River is not your average Pit Bull—his journey of resilience and triumph is truly remarkable.
River was scheduled to be put down at a Dallas animal shelter due to a severe infection in both eyes that left him blind and in immense pain—his eye pressure was more than double what it should have been. With the high cost of treatment and the need for surgery to remove both eyes, the shelter couldn’t keep up, and River wasn’t a top adoption candidate.
But his story didn’t end there — this was just the beginning for him. An anonymous volunteer shared his photo, and a rescue in Tennessee saved him just in time from critical status at the shelter. With the help of a kind man who drove him from Texas to Tennessee, River’s journey took a new direction. While staying with his foster mom, Bethany Van Meter stumbled across a photo of River, and the rest was history. “My husband and I have rescued animals for over twenty years. We were aware he would be unique, but we felt positive that we could help him,” she remembers.
River settled into his new forever home with ease—remarkably, he navigated with surprising confidence and mastery of his surroundings despite being blind. “The only tangible thing we did for him at first was walk him on a leash inside our fenced-in backyard and inside our house so he could feel and memorize his way around,” says Bethany. “He memorizes locations very quickly. He also uses his other senses, which are extremely heightened, to navigate his world.”
It’s clear that River is a part of the family, from stealing food and doing tricks to memorizing his parents’ routine. Bethany explains, “We always say our bedtime prayers upstairs. One evening, we started saying them downstairs, and River began walking upstairs because he knew that’s where we always say them.”
Not only is River a beam of light and resilience to his family, but he also touches the lives of all who encounter him. “People of all ages are forever changed after meeting him. They’re completely mesmerized by his adaptability, sheer will to overcome, forgiveness, intelligence and perseverance. He brings joy because he is joy.” In addition to blessing those who meet him, River also leaves a lasting impression on those who read about him.
His dog-mother, Bethany, has written several children’s books inspired by River and his love. The first of the collection, “I See With My Heart,” reflects River’s ability to love fiercely and freely despite his inability to see. “River doesn’t need eyes to see the beautiful hearts in others,” says Bethany. “Just one disability is no match for all of the abilities he does have.”
“During readings,” Bethany remarked, “I let the kids ask no less than a thousand questions, as I know that’s how they learn optimally. At the end, though, I ask them questions about what they could learn from River, and my husband and I often shed a tear or two because of their responses. I hope children of all ages learn to overcome, persevere, dream big and love even bigger.”
A lot of people believe that a blind animal would have no purpose or enjoy a fulfilling life, but River’s joy and encouragement to others prove that belief to be incorrect. Bethany happily explains, “River has very few flaws. Truly! I would recommend to anyone considering adopting a special needs animal like River to do it! They are honestly the most grateful creatures to walk this earth. It’s sacrificial and hard work, but it’s so worth it.”
River’s journey, from having infections in both eyes and having them removed to preparing to be put down yet being saved and given a second chance at life, is a beautiful and heartwarming story that is an encouragement to us all. “River wouldn’t be here today if there weren’t certain people who stopped to be boldly kind to him. That’s my favorite lesson he teaches — to be boldly kind.”
River Van Meter | rivervanmeter.com