And without a cue, he swam over.

He swam up to the edge, barked once, circled back, and then did this exaggerated doggy paddle—like he was showing her how to do it. I swear to you, he kept looking back like, “See? It’s fine. Just follow me.”

And then… she jumped.

Just like that. Full splash. Max swam beside her the whole time, like a furry lifeguard with a PhD in encouragement. And every time she started drifting toward the steps, he nudged her back in.

By the end of the session? She was zooming.