Wayne’s Journey To Freedom

A New Beginning

From Wayne’s Journal

My name is Wayne Haines. I am a Vietnam War Veteran who served as an infantryman in A Company, 4th Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 11th Brigade of the Americal Division from January 1971 to January 1972. I remained in the Army for 25 years, retiring as a Sergeant Major. My next career move was as a deputy for the Hamilton County Sheriff’s Office, where I served as a patrolman, hostage negotiator, and Crisis Intervention Team member. I fully retired in February 2017 at the age of sixty-five.

I have a traumatic brain injury (TBI) and suffer from post-traumatic stress (PTS), which manifests as hypervigilance, anxiety, sleep disorders, and a desire to isolate. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) officially diagnosed me with PTS and assigned me a 100% disability rating.

What does that mean? I cannot stay in large groups, stores, restaurants, or events without experiencing an anxiety attack that forces me to retreat to a place where I feel safe. My anxiety level is always high, and my family members are acutely aware of my limitations in public. My sleep is erratic; nightmares and anxiety often cause me to wake up and stay awake for long periods. At this point, I rely on anxiety and sleep medications to cope, but my primary strategy is avoidance. Unfortunately, this has had a very detrimental effect on my quality of life.

About a year before I applied, my mother-in-law, Alice, and my wife, Christina, saw a flyer at our local ACE Hardware store about an organization called Warrior Freedom Service Dogs. This organization trains Service Dogs for Veterans with PTS. Over the next several months, Alice and Christina encouraged me to apply for a Service Dog. One day, while shopping at ACE Hardware, I picked up the flyer. As I read about the organization and what a Service Dog could do for me, I was brought to tears as I realized that a Service Dog could greatly improve my quality of life.

I started the application process in February 2022. Along the way, I met several fantastic and compassionate people. After completing the initial application process, I was invited to start training in March by spending eight hours at the kennel for familiarization. During this time, I met the staff and volunteers, who informed me that several dogs were already prepared for training. They explained that the Service Dog would pick me, not the other way around.

On my second visit, it became clear that the big gentle giant, Charlie, and I had chosen each other. His calm and gentle nature instantly put me at ease. From that moment, I felt a sense of peace and connection. On March 14, I officially began training with Charlie. The excitement and anticipation for this new adventure were overwhelming, and I could hardly wait to see where this journey would take us.

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.

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.

Learning One Another

From Wayne’s Journal

This week, Charlie and I were introduced to some new skills in our service dog training: Touch and Center Sit. Along with these new commands, we also focused on improving our proficiency with the skills Charlie already knows. It’s not just about him executing the commands — it’s about me learning to give them more clearly and effectively, and consistently rewarding his positive responses.

I’ve quickly discovered that Charlie can be… let’s just say, a bit obstinate at times. (Ha ha). When he gets distracted or stubborn, I’ve had to get creative to keep him focused and responsive. Sometimes, it’s as simple as changing the inflection of my voice or giving him a gentle reminder that I’m present and engaged. These small adjustments make each training session an interesting challenge.

Thankfully, Charlie is highly motivated by treats — he doesn’t discriminate against any kind. As Julie pointed out, the combination of the clicker and a handful of tasty rewards is the best way to capture and hold his attention. With this incentive, we’ve really started to excel at Center Sit (where Charlie sits between my legs) and are making great progress with Touch — as long as Charlie stays focused.

At home, our schnauzer, Boo, has decided that she wants in on the action. Whenever Charlie gets a treat during training, Boo expects one too. The two of them have become fast friends, spending hours playing together. It’s pretty amusing watching little Boo boss around big ol’ Charlie. Despite his size, Charlie is such a gentle giant, and I can tell he enjoys the playful attention she gives him. What’s truly heartwarming is how far Boo has come — she used to be terrified of large dogs. Now, she’s initiating playtime or simply curling up next to Charlie for a nap. Seeing their bond grow has been an unexpected but beautiful bonus of this journey.

On a personal note, Charlie and I practice our skills every day. I know we’re making progress, but there are moments when I can’t help but feel a little anxious. When things don’t go as planned, I catch myself thinking, Charlie knows what to do — so it must be me making the mistake. I sometimes worry that I’m not giving the commands correctly or with the right timing. Even though I know that with practice, patience, and the support of my incredible training family, we’ll get there, the feeling of being overwhelmed still creeps in from time to time.

But despite those fleeting doubts, I continue to see the numerous successes Charlie and I have achieved over the past few weeks. His steady presence and unwavering companionship remind me that every step forward — no matter how small — is worth celebrating. I am committed to KFGing (Keep Freaking Going!) and improving my quality of life alongside my amazing partner, Charlie.

I’m already looking forward to Monday’s training session — another chance for us to grow, learn, and strengthen the bond that keeps getting better with each passing day.

Learning Together

From Wayne’s Journal

With each training session, I’m reminded just how much there is to learn —not only for Charlie but for me. I’m constantly humbled by the skills I need to develop to help Charlie do his job more effectively. Sometimes, it’s the simplest changes that have the most profound impact.

Take treats, for example. When I started this journey, I bought Charlie small peanut butter treats as his reward. That was all I used. However, during one of our sessions, Julie introduced me to the concept of high-value treats. She demonstrated with Charlie, offering him something far more enticing. The difference was immediate — he became more attentive, eager, and quick to respond to commands. That’s when I realized it wasn’t just about rewarding him but making it worth his while. I’ve now started rotating between different high-value treats to keep his interest high. The results have been fantastic — our training sessions this week have felt more effective and engaging.

Another valuable reminder from Julie was that Charlie is still very young — just 15 months old. Essentially, he’s a teenager. And just like any teenager, he occasionally pushes the limits. There are moments when he gets a little stubborn or playful. But with the right encouragement, he always comes around. It’s a good lesson for both of us  in patience and consistency.

Charlie continues to impress me with his calm and steady demeanor. We’ve been traveling back and forth between Flintstone, GA, and Greensboro, NC, and I’ve been grateful for how well he handles it. He takes it all in stride, whether in the car or adjusting to new environments. This week, we had dinner at my son Hung’s house twice. Hung often has several friends over, making for a lively, social atmosphere. Hung also has a small dachshund mix named Tiny, who is full of playful energy. Despite Tiny’s repeated attempts to engage him, Charlie stayed locked in on me. He calmly laid at my feet under the table, so still and unobtrusive that most people didn’t even realize he was there. Moments  like these remind me just how dependable and focused he is.

We also tackled more public outings this week, including a trip to the grocery store. Charlie was once again the perfect partner, navigating the store with steady confidence. I couldn’t help but smile at how naturally he seemed to handle it all — it’s becoming clear that he was born for this work.

Of course, we’ve had some lighter moments too. Don, Charlie’s foster dad, once warned me that Charlie could be a picky eater. Well, that pickiness finally caught up with us early in the week. No matter what I tried, he refused to eat. I added special toppers, switched bowls, and even sat with him — nothing worked. That is until I stumbled upon a solution by accident. Out of sheer desperation, I got down on my hands and knees and pretended to share his food. To my surprise, it worked! Charlie happily started eating, pausing occasionally to back up and let me have my “turn” before taking another bite. This little routine has now become our mealtime ritual. It may look a bit silly, but it works like a charm. Honestly, in those moments, I have to ask myself, who is really training whom?

There was also a special milestone this week: my 70th birthday. On April 16, my family planned a dinner at Kubota, a Japanese steakhouse. It was a big deal — not just because it was my birthday but because it would be Charlie’s and my first attempt at navigating a busy restaurant together. My family, aware of my anxiety, made arrangements to make the experience as comfortable as possible.

Charlie was a champion. Despite the crowd, the noise, and all the distractions, he stayed laser-focused on me. As the meal went on, my anxiety started to build. But about halfway through, Charlie picked up on it. Without hesitation, he lifted his head and leaned his body into my thigh. Just like that, he brought my focus back to him. I stroked his head, breathed deeply, and was able to finish my meal. Though I didn’t stay for dessert or socializing, I was proud that I had made it through dinner. Before Charlie, I never would have even entertained the idea of going to a crowded restaurant on a Friday night. No, it’s not something I’ll be doing regularly, but the fact that I did it — and that I was able to enjoy a meal with my family — was a huge victory.

This week has been filled with lessons — some practical, some profound. I’ve learned the importance of high-value rewards, the necessity of patience with a teenage pup, and the reality that sometimes the best way to support Charlie is simply by being more consistent myself. But most of all, I’m learning to trust him — to lean into the partnership we’re building.

Charlie continues to show me that I’m not walking this road alone. With every nudge of reassurance, every glance of loyalty, and every steadying presence by my side, I am finding a freedom I never thought possible.