This pup teaches others to see with their heart!

When Bethany Van Meter and her husband, Josh, adopted a blind pit bull, they were eager to help him have a better life. They soon discovered that not only was this special dog heaven-sent but his true mission was to inspire others to embrace their differences and see the good within

- Diane Nichols

Bethany knows her pup River was meant to be in her life to help others feel more accepted

Bethany Van Meter's throat tightened as she stared at a photo of her friend's sister's foster dog. His name was River, and he was a stray pit bull who had just had both eyes surgically removed due to infection. She could sense his pain, yet something still radiated from him that touched her heart.

“Can we have him visit and see how it goes?” Bethany asked her husband, Josh, that day. They were hesitant. A blind dog would be difficult to care for, but the two had rescued dogs and cats for over 20 years. It wouldn't be foreign to them, and despite the reputation of pit bulls, Bethany loved the breed. The thought of welcoming River into their lives felt destined. Josh nodded his approval.

God has something up his sleeve, Bethany's spirit whispered.

"When people see him thriving because he is loved, it's pretty powerful," Bethany says of River

Love to the rescue

On February 27, 2021, while River was still recovering from his eye surgery, Bethany and Josh adopted him. It was an adjustment at first, but they soon learned how intelligent River was. He used his other senses to navigate his world.