Instinctively people look at sad-eyed puppies and feel sympathy. Yet, River, a big, sweet, grown-up, socially skilled gentleman, may deserve more sympathy than any animal in the shelter. He’s the fellow who followed all the rules for five years, nearly half a lifetime, and still lost his home. And no one really told the Golden Retriever why.

River knows, with every ounce of his 110-pound being, that he loved his people and showed it every way possible. He followed the rules, even when he was alone for long periods, even when he would have liked to stretch his legs.

This aged-to-perfection fellow is like the human, who always did his job, let go because the company changed. Maybe someone, River hopes, understands how that feels.