Preparation for a New Life

A New Beginning

From Wayne’s Journal

The first week of training — don’t get too excited. Monday’s group training session was dedicated to covering all the legal requirements and outlining general training goals and expectations. While absolutely necessary, it was still a classroom lecture. However, it gave us the opportunity to introduce ourselves and learn a little about one another.

Although I didn’t get to work directly with Charlie, I was able to visit him throughout the week. We were told that our dogs would finally be coming home with us after our next group training session. As the weekend approached, I could barely contain my excitement — and my anxiety.

Up until now, my time with Charlie had been limited to short visits. How would he respond to leaving everything he had ever known to live with us? How would my mini-Schnauzer, Boo, react to having a new, gentle giant as a family member? Would I be able to strengthen my bond with Charlie to make this transition as smooth as possible?

And what about the family who had fostered him? This couldn’t be easy for them. I was certain Charlie had left a lasting impact on their lives. I would be sure to express my gratitude for the time and care they had invested in him, nurturing him into the wonderful companion he was becoming for me. Given his gentle and loving nature, it would have been impossible not to form a deep bond with him.

All I could do now was trust in the Lord and be thankful for the blessings He provides. The real journey was just beginning.

Wayne’s Journey To Freedom

Adjusting to a New Reality

This week with Charlie — what a ride.! It all started with the big test: introducing him to our mini schnauzer, Boo. This was the moment Christina and I had been most anxious about. Boo had been attacked by a large German shepherd as a puppy, leaving her fearful of big dogs. Naturally, we were worried about how she would respond to Charlie, our gentle giant.

Julie brought Charlie over for the home visit, and from the moment he stepped onto the property, it was clear he was special. His calm and gentle demeanor did what we had hardly dared to hope for — it put Boo at ease. Although she was nervous at first, she gradually began warming up to him. Seeing her tail loosen and her cautious sniffs turn into curious interest was nothing short of a miracle. After witnessing their growing tolerance, Julie decided to leave Charlie with us for the afternoon. I would bring him back to the kennel for training later, but the first hurdle had been cleared. And it had gone better than we could have imagined.

After Charlie’s training session, we were sent home with everything a new dog owner could possibly need — and then some. Treats, food, gear, and supplies filled the car as Charlie officially came home with us. But our first night was not without its challenges.

Our bedroom at my wife’s and mother-in-law’s house has a mirrored four-door closet at the end of the bed. I had no idea that Charlie had such strong feelings about mirrors — until he caught sight of his reflection. Standing on the bed, he growled and barked at the “intruder” staring back at him. I tried to ease his stress by setting up his portable carrier, hoping it would give him a safe place to settle — no such luck. He scratched, whined, and desperately tried to break free.

By midnight, I realized neither of us was going to get any sleep this way. So, I made a makeshift arrangement. I moved to my recliner, and Charlie took over the couch. It wasn’t exactly the restful first night I had envisioned, but at least we found a compromise.

Tuesday morning came with a new challenge — traveling with Charlie. After a quick visit to  the vet for his routine check-up and vaccines, we began the drive to our apartment in Greensboro, North Carolina. To my relief, Charlie was a dream traveler. We made several rest stops along the way, and both Charlie and Boo were as well-behaved as could be. Watching the two of them sitting calmly together—two unlikely companions slowly becoming friends—was a sight that filled my heart with hope.

Our first day at the apartment revealed just how much change Charlie was processing. He was anxious, barely eating his food, and a bit restless. But when it was time for bed, he did something that surprised me. Instead of pacing or whining, he curled up on a pallet next to my side of the bed. Throughout the night, he gently woke me three times — placing his head on the bed and breathing into my face. It was as if he knew. I could feel the nightmares starting to creep in, but each time, Charlie’s gentle presence pulled me back. Thanks to him, I had one of the most peaceful nights of sleep I’ve had in years.

By Wednesday, Charlie was beginning to settle. We took a long walk around the apartment complex, and I could feel him slowly adjusting. Even Boo seemed to be accepting her new friend. In fact, I think she might have even become his biggest admirer. Their bond was growing, and so was mine with Charlie.

Thursday brought a new test — taking Charlie into public spaces. Christina and I went shopping, and I decided to bring Charlie along. We visited Gabe’s and Ollie’s, two department stores. At Gabe’s, we didn’t stay long, as my discomfort got the best of me. Still, Charlie was flawless, staying by my side and sitting or lying down each time I stopped. At Ollie’s, we stayed longer. I was able to remain in the store until Christina checked out—a small but significant victory.

Charlie made it possible. He was calm, steady, and attentive. Each time I stopped walking, he leaned into me, pressing his side against my leg. When I glanced down at him, he would tilt his head and look up at me as if to say, “I’ve got you.” His quiet reassurance gave me the strength to keep going.

Of course, no week with a new dog is complete without at least one mishap.  I took Charlie out for a walk on our first morning at the apartment, but he only peed. Assuming he was finished, I brought him inside. I was about to step into the shower when I discovered my mistake—Charlie had left a not-so-pleasant surprise right outside the bathroom door. It was entirely my fault. I had missed his signals. At that moment, I wished for a newspaper so I could roll it up and smack myself on the head. Thankfully, I learned my lesson, and we haven’t had another accident since.

This first week with Charlie has been more special than I could have imagined. It’s given me a glimpse of the road ahead — the challenges, the triumphs, and the companionship we’ll share. Charlie is more than a service dog. He is already becoming my partner, my support, and my steady companion.

I know there will be more lessons to learn — mostly for me — but with the guidance of the compassionate and professional training team, I am confident that Charlie and I are on the right path. One step at a time, we are building a bond that will lead us toward freedom.