Today marks 3 years of us having River. We adopted him between 3-4 years old thinking he was a lab golden retriever mix. Finishing up heartworm treatment, skinner than you can imagine and scared of his own reflection . He was picked up as a feral dog in a kill shelter in the south. A no kill rescue picked him up and we adopted. His name was already River when we adopted him and just thought it was a sign. 
 

it was not always easy. He’s a handful at times. He is not a lab mix he’s a German shepherd mountain cur mix. He is however an amazing dog that my wife and I absolutely love.  We will move heaven and earth for him. We have spent over $20,000 in vet bills trying to figure out his stomach problems and after a recent biopsy with a specialist think we are on the right track. We will continue to give this boy who stole our hearts the best life we possibly can.
 

He’s not a dog. He’s family!

 

River seems like a lucky pup, and you seem like a lucky owner! Good on you for adopting him and giving him a great life! Rescue dogs are the best. My girlfriend and I have a pack of three rescues and they are our family.

@Jar11591 thank you sir!

He's a handsome boy. Thank you for taking him in and giving him a good home.

@Mobasser thank you for the kind words. He deserves this life 

10 minutes ago, Susky River Rat said:

@Mobasser thank you for the kind words. He deserves this life 

Susky, yes sir he deserves your good care and the good life you've provided him. I am a fellow dog lover also, and, I wish there were more guys out there who are willing to adopt a dog as you have. Keep up the good work.

@Mobasser I will always adopt. To many good dogs out there that deserve it. 

It's really hard to beat having a good dog. Longing for the day we decide to travel less and can get one. Since the day I was born I've always been around/had 2+ GSDs until about 8 years ago and life is certainly different without them. 

 

EDIT: My biggest hope is the day I die I get to be reunited with all of those that have passed...

Humans don't deserve a dog's love but I'm glad they love us anyways. My kids joke that if a building was on fire and it was them or the dog, I'd grab the dog first.