River is an old soul searching for the right person to match his gentle heart. He had a tough start and arrived at the rescue wary of the world, but his foster family’s patience and care have helped him feel safe and show more of his wonderful personality. River will need an adopter willing to keep building his confidence and help him grow into his best self. He’s a big, fluffy, affectionate dog—about two and a half years old, weighing 70 pounds—who genuinely enjoys life with the people and dogs he knows. New faces and places can make River anxious at first, but give him time to adjust and he really warms up, even with children. River relies on having another dog in the home; his current foster brother has taught him a lot, and he’ll thrive in a similar setup. A fenced-in yard is a must, since River loves time outside and is still learning to walk confidently on a leash. Consistent leash practice and gradual introduction to new experiences will help him feel secure. River takes daily medication to keep him calm—his adopter should be prepared to maintain that routine. This gentle giant is ready to find a committed home in the DC, Maryland, northern Virginia, or southern Pennsylvania area. Make their next chapter their best one yet.