It’s all important stuff.
Parvovirus “mortality rates are over 90% for unvaccinated, untreated patients,” according to the Somerset Veterinary Hospital (1). Bistro had parvo when Sunnyside Street Dogs Rescue saved him. But Parvo didn’t take Bistro – unjustified euthanasia did.
Bistro did not deserve to die; he deserved to live a happy, healthy life. He was only two years old. Bistro was not known for aggression, nor was he dangerous, but he was irresponsibly laid to rest. Bistro’s death caused an uproar in the rescue community, and people are grieving a dog they have never met. And here’s why:
WHO IS BISTRO?
Sunnyside Street Dogs Rescue saved Bistro as a puppy suffering from parvovirus. Dedicated people within the rescue spent numerous hours nursing him back to health. As Bistro grew up, he revealed his true personality: playful, affectionate, active, goofy, and resilient. A shar-pei/pit bull mix ready to take on the world. He was potty-trained, crate-trained, and loved a good car ride. Bistro was dog-friendly, cat-friendly, and of course, people-friendly.
A STAR FOSTER AND DAYCARE DOG!
The owners of Hounds Town Houston Midtown took Bistro in as a foster dog, and he proved very quickly what a good boy he was (I am sure you’ve heard of Hounds Town. I mean, they’re a fantastic doggie daycare). The owners fostered Bistro for approximately three months, and he fell in love with their other foster dog, Abby.
If you’re not familiar with doggie day-care, let me fill you in on a few things: the dogs in attendance must first pass a temperament test. According to Hounds Town USA, a temperament test is a “quick, informal assessment” that helps “dog management experts get to know [the] dog and make sure they’ll feel comfortable in [a] natural pack environment during doggy daycare” (2). Basically, the goal is to test out the dog’s temperament around others in a social environment.
Why does this matter? Well, because Bistro passed his temperament test with another dog. Not only that, but he also successfully integrated into packs of multiple different dogs at daycare more than three times. He began to thrive and flourish, becoming a social butterfly.
Bistro spent his time with the rescue and his fosters without a single incident of aggression towards another person or dog.
BISTRO FOUND HIS FOREVER HOME - OR SO EVERYONE THOUGHT.
I know you’ve heard the words “forever family” or “forever home.” Bistro was supposed to have that. You know, a dedicated and committed human family that vows to care and provide for him. He got that at first. Bistro was adopted into what he thought was his forever home, a family that seemed to be the perfect fit. He was there for two weeks, and then he wasn’t.
WHERE DID IT ALL GO WRONG?
The adoptive family told Sunnyside Street Dogs Rescue that Bistro was involved in a fight with another dog in their home. I’m sure you’re asking, “Well, who started the fight?” We are unsure, but what we do know is that pointing fingers for blame is not what we are trying to do here.
During the altercation, a human was bitten because they put their hand in the middle of the fight. Other than that, the adoptive family did not provide details. No details relating to what caused it, what led up to it, or how it unfolded. No explanation given. They only provided one photograph of the human’s arm, but none of the dogs. They stopped all communication with the rescue.
Rescue personnel jumped into action and advised the adoptive family that they would take Bistro back. They even spent the entire next day on the road to get him back. The adoptive family ignored the rescue.
The rescue’s adoption contract states their dogs must be returned to them under certain circumstances, and includes specific stipulations regarding euthanasia. Despite the contract, the adoptive family immediately contacted animal control and chose to have Bistro euthanized instead of putting him in a 10-day quarantine and returning him to the rescue. They went dark and had Bistro’s life taken from him.
The rescue found out Bistro was euthanized, not because the adoptive family told them, but because they finally got in contact with animal control, and they relayed that Bistro was euthanized at the adoptive family’s request.
Bistro had a guaranteed safe place to come to. He was cherished and loved by many. Despite all the love, the safe space to come home to, and the contract, Bistro was killed anyway. The adoptive family made a permanent decision based on a temporary moment. A life was taken. This did not have to happen, and Bistro should still be here.
RESPONSIBLE PET CARE IS CRUCIAL. WHAT WERE THE ALTERNATIVES, AND HOW CAN WE DO BETTER AS PET OWNERS?
Contracts
Contracts are in place for a reason. They are written to hold people accountable and liable for their actions. They are to safeguard people, businesses, interests, and lives. As mentioned before, Sunnyside Street Dogs Rescue had a contract in place, and this contract was violated. I cannot provide too many details on this topic, as I am not an attorney and I cannot provide legal advice. What I will say is, when you sign a contract, you are committing to the information written in it. If a rescue wants you to return a pet that you cannot care for or are planning to euthanize, return the pet. Rescues have trained professionals and have an understanding of dog behavior. Let them handle the situation, especially if it’s in the contract you signed.
The 3-3-3 Rule
The 3-3-3 Rule was established as a guideline to understand rescue dogs as they transition into their new home. According to The Longmont Humane Society, the rule “suggests that the first three days should be used for adjusting to their new surroundings, the next three weeks for training and bonding, and the first three months for continued socialization and training” (3). Why is this important? It allows for a smoother transition into the home, gives time for the dog to settle in, and sets realistic expectations for the owners. This is an important rule to remember and to follow.
Training and socialization
When dogs struggle to integrate with each other socially, it is the responsibility of the owner to take preventative measures before things escalate. Some examples include training, education, staying in contact with the rescue, and keeping the dogs separated until a plan is established. If you’re uncertain how to properly train and socialize your dog, find local trainers and training facilities that can help. Sometimes all it takes is a simple Google or Instagram search to find a trainer in your area. Training and proper socialization are imperative for your dogs.
Breed-specific hate – cut it out
Breed stereotypes are harmful, and pit bulls get the worst of it. Dogfighting is where pit bulls got their bad “reputation,” but it’s important to note that humans are the reason these pit bulls became aggressive. Humans train pit bulls to be aggressive so they can use them to fight and win. It’s extremely disgusting, infuriating, inhumane, and illegal in all fifty U.S. states. This is not the fault of pit bulls; this is the fault of humans and their exploitation of innocent animals for monetary gain. Not to mention, the media pushes a certain narrative, and they have a hand in painting pit bulls in a bad light as well.
The San Francisco SPCA debunked pit bull myths and cited that pit bulls are not more dangerous than other dogs, pit bulls are not more aggressive than most dogs, and they do not have locking jaws (4).
In summary, aggressive behavior by dogs is not breed-specific, and it mostly comes from “mistreatment, poor handling, and isolation” (5). Understanding dog behavior and human behavior is crucial to reversing these harmful stereotypes. Understanding behavior is also an important part of being a dog parent.
The bottom line
Rescues and shelters are stretched beyond their limits. Personnel dedicate so much time to rehabilitating, training, and advocating for animals, including the animals that have been failed by humans before. If you have questions, if you feel unprepared, or if you simply need guidance, reach out. Call rescues, call trainers, and/or do proper research so you can feel confident in the care you provide. We are here to provide information and education to help you feel comfortable going forward with adopting a dog.
Losing dogs unnecessarily creates a heavy layer of distrust that makes rescues more cautious. Have you ever thought to yourself, “Wow, this rescue is too picky,” or “Why does this rescue want to know so much about me?” This. Bistro’s story is the perfect example of why.
Look, at the end of the day, taking home a pet is not just a simple transaction. Taking home a pet is a full-time commitment. It’s a commitment you make with full responsibility and understanding that you are responsible for the life you have put in your hands. Committing to a pet requires patience, time, self-awareness, communication, training, and dedication. It’s simple: if you’re unable to provide, don’t take. It may sound harsh, but that’s because animals are living beings and should be treated as such.
Rest in Peace, Bistro. You’ll be greeted at the rainbow bridge with all who loved you.
*This is article does not contain medical or legal advice, and consultations with your veterinarian and/or lawyer are recommended. This post was originally written on November 24, 2025 on our original website. We've migrated over to Shopify and are re-posting this article.
*The photographs were provided to Humane & Hungry, LLC by Sunnyside Street Dogs Rescue. Humane & Hungry, LLC did not take these photographs and does not own them.
Article sources:
(1): Somerset Veterinary Hospital. (Unknown Date Published). “Puppies and Parvo,” Somerset Veterinary Hospital, https://somersetvethospital.com/blog/puppies-and-parvo/. Last accessed November 23, 2025.
(2): Hounds Town USA. (August 5, 2025). “What Is a Dog Temperament Test and Why Does It Matter?” Hounds Town USA, https://houndstownusa.com/blog/what-is-a-dog-temperament-test-and-why-does-it-matter/. Last accessed November 23, 2025.
(3): Longmont Humane Society. (Unknown Date Published). “It Doesn’t Happen Overnight – The 3-3-3 Rule for Dog Adoptions,” Longmont Humane Society, https://www.longmonthumane.org/3-3-3/. Last accessed November 23, 2025.
(4), (5): San Francisco SPCA. (September 1, 2024). “5 Pit Bull-Type Dog Myths Debunked,” SFSPCA, https://www.sfspca.org/blog/5-pit-bull-type-dog-myths-debunked/. Last accessed November 23, 2025.