Howdy continues to recover as Yucca Valley revises its shelter policies

The Maltese who faced treatment for numerous health issues following a shelter transfer last month is on the mend. Howdy had been at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter for three months and was at urgent risk of euthanasia before he was rescued by the Joshua Tree No-Kill Shelter on June 27. The dog was severely matted, fearful, and upon assessment in critical health; he underwent emergency veterinary surgery to treat a bladder rupture, abdominal infection, and remove over 25 bladder and kidney stones.

No-Kill Shelter Executive Director Wendy Jordan, who asserted that Howdy was neglected while at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter, says that Howdy is recovering exceedingly well at a medical foster home.

“He’s doing phenomenal, honestly, he had the odds stacked against him with his condition and how bad we found out it was. He’s eating great, and on Tuesday, he gets his stitches out, and we will recheck blood work to see where those white blood cells are. That gives us an indicator of where his body is fighting the infection. But clinical signs are very good, and then what’s possibly even better is that? Emotionally, he’s making huge breakthroughs, too.”

Howdy’s rescue has come at a steep price for the No-Kill Shelter, as Jordan estimates his medical bills will total nearly $14,000. Both Jordan and Yucca Valley Town Manager Curtis Yakimow confirmed that there has not been any direct communication between the two shelters since the transfer.

Howdy’s story has further intensified scrutiny of the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter, which concluded a 90-Day Operational Review in early June following public outcry over its practices. A public protest was held on June 30, after which participants delivered Howdy’s initial veterinary bill to Town Hall, requesting that the Town of Yucca Valley cover payment. In recent days, correspondence from a high-profile national activist organization to the Council has surfaced, and community members continue to condemn the practices and employment of Animal Care and Control Manager Doug Smith.

On June 26, prior to Howdy’s transfer, Yakimow emphasized his confidence in the follow through of initiatives when asked about shelter management.

“Across the organization, we are always looking at how our staff is executing policy direction from the Council, and ultimately through the Town Manager. We evaluate employees on an ongoing basis; any of the actions that have occurred, are occurring, or will occur are confidential personnel matters. That said, we know the Council is expecting Staff to execute the recommendations that have been drawn up and approved. As Town Manager, I have that responsibility to ensure that that occurs, and that will occur.”

Following the fallout from Howdy, Yakimow followed up on his statements, stating, “Once the decision was made to pause euthanasia for an extended period of time during the Operational Review, impounded animals that were in need of extensive grooming, such as Howdy, should have received such care. Direction has been provided to Shelter staff to ensure that no additional shelter animals are in similar need of extensive grooming. Town management continues to review best practices at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter on an ongoing basis.”

The Yucca Valley Animal Shelter is on the docket for the upcoming Town Council meeting on July 15, when Town Staff will present a status update to the Operational Review that concluded early June. Yakimow noted that Town Staff will also request that the Council schedule their initial public meeting for the shelter standing committee for the third week in August.

“We want that engagement from the public. So hopefully many of the people that are coming to our council meetings now will come to that meeting and provide public comment and recommendations. It’ll be set up as a workshop setting. The majority of the meeting will be handled by our animal care and control team.”