Waiting For a Home: Meet Tony, the RHSPCA’s longest resident
HARRISONBURG, Va., Nov. 10, 2025 – In December of 2024, the local RHSPCA animal shelter welcomed Tony, a large dog, when he came into their care. Now, almost a year later, that same dog remains in the shelter, making him the RHSPCA’s longest stay. Tony is waiting patiently for his adoption day, but being a larger, senior dog makes this a challenge.
Low Adoption Rate
Large dogs come with bigger costs and more responsibility, making them the least likely choice for adoption. Since the global pandemic in 2020, American animal shelters, nation-wide, have seen a decrease in large-dog adoptions and face housing crises for these pets. The RHSPCA has personally experienced a 10% decrease in the adoption of dogs over 30 pounds.
“Housing in the area is not large-dog friendly. There is a larger commitment in terms of potential for injury or illness — for the owner or the pet — because of the dog’s size, or people with young families not being sure about having an animal larger than their child in the home,” said RHSPCA Development Associate, Madison Spiess.
The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA is feeling the weight of these struggles. Their goal is to have less than 200 pets in the shelter by January, but as of this November their guest count is up to 450. “Our shelter can house 70 dogs, but we have about 150,” said Spiess. The shelter typically houses more cats than dogs, because cats have a significantly shorter length of stay.
“For cats (the length of stay) hovers between 30 and 40 days, for our dogs our average is about 75 days. So, higher than we would like because we have those freeloaders like Tony, who have been hanging out with us for almost a year now,” said Spiess.
Meet Tony
Tony, the lab-hound mix, is 10 years old and has been with the RHSPCA for over 300 days now. After entering the shelter in late 2024, he was in the foster care of four JMU students for a period of time. Those who care for Tony characterize him as a caring, loving and friendly gentleman.
“With his boundless energy and affectionate nature, Tony would make an exceptional household pet and will become your best friend in no time!”, said RHSPCA.org on Tony’s online adoption profile.
Along with these traits, his sociable personality pairs well with families who have teenage children. He gets along with other pets, especially cats, but prefers to be the only canine in the house. Despite his age, Tony is still quite active and enjoys long walks in the park, as well as his playing time! He has mastered the game of fetch and is a fierce opponent in a game of tug of war. Although he may be a senior dog, he is still a puppy at heart.
“After only 4 days, he has adjusted amazingly! He loves his walks and is very agile for being an older pup! Not only is he great in car rides but loves meeting all the college kids at JMU!”, Tony’s foster said.
Tony is a lovable companion, makes a perfect adventure buddy and will make a great addition to any family. He is all ready to hop in the car to his permanent home! With the holidays approaching, give the gift of a loving family and stable home. If you are looking for a kind, compassionate older dog look no further. Pay a visit to the RHSPCA and come meet Tony the Gentleman, today!
Tony spends time in the RHSPCA yard.
Fosters Needed
The Rockingham-Harrisonburg area has a solid group of local volunteers who frequently foster for the RHSPCA. However, with the shelter’s current surplus of animals, they are in desperate need of helping hands. Being a college town, most fosters are JMU students, causing the shelter to lose the majority of their volunteers during the school’s winter break.
“This time of year, we have to get a little more creative with how we’re taking in the animals that need our help. Whether that’s doing adoption specials to get the ones that we have adopted or deferring the intake of an animal potentially coming in,” said Spiess.
The shelter’s capacity is dependent on fosters and when there is a shortage of volunteers, it decreases their ability to house animals. At times, the shelter has no choice but to turn away newcomers and will have the animals’ finders take them home when they are at max capacity. The RHSPCA recruits foster parents through their website and social media outreach, specifically their Facebook foster group with around 10,000 members, and are always looking for more volunteers.
Learn more about fostering here
Volunteer Today
Foster care is extremely beneficial for any pet that can have a break from shelter life, even for a short period of time. Tony is a prime example of the good that comes from a shelter break. After spending nearly a year with the RHSPCA, his time in foster care allowed him to have some much-needed, solo attention, boosting his happiness and confidence.
Shelter pets thrive in comforting environments, especially those recovering from medical care. As the holidays are approaching, the shelter is in need of new volunteers more than ever. If you are willing to open your home to a pet in need, submit a foster application on the RHSPCA’s website through a short form.
Story written by Oksana Aikens for SCOM-261 (JMU) & generously shared with the RHSPCA for PR.
About RHSPCA
Rockingham/Harrisonburg SPCA is a non-profit organization that ensures the health and safety of the animals in its community, while promoting and facilitating adoptions since 1973. The RHSPCA works towards their mission with the values of compassion, transparency, respect and empowerment in mind. For more information, visit https://rhspca-stage-3.stage4.estlandhosting.com.
Media Contacts:
Madison Spiess
RHSPCA
540-200-8445
Oksana Aikens
SCOM-261 (JMU)
914-336-1534
