Keith Morgan and Shauna Ewing Morgan were accused of abusing their dog, a 15-year-old Cocker Spaniel named Sammy.
The couple pleaded guilty Monday to some of the charges against them, including animal cruelty and filing a false report with police.
The Morgans initially claimed they found the dog in a trash bag before bringing it to the shelter in March. The pooch was covered in urine, and his fur was so matted together that he couldn't stand.
The chief of the Monmouth County SPCA says the outcome is a win because it will allow them to place Sammy in a permanent home.
Keith Morgan, 56, and Ewing Morgan, 43, face up to six months in jail.
About 70 people showed up in court in support of Sammy, wearing T-shirts with his picture on the front.
