Finding a Rhythm

Wayne’s Journey To Freedom

Finding a Rhythm

Monday’s training session was a real eye-opener — though not for the reason I expected. Julie took Charlie through his paces, and as I watched, I quickly realized : that Charlie was already a pro. It was me who needed the training. He followed every command with precision, while I fumbled with hand signals and struggled to coordinate the clicker with the reward. Timing is everything, and let’s just say, my reflexes needed some work. But with patience and practice, I knew we’d get there.

As the week progressed, Charlie and I settled into a routine. We started each day early with breakfast, followed by playtime in the backyard. Watching him romp around with such joy made me smile — it was hard to believe this same playful dog had such a calm and steady presence when working. After playtime, I’d put on his vest, and we’d focus on sharpening my skills.

With every outing, my confidence grew. e visited several stores throughout the week: Home Depot, Walmart, and Hobby Lobby. We even had lunch at Arby’s — our first indoor dining experience together. Just having Charlie by my side made an incredible difference. His steady companionship turned overwhelming situations into manageable ones.

One moment, in particular, stands out. At Home Depot, I needed to return an item. When I reached the return counter, there was a gentleman ahead of me. His transaction took a while, and as the line behind me grew longer, I could feel my anxiety building. Normally, I would have left. But this time, Charlie was there.

Sensing my unease, Charlie, who had been lying calmly beside me, suddenly sat up. He leaned his entire body into my legs and gazed up at me with those steady, reassuring eyes. It was as if he was saying, “I’ve got you.” I stroked his head, rewarded him with a treat, and softly talked to him. Just like that, the anxiety began to ebb. When it was finally my turn, I completed the return without rushing. And then, in a moment that would have been unthinkable before, I decided to walk around the store for a few extra minutes — just to look. With Charlie beside me, I didn’t feel the usual urge to escape. Instead, I felt grounded. Secure.

Our afternoons became dedicated to rest. Charlie seemed to sense when I needed downtime, stretching out on his pallet while I relaxed in my recliner. Before dinner, we worked on my skills again — repetition making us both sharper. Afterward, it was playtime with Boo. Watching them together has been one of the most unexpected joys. Boo, once terrified of big dogs, now rules the house like the queen she is. Charlie, despite his size, has accepted her dominance with gentle grace. Their bond is undeniable, and seeing them play together never fails to make me smile.

Evenings have taken on a new rhythm of their own. When Christina and I head to bed, Boo jumps up first, curling into her spot. Charlie follows, hopping onto the bed for a few moments of play and affection. Then, without fail, he heads to his pallet beside my bed. Since that first week, he’s made a remarkable impact on my sleep.

There are nights when Charlie wakes me. I’ll feel his muzzle inches from my face, his warm breath rousing me from sleep. It’s not random — he knows. He senses when the nightmares creep in, and he pulls me back. I’ve noticed the difference. According to my fitness tracker, my deep sleep has increased significantly. For the first time in years, I’m constantly getting up to seven hours of sleep a night — more deep sleep than light.

Charlie has already transformed my day-to-day life, but what I didn’t expect was how profoundly he would change my nights. With him beside me, the darkness no longer feels so heavy. Each day, we’re becoming more in sync — learning, trusting, and growing together.

The road ahead will have its challenges, but I know with Charlie by my side, I won’t be walking it alone. One step at a time, we are finding our rhythm. And with each step, I feel a little freer.