Your contributions make the difference for pets and people in our community.
Thank you for your support!
https://rhspca.org/wp-content/themes/rhspca-enfold-child/images/rhspca-logo.svg
0
0
Madison Spiess
https://rhspca.org/wp-content/themes/rhspca-enfold-child/images/rhspca-logo.svg
Madison Spiess2025-06-20 08:29:322025-06-20 08:31:30Sonny’s Happy Tale
https://rhspca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/2025-Newsletter-Media-13-1.png
234
570
Madison Spiess
https://rhspca.org/wp-content/themes/rhspca-enfold-child/images/rhspca-logo.svg
Madison Spiess2025-06-10 09:18:062025-06-11 08:05:33Broadway Rescue Update One Month Later
https://rhspca.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/DJI_0115-scaled.jpg
1707
2560
Madison Spiess
https://rhspca.org/wp-content/themes/rhspca-enfold-child/images/rhspca-logo.svg
Madison Spiess2025-06-09 14:11:292025-06-09 14:11:29JUNE 2025 PET OF THE WEEK SPONSOR: Rocktown Realty
"*" indicates required fields
Sonny’s Happy Tale
/in Have a HeartIn a heartwarming turn of events, Sonny, a 10-year-old dog rescued by the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA, has found his forever home with a loving family in Rockingham, VA. Sonny was one of 59 dogs rescued by the RHSPCA in early May 2025, and his journey to recovery and adoption is nothing short of remarkable.
Sonny’s story began with a challenging start. Prior to his rescue, he suffered a break to his right front leg, which healed improperly due to lack of treatment. Upon his arrival at the RHSPCA, Sonny was assessed through a local veterinary partner, where he underwent a neuter procedure and received x-rays to evaluate the severity of his injury. Given the extent of the damage, the decision was made to amputate Sonny’s right front leg. Surgeries like this one are made possible thanks to the donor-supported fund, the “Have A Heart Fund” at the RHSPCA.
Despite the major surgery, Sonny’s resilience shone through. He healed wonderfully and adapted to his new circumstances with grace. His sweet demeanor and charming personality quickly won the hearts of his foster family, who decided to adopt him and make him a permanent member of their household.
Sonny, now a cherished family pet, enjoys a laid-back lifestyle. At 10 years old, he is a self-proclaimed couch potato, preferring to play on his own terms. His dental issues necessitate a diet of modified small bites and wet food from Hill’s Science Diet, but through it all, Sonny has maintained high spirits and continues to charm everyone he meets.
The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA’s Have a Heart fund played a crucial role in Sonny’s recovery and successful adoption. His story is a testament to the power of compassion and the incredible resilience of rescue animals.
For more information on how to support the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA and our efforts to rescue and rehabilitate animals like Sonny, visit their website at rhspca.org/donate.
Broadway Rescue Update One Month Later
/in Have a Heart, News, Shelter UpdatesJUNE 2025 PET OF THE WEEK SPONSOR: Rocktown Realty
/in Pet Of The Week SponsorOver 40 dogs found at Broadway home in ‘devastating’ condition
/in NewsOriginal story written by Mair Famet. Read it here.
ROCKINGHAM COUNTY, Va. (WHSV) – More than 40 dogs were found abandoned after their owner passed away, in what some are calling “devastating” conditions at a property in Broadway on Thursday. The incident prompted an emergency response from the Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA.
The organization rescued 15 of the most critically ill and injured animals from the scene. Many of the dogs were suffering from severe mange, internal parasites like tapeworms and other untreated medical issues.
“The dogs were obviously not in the best condition,” said Huck Nawaz, executive director of the RHSPCA. “A lot of them are suffering from significant neglect, outstanding medical needs, and we’re still assessing the situation as they come into our care.”
Nawaz said this is just the beginning of the rescue effort. The RHSPCA plans to return in the coming weeks to remove the remaining dogs and provide care. Due to limited space in the shelter, the organization is relying heavily on foster homes to take in the animals, many of whom require intensive medical treatment or are pregnant.
“All of these guys are coming with outstanding medical needs, and several of them are pregnant as well,” Nawaz said. “So we will need foster homes and the financial support to take the best care of them, we will.”
The rescue has placed a major strain on the RHSPCA’s resources. Their emergency medical fund, the Have a Heart Fund, is now critically low, despite a recent boost from the Great Community Give campaign held just weeks ago.
The RHSPCA is urgently seeking both foster families and donations to help cover the cost of ongoing treatment and recovery for the animals. Those willing to help can apply to foster or make a donation on the RHSPCA’s website.
Copyright 2025 WHSV. All rights reserved.
RHSPCA urgently seeks foster homes and donations after rescuing over 40 dogs Broadway Rescue Dogs Follow Up (5/12/2025)
/in NewsOriginal Story written by Mair Famet, featured on WHSV. Read it here
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) — The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA has rescued 52 dogs from a severe hoarding situation in Broadway after their owner passed away, following a series of ongoing recovery efforts that began last week.
On May 11, RHSPCA staff returned to the property and removed eight additional dogs, bringing the total rescued to 52. The animals are currently receiving medical care and behavioral evaluations. Once stabilized, they will be placed into foster homes to begin their recovery journeys.
“Most of them have never left the property where they were found,” said Huck Nawaz, RHSPCA Executive Director. “It’s a scary place to be for dogs that have never been off a leash or known human affection.”
The dogs were found living in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions, with many suffering from severe health issues and psychological trauma. RHSPCA staff set up a temporary shelter off-site to provide immediate care due to the main shelter now operating beyond capacity.
Thanks to community support, nine dogs had already been placed in foster homes as of Monday, but many more remain in need. The RHSPCA is urgently seeking both foster families and financial donations to support ongoing medical care, food, and supplies.
“We’re actively working on identifying medical and behavioral needs to then place them into foster homes,” Nawaz said. “We especially need fosters who can house these dogs separately from their own pets, so each one can receive the attention and recovery they deserve.”
The organization also needs material donations, such as wire crates and leashes, to help transport the animals.
To foster a rescued dog, visit: https://rhspca.org/foster/
To donate, visit: https://givebutter.com/zt1qGl
MAY 2025 PET OF THE WEEK SPONSOR: STEVEN TOYOTA
/in Pet Of The Week SponsorApril 2025 Pet Of The Week Sponsor: Harrisonburg Dairy Queen
/in Pet Of The Week SponsorRockingham Harrisonburg SPCA receives $20,000 grant to help find homes for pets
/in NewsRockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA to host ‘March Madness’ event for fee-waived adoptions
/in NewsArticle from WHSV, read more here
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA (RHSPCA) is inviting the community to participate in a “March Madness” fee-waived adoption event on Saturday, Mar. 29.
The event follows the success of a similar adoption drive on March 8, during which 23 animals found homes. This time, the shelter aims to place 37 pets with new families.
“One of our long stay, dogs that had been here forever, [was] adopted, so we were thrilled about that,” Director of Engagement for the RHSPCA Aaron Cleveland said. “We’re trying to celebrate that success with March Madness and give someone [a] long stay dog that has been here for a year or more”
Adoption fees will be waived for adult dogs and cats.
The adoption event will take place from noon to 6 p.m. at its shelter, located at 2170 Old Furnace Road. For more information and to preview adoptable animals, visit www.rhspca.org/adopt.
RHSPCA waiving dog adoption fees due to shelter being over capacity
/in NewsOriginal article on WHSV, read it here.
HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV)—The Rockingham-Harrisonburg SPCA is over capacity and hopes to free up kennel space with a fee-waived adoption event this Saturday.
The shelter will extend its hours from noon to 6 p.m. on Mar.8 to help find homes for at least 20 dogs. Typically, the shelter operates from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Executive Director Huck Nawaz says adult dogs often get overlooked when puppies are available.
“When there are puppies available for adoption, the adult dogs get overlooked,” Nawaz said. “The puppies tend to go to foster care, leaving the shelter population unchanged.”
Interested adopters must visit the shelter in person, as online applications won’t be accepted for this special event. Available dogs can be viewed on the RHSPCA website.