Already displaying service dog potential, a 5-month-old German shepherd at Safe Haven Horse Rescue in Meherrin offers moral support to Josiah Conner. Overcoming an initial fear of deep water, 7-year-old Josiah obviously enjoyed  “dog paddling” during the July 4th event. Karren Cooper, who owns the horse rescue, also raises German shepherds, donating some to be trained as service dogs for veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Looking on are Josiah’s grandfather Jose Ramirez and mother Jessie Conner. (Photo by Marge Swayne)