River

There are people in this world who are "huggers." <br/>You know the type. They spot you from across the room and immediately approach like they're channeling some inner airplane.<br/>River is that person.<br/>Except River is a 2-year-old hound, which somehow makes it even harder to defend yourself emotionally.<br/>Maybe you like the classic standing hug -- face to face, full eye contact, heartfelt greeting. Maybe you prefer the side hug. Maybe you're the type who thinks every difficult day can be improved with one really good squeeze.<br/>River supports all styles. He's versatile. He's committed to the craft.<br/>Honestly, calling him "affectionate" feels inadequate. River approaches every day like it's a surprise party thrown specifically in his honor. <br/>And River's love isn't exclusive. He's met humans of all ages and has adored every single one of them. Small humans? Excellent. Grown-up humans? Outstanding. Random humans passing by who made eye contact for 0.3 seconds? NEW BEST FRIEND. He also seems extremely eager to make friends with other dogs and approaches them with the same joyful optimism he brings to everything else in life.<br/>And here's the remarkable part -- this sweet boy came to us as a stray after landing at Sussex. In his shelter photo, he looked so sad and uncertain that we braced ourselves for a slow, careful introduction to the world.<br/>Instead, River arrived and immediately began hugging everyone within range.<br/>It was as if he decided:<br/>"Yes, life has been confusing. HOWEVER. We are still doing hugs."<br/>River loves with his whole entire self -- no hedging, no emotional withholding. He looks at you like you personally invented sunshine and snacks.<br/>So if your life could use more laughter, more devotion, more greetings that make you feel like the best part of someone's day every single time you walk through the door -- please come meet River.<br/>He's been saving up hugs for you.<br/>Animal Aid Society is located at 80 Butler Farm Road in Hampton, VA. Visiting hours are 9am-noon every day, including weekends and holidays.<br/>Interested? Come for a visit any day of the week - 365 days a year between 9am - 12pm. Hope to see you soon!<br/><br/>PLEASE NOTE: Animal Aid Society observes a 40 mile adoption radius to facilitate post adoption support and follow ups.

There are people in this world who are "huggers."
You know the type. They spot you from across the room and immediately approach like they're channeling some inner airplane.
River is that person.
Except River is a 2-year-old hound, which somehow makes it even harder to defend yourself emotionally.
Maybe you like the classic standing hug -- face to face, full eye contact, heartfelt greeting. Maybe you prefer the side hug. Maybe you're the type who thinks every difficult day can be improved with one really good squeeze.
River supports all styles. He's versatile. He's committed to the craft.
Honestly, calling him "affectionate" feels inadequate. River approaches every day like it's a surprise party thrown specifically in his honor.
And River's love isn't exclusive. He's met humans of all ages and has adored every single one of them. Small humans? Excellent. Grown-up humans? Outstanding. Random humans passing by who made eye contact for 0.3 seconds? NEW BEST FRIEND. He also seems extremely eager to

There are people in this world who are "huggers."
You know the type. They spot you from across the room and immediately approach like they're channeling some inner airplane.
River is that person.
Except River is a 2-year-old hound, which somehow makes it even harder to defend yourself emotionally.
Maybe you like the classic standing hug -- face to face, full eye contact, heartfelt greeting. Maybe you prefer the side hug. Maybe you're the type who thinks every difficult day can be improved with one really good squeeze.
River supports all styles. He's versatile. He's committed to the craft.
Honestly, calling him "affectionate" feels inadequate. River approaches every day like it's a surprise party thrown specifically in his honor.
And River's love isn't exclusive. He's met humans of all ages and has adored every single one of them. Small humans? Excellent. Grown-up humans? Outstanding. Random humans passing by who made eye contact for 0.3 seconds? NEW BEST FRIEND. He also seems extremely eager to make friends with other dogs and approaches them with the same joyful optimism he brings to everything else in life.
And here's the remarkable part -- this sweet boy came to us as a stray after landing at Sussex. In his shelter photo, he looked so sad and uncertain that we braced ourselves for a slow, careful introduction to the world.
Instead, River arrived and immediately began hugging e