Meet Big Anthony, affectionately known as Tony!
A soulful almost two-year-old Mastiff/Shepherd mix currently living in Winston-Salem, NC, whose heart is as big as his name suggests, wrapped in a handsome tan coat with striking black and white accents.
Tony is the kind of pup who wears his emotions on his paw. Found wandering the streets, he greeted his rescuer with instant trust and affection, quickly revealing his gentle and emotionally intelligent nature. Since then, Tony has been living with a caregiver who works from home and shares her space with a mellow older dog, an arrangement that has helped him begin to feel safe and supported. He truly blossoms with structure, the presence of another calm canine companion, and the comforting rhythm of daily routines.
This lovable guy thrives in a home with access to a yard where he can romp around between walks and tug-of-war battles (his favorite!). He’s incredibly respectful with other dogs, giving space when needed, and has shown nothing but kindness with children, playing happily with a seven-year-old and accepting cuddles from toddlers like a pro! Tony is house-trained, neutered, vaccinated, and microchipped, and while he hasn’t had formal training yet, he already knows “sit,” “stay,” and “wait.”
Tony is currently working through separation anxiety and takes daily medication easily with pill pockets or mixed into his food. While he’s made great strides, especially with a routine and the companionship of another dog, being left alone still causes him distress. Crates, in particular, are a significant stressor for him. When confined, Tony becomes extremely anxious. Sometimes growling or lightly nipping, not out of aggression, but from fear and panic. He has managed to escape crates, so his future family should be ready to provide a crate-free environment and focus on gentle, positive reinforcement to help him feel safe.
Tony is not just a dog, he’s a loyal shadow, a tug-of-war champ, and a soft soul who simply needs a loving family willing to invest time, compassion, and a little space in their hearts and home.
Could you be the one to give Tony the joyful partnership he’s ready to share?
To learn more or meet Tony, reach out to [email protected], he's ready to meet his match!