If you like your dogs on the big side,with the potential for even bigger? Fluffy on the outside and soft-souled on the inside, River is here for you! River is the kind of dog who makes everyone stop in their tracks, not because he’s loud or chaotic, but because he’s eye-catching, handsome, and oh-so gentle and welcoming for his size. When he was brought to our main rescue office it was all oooohhhs and ahhhhhs, followed by, “Can we approach and touch?”. The team was so excited and proud to say, YES!! He is as loving, soft, and affectionate as he looks!
Take a look at his mellowness in motion, then come back to read more: https://youtu.be/bBnetZgN-WE
River is estimated to be about a year old, currently weighs 87 lbs, and may be a German Shepherd/Husky mix—maybe even some Anatolian sprinkled in. As with all rescues, age and breed are our best guesses. Sometimes that’s the best part about rescue, finding all the fun breeds your pup has! What we can guarantee is that he is a lot of loving fluff and incredibly affectionate, though never in a pushy way. He leans into you, rests that giant head near your lap, and soaks up love like a pro. You can even hold his paws and let him “dance” with you—standing up, he’ll likely be as tall as you. It’s like slow dancing with a gentle, oversized stuffed animal.
Please don’t mistake “big” for “difficult.” River has that magical gentle-giant quality where the look is powerhouse and the personality is marshmallow. He walks well on leash and is very manageable for such a large dog. Being young, he’ll benefit from continued structure, but his calm, observant, unbothered nature makes him an absolute joy. He brings chill vibes all day. Truly the definition of big dog, easy spirit.
River currently lives in a loving foster home with multiple dogs out in the country of Texas and does wonderfully! Even his foster says he’s just an easygoing boy—no trouble, no chaos, just peaceful dog energy. We are just now going to quote some of things his fosters have to say about him, they are seasoned fosters and know a great dog when they meet one.
River takes treats sooo gently
River snuggles on the couch with our big pack of misfit dogs! Great at sharing!
River is completely house trained
River is the perfect mix of mellow and playful. Except the playful is more prancing with dogs.
On the rare occasion he wants to play with the dogs, he does a prancing “dance” to invite!
Great car rider and fantastic on the leash
Loves the rope toy and playing tug-o-war with other dogs and us. Goes after the ball!
River is great around other dogs and he loves being a pack animal. He doesn’t need a home with other dogs but he clearly does well with them! Some of the different dog temperament and personalities of the dogs he is fostered with include the queen bee- senior pittie female- she has no reservations correcting dogs if they get too rowdy. River is such a sweet gentleman, he makes sure to not react or bother her. She loves River because he is very relaxed and finds his spot on the floor or on the couch. You will find the assertive male dog and boy does love River! River is mindful and respectful of him. River has also accepted corrections from him and too if ever warranted! There are some aloof females and males that he will play with. He gets bouts of the zoomies in the back yard and mostly romps around with the dogs.
He likes to be that awkward 3rd, 4th, or even 5th wheel! If you watched his video, then you also saw how incredibly gentle and tolerant he is with his favorite buddy! A 7 month old foster puppy named. Lily. He clearly is so unbothered by her climbing all over him, sharing toys, kissing, nibbling, invading his space while he is trying to relax, messing with his tail, or any of the things puppies like to do.His foster mom says they are like two peas in a pod and that it is almost like he has taken it upon himself to assume the "big brother" or "fun uncle" role. Seeing how gentle he is, even with a puppy, is simply who is to his core. A gentle giant.
With cats, he was politely aloof—“Huh. A cat. Okay.” He went on an overnight stay with a cat for further testing and did initially bark at the cat. Once the cat hissed at him, he did not mind her the rest of the time. One thing to note is that his cat is not a very active cat. She does not run or play around. Every cat has different personalities. Please inquire to get further cat testing. River’s long legs would like a nice long yard. He doesn’t need constant exercise or intense stimulation, just love, gentle structure, space to stretch out, and a comfy place to nap.
He’s gorgeous, calm, sweet, and big—but somehow still tiptoes through life like he doesn’t want to bother anyone.
If your heart is set on a truly huggable best friend who brings peace, steadiness, gentle companionship and who would love having a dog buddy at home; River is ready for the role.
Ready to welcome River home?
Apply here: https://adopt.animalsfirst.com/animal/62cc8e128b02916730334440/691a0d533ed1a6d19708a6ba
Questions? Email hailee@threelittlepittiesrescue.org
We facilitate adoptions nationwide using our rescue run USDA certified transport system, ensuring every pet travel safely and comfortably with 24/7 care. Our transport includes drop off locations, in WA, UT, OR, ID, VA, PA, OH, NY, CT, VT, TN, KY, WI, MN, IL, WI and Canada (pick up in Bellingham, WA, Buffalo, NY or Brattleboro, VT for for Canadian adopters). You will have the opportunity to track their journey in real time, see photo updates, learn fun facts, connect with fellow adopters and fosters through our private Facebook event page!
Before the adoption is finalized, you will meet your pet through a video call, creating a fun and personalized experience!
The adoption fee is $1000 and includes all vetting (DAPP with booster, Bordetella, Rabies vaccine, multiple broad spectrum deworming treatments, spay/neuter, flea prevention, a 12 month heartworm preventative injectable, heartworm test and treatment if needed, a microchip with free lifetime registration, a high quality nylon Martingale collar, a health certificate deeming the pup healthy for travel, cost of transport*, and priceless years of love and loyal companionship!
We proudly have over 17,000 successful adoptions and excellent Google Reviews:
https://g.co/kgs/UQ5Pyai We care deeply about creating lasting matches between dog and family for long term success, and take the time to ensure each adoption is a fit through our matchmaking process.
At our 2 acre Texas based property, we assess every animal with trainers on staff, we modify behavior as needed, and create individualized behavior plans to help prepare dogs for their future families including crate training, potty training, leash walking, etc. Our fosters are able to attend group training and socialization play groups helping them stay confident, well rounded, and adoption-ready. Our on-site trainers are dedicated to each dog’s growth and we enjoy seeing their progress!
We go above and beyond to ensure every animal receives exceptional care. Veterinarians consistently praise our medical standards. From routine care to advanced treatments, each dog receives personalized attention. Hard costs for a healthy dog range from $804-$920; heartworm-positive dogs or those needing specialized care can exceed $2,000+. Adoption fees help cover a portion of these expenses, but without government funding, we rely on fundraising to bridge the gap—ranging from $100–$1,000+ per dog.
Our adoption fees reflect the extensive care and resources that go into each animal we save. The adoption fee is a donation to the mission and goes far beyond getting a fully vetted pet.
It doesn’t stop there! Our adopters also receive these SPECIAL PERKS:
Extensive behavioral testing and information from trainers on our staff to ensure the perfect fit for your family
Discounts on Embark DNA test kit- $30 off of Breed ID test or $50 off of Breed ID plus Health test
30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion
A free private online dog training session with GoodPup, plus low pricing for future sessions
Access to multiple dog trainers in your area, along with $40 off of your first session of in person dog training through Rover Training
70% off of your first order of Fetch, a delicious PNW based fresh dog meatballs subscription
Coupons for a fun visit to Petco
20% off of Dr. Cuddles pet first aid and hygiene solutions
Discounted heartworm, flea prevention, and monthly dewormer
Access to our exclusive FB Adopters page, where you can network for play dates, resources, and connect with other adopters that share their passion for their adopted pup!
The Greater Houston area faces one of the highest stray and overpopulation rates in the U.S. We’re a nonprofit on a mission—to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome dogs at risk, while promoting spay/neuter outreach in the community. When you adopt, you save more than one life— the one you adopted, and the space opened up to save another.
Follow our journey and stay connected!
🌐 threelittlepittiesrescue.org
📘 facebook.com/threelittlepittiesrescue
📸 instagram.com/threelittlepittiesrescue
Ready to welcome a new furry friend into your life? APPLY TODAY and become a hero for pets in need!
*Due to rising transportation costs, a $74 surcharge applies.
DISCLAIMER- Breed type is determined based on general appearance and behavioral characteristics, and cannot be guaranteed without DNA testing.
NOTE- Texas adopters must pick up from the Houston area.
