Tommy, a small boy with tousled hair and wide eyes, stood nervously at the end of the dock. His feet were planted firmly, as if afraid the wooden planks might give way beneath him. Beside him, Archie, a cheerful Rhodesian Ridgeback, wagged his tail eagerly, sensing adventure in the air.

Tommy's gaze lingered on the water, his heart pounding with trepidation. Archie nudged his leg, as if to encourage him. "I don't know, Archie. What if I sink?" Tommy whispered, doubt clouding his young face.

Archie paddled around playfully, pausing to bark encouragement to Tommy standing apprehensively at the dock's edge. "Woof! Woof!" Tommy watched, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips as Archie seemed to say, "Come on, it's fun!"

With a deep breath, Tommy crouched down, dipping his toes into the cool water. The sensation was surprising, not the scary unknown he had imagined. Archie swam closer, his eyes bright with encouragement. "Okay, I'm coming," Tommy murmured, his voice a mix of fear and determination.

Tommy felt the water buoy him up, his initial panic fading as Archie paddled beside him, offering silent support. Archie circled him, encouraging him to mimic his movements. "I can do this," Tommy realized, a newfound confidence blooming within him.

Tommy laughed freely, splashing about with Archie, the fear that once gripped him replaced by pure joy. They swam together under the evening sky, a boy and his dog, united in their shared triumph over fear. "Thank you, Archie," Tommy said, hugging his furry companion, who barked happily in return, as if to say that he always believed in him.