There have been serious concerns about one of the local animal shelters for a while; last week, Howdy became the poster-dog of the campaign to replace the shelter manager (as the first step of a complete overhaul of shelter operations) when he was found - after being in their "care" for four months (most of which during the town's 90 day review of the facility) - completely neglected, fur filthy and matted, and in clear need of medical attention. After several days at the not-quite-local emergency vet hospital, he was transferred to a local vet where he had emergency surgery. He's currently recovering, and as of his foster-person's most recent update he's been eating and exploring his new home (carefully, on leash), and he's looking much happier and more relaxed. Meanwhile, the fight goes on...

(after the protest monday morning we walked over to the town offices, and the organizers presented him with a copy of Howdy's medical bills (so far); so far they haven't responded)