For the longest time, they were her only children, seven bold, beautiful German Shepherds, each with their own personality, with a piece of her heart. But everything changed the day when River was born.
The worry was natural; Big dogs and a tiny newborn? One misstep could mean disaster. But they planned every detail, every introduction, and every first sniff. Her husband brought home one of River’s blankets before she arrived so the dogs could get used to her scent. What happened next was nothing short of incredible.
Curiosity sparkled in their eyes. Tails wagged, noses twitched, and the moment River was carried through the door, the pack circled gently, as if welcoming a long-lost pup. They sniffed, licked, and wagged with joy. From that day forward, River wasn’t just the baby, she was theirs.
Where River goes, they follow like faithful shadows on every hike, every adventure. When she bathes, they’re there too, jumping into the water as if it were a game only their little sister could invent. And somewhere along the way, River started behaving like them—crawling like a pup, barking in play, even mimicking their expressions. She saw herself not just as their sibling, but as part of their pack.
Of all the dogs, it’s Roman who holds the key to her heart, just like her loyal shadow and gentle guide. When River wanders too far, Roman is there, nudging her back with his nose, watching over her with soft eyes and endless patience. He kisses her cheeks until she bursts into giggles. Their bond is wordless, wild, and everlasting.
There is some worry about the licks, the size, and the strength of big dogs around a toddler. But every interaction is watched, every boundary respected. What we’ve learned is simple: when you love dogs, they love you right back fiercely and unconditionally.
River and her seven shepherds are more than just a family. They’re a living, breathing example of how love transcends species. In every wag, every nuzzle, and every giggle, there’s a language only they speak. And in that bond, our home has found its heartbeat.
