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.
Building Trust
From Wayne’s Journal
This week, Charlie and I had the opportunity to train at Bass Pro during our group meeting. We practiced and refined our skills under the supervision of Julie, Adam, and Brian. Charlie, as always, was absolutely amazing. If there were any mistakes made, well — they were mine! (Haha).
At every training session, there’s always one lesson or concept that really sticks with me. This week, it was redirection. While it wasn’t a new concept, it was the one that truly resonated with me. Instead of saying “No,” “Stop it,” or repeatedly calling Charlie’s name when he’s doing something I don’t want him to do, I learned that it’s far more effective to redirect him. This means guiding him toward a positive behavior rather than simply correcting the negative one. Using positive motivators — like offering a treat, encouraging communication, or proactively avoiding distractions — keeps us in a more productive, calm frame of mind. The key takeaway? If it creeps into my voice, my frustration or irritation can unintentionally confuse or stress Charlie. By focusing on redirection, I’m learning to better communicate with him in a way that keeps us both confident and composed.
During my individual training with Julie, we addressed something new: Charlie’s possessiveness toward me, particularly when it came to my wife, Christina. While Charlie has clearly bonded deeply with me, I started to notice that he was becoming overly protective. Even at home, he follows me everywhere, keeping me in his line of sight no matter where I go. When I leave the house — whether it’s to do yard work or run a quick errand — he becomes visibly unsettled if he can’t come with me.
Julie explained that Charlie is still figuring out his place within our family. It’s normal at this early stage for him to test boundaries and display some possessive tendencies. To help him establish a healthier dynamic, Julie recommended that Christina take a more active role in Charlie’s care and training. She suggested that Christina be the one to feed Charlie and regularly practice his skills with him.
It was remarkable how quickly we saw results. Within just two days, Charlie had started listening to and obeying Christina’s commands. The bond between them grew stronger with each session. Christina absolutely adores Charlie, and watching their relationship flourish has been such a joy. The simple techniques Julie provided not only improved their connection but also gave Charlie more confidence in his place within our family.
As we continue to train and grow together, the bond between Charlie and me only deepens. With each lesson, I become more aware of how much we rely on and trust each other. This entire experience continues to amaze me — it’s giving me the skills and the confidence I need for the road ahead.
Feeling Freedom
From Wayne’s Journal
Oh my gosh — has it really been seven weeks since Charlie and I began this journey together? It’s hard to believe how quickly the time has flown by, especially with all the traveling back and forth between Greensboro, NC, and Flintstone, TN. Despite the miles, Charlie and I have continued to hit significant milestones week after week.
This week, however, came with an unexpected surprise. During our daily practice, I discovered that Charlie was responding to my hand signals alone, without me needing to say a word other than his name. How freaking cool is that?! Watching him pick up on my nonverbal cues made me so proud and gave me an extra boost of confidence.
For our group training session, Julie had us meet at Northgate Mall. I have to say Charlie made me beam with pride as we worked through our exercises. He has truly become the best companion a person could ask for. As part of the training, we stopped at an Old Chicago restaurant for a meal, and once again, Charlie was incredible. He stayed calm, focused, and completely at ease, even in the busy public setting. With each passing week, I can feel my confidence growing when I’m out in public with Charlie by my side.
But the real test of the week came later. One of our grandsons is getting married soon, and Christina needed a new dress for the wedding. Now, let me be honest, there were two potential challenges here, shopping in public and finding the perfect dress.
Even so, I decided that with Charlie’s support, I would accompany Christina on her quest. Now, this might seem like a normal outing to some, but for me, it was a huge step. In the past, I probably wouldn’t have even considered it. But knowing how much Christina values my opinion and how much more secure she feels when I’m with her. I wanted to be there.
We spent the better part of the day going from store to store, with Christina trying on dress after dress. It took three stores before she finally found the one that made her smile. To celebrate, we treated ourselves to a meal at Jersey Mike’s and enjoyed a delicious Philly Steak and Cheese sandwich.
Yes, there were moments when my anxiety began to creep in. Crowded stores and the general overstimulation of being out in public can still get to me. But with Charlie by my side and being mindful of my surroundings, I made it through — without having to escape or leave Christina alone. That’s no small feat. In fact, it was monumental.
Later, Christina commented on just how much Charlie has positively impacted my life. She was so pleased that I had spent the day with her and that we could share that time. Her words meant everything to me.
For some, this might seem like an ordinary outing. But for me, it was a massive victory. It gave me a glimpse into the future — where I can have more positive experiences with family and friends. These are experiences that, not too long ago, I wouldn’t have even considered. In the past, I would have fled, retreating into isolation. But now, with Charlie’s support, I feel more confident in facing these moments head-on.
I’m not cured of my demons. I know they still linger. But with each step forward, I’m building confidence and developing coping skills. And I’m doing it all with the help of my best friend and constant companion — Charlie.
Thanks be to God.
And a heartfelt thank you to everyone at Warrior Freedom Service Dogs.
Almost There
From Wayne’s Journal
Well, here we are — nearing the close of our training sessions and getting ready for the big test that will certify Charlie as my Service Companion. Reflecting on where we started, I’m honestly amazed at how far we’ve come. When Charlie first chose me as his companion, I never imagined we’d accomplish so much together. Things I thought I’d never do again — like navigating busy public spaces — are now within reach, all thanks to my amazing partner. Christina, my wife, often tells me how much of a positive impact Charlie has had on our lives, and I couldn’t agree more.
Although we’re nearing the end of our formal training sessions, I’m confident that the relationships I’ve built with Warrior Freedom Dogs will last a lifetime.
This week’s group training took place at Hamilton Place Mall; I’ll admit, it was a little daunting. The purpose was to prepare us and our service dogs for the final exam, which would also be held at the mall. Julie was there to observe and identify any areas we might need to focus on before the test. To my delight, Charlie did fantastically. I couldn’t be prouder of him. As always, he was looking out for me, staying focused and calm throughout the exercise.
We even spent a little over 30 minutes sitting in the food court, which was a big deal for me. The crowd, the noise — it’s the kind of environment that used to make my anxiety skyrocket. But with Charlie by my side, I was able to concentrate on him and manage my nerves. It was a successful training day, and it was clear that all the work we’ve put in has paid off.
I’ll admit, the travel between Greensboro, NC, and Flintstone, GA, has taken a toll on all of us. But Charlie has proven time and again that he’s an incredible travel companion. You’d think after a long day of driving, the dogs would be worn out, but they spend the next couple of days just napping, recovering from the journey. It’s the same for Christina and me — we’re all a little tired after the travel, but the dogs are always by our side.
Speaking of the dogs, Boo has developed some interesting habits on these trips. It’s almost as if she’s the big sister, keeping an eye on Charlie and making sure he’s behaving. If he does something she thinks is wrong or annoying, she’ll start a single bark as if to tattle on him. It’s hilarious and honestly reminds me of traveling with two kids in the back seat — one always being the tattletale!
Charlie and I continue to work on our skills, which are always improving. He’s getting better every day, and now he responds to hand commands most of the time. One skill I’m especially proud of is his “touch” — when I tap my hand on my thigh, he knows exactly what to do. We keep practicing, though, as Julie pointed out that these skills are terminal — they need to be used, or they can fade away.
The bond between Charlie and me has only grown stronger. He’s not just my service dog; he’s my constant companion, and I couldn’t ask for a better partner. As we prepare for the final test next Monday, I’m confident that Charlie will excel.
Thanks again to everyone at Warrior Freedom Service Dogs for all your support. I’m excited for what comes next!
Next Step Graduation
From Wayne’s Journal
This was the big week — the all-important test at Hamilton Place Mall. I had been looking forward to it and I honestly felt like Charlie would do it flawlessly. We met up in front of Barnes & Noble, giving the dogs a last-minute potty break before getting our final instructions for the test.
Once everyone arrived, Julie made an unexpected announcement: we would surrender our treat pouches. Our companions had to complete the test without the usual crutch of treats. I’ll admit, I was caught off guard, and I’m sure some of the other handlers were, too. The treat pouch had been a big part of our training, helping Charlie comply, especially when he was distracted.
A little panic set in. I thought to myself, How is this going to go without the treats? But, we had to trust in the training and our companions.
As we entered the mall, the first obstacle was the food court, and it was packed — really packed. Charlie hesitated a bit, and I could feel my anxiety creeping in, but I focused on him. We weaved through the crowd, and I just kept talking to him, reassuring him as we made our way into the main hallway near the elevators.
Charlie stayed close, grounding me as we waited our turn to go up in the elevator. Once we were on the elevator, everything went smoothly, and I was amazed at how calm Charlie was throughout the whole thing. He was truly the rock I needed.
On the second floor, we had our dogs sit and then lie down, followed by walking away from them to see if they would stay. Charlie nailed each task without hesitation. He provedhow much he had learned and how far we’d come. After that, we worked on the “drop leash” and “return,” followed by a short walk down the stairs back to the food court.
At this point, we sat in the food court, which felt like an eternity. It was overwhelming, the noise, the people, the smells — all of it. But Charlie layby my side, helping me stay grounded and distracting me from the chaos around us. He kept me calm, and for that, I am incredibly grateful.
When Julie finally announced that we were done, I honestly felt like I could have run out of there, but instead, Charlie and I walked out together. We had passed.
I couldn’t be prouder of him. Charlie has truly proven to be a fantastic companion, and this experience has opened up so many possibilities for my family and me. It’s hard to put into words just how much this has meant to me.
This week, we’ve been taking it easy, especially with all the traveling back and forth to Greensboro, NC. It’s been tiring, but I wouldn’t trade this journey with Charlie for anything.
Thank you again to everyone at Warrior Freedom Dogs for making all of this possible. It’s been an incredible journey, and I know this is just the beginning.
Next Step Graduation
From Wayne’s Journal
The big day has finally arrived — graduation day! It’s hard to believe that after all the weeks of training, we’ve reached this milestone. Before I dive into the details of the ceremony, I want to take a moment to reflect on the responsibility we now have. While our service companions have proven their skills and are worthy of being Service Dogs, the work doesn’t stop here. We have a duty to continue working with them, ensuring those skills remain sharp and that they can always provide the support we need.
The Graduation Ceremony and dinner were nothing short of fantastic. I had no idea what to expect, but the evening exceeded every expectation. One of the most touching moments was when Quilts of Valor presented each of us with a quilt. It was unexpected, and the quilts were absolutely beautiful — an incredibly special gift. Along with the quilts, we were presented with our certificates and given a medical binder that details everything about our service companions.
Now, here’s the funny part: when I looked at the certificate and medical binder, I realized something that had me laughing at myself. I had been misspelling Charlie’s name for the past 10 weeks. It’s Charlie, not Charley! I couldn’t help but chuckle at myself for that one.
This journey has been life-changing for Charlie and me, and it wouldn’t have been possible without the amazing team behind WFSD. I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to every staff member, the kennel crew, the administration specialists, and especially the volunteers — particularly those foster families who opened their hearts and homes to help raise and train the puppies. You’ve given me a companion who has not only dramatically improved my quality of life but also impacted my family in ways words can’t fully capture.
I’m still working through the effects of my TBI and PTS, but having Charlie by my side has forever changed my world. He loves me unconditionally and knows when I’m struggling, often before I even realize it myself. That bond is something I’ll treasure forever.
As we look to the future, I know this is just the beginning. The training continues, and so does the journey. But with Charlie by my side, I’m ready for whatever comes next.
Thank you to everyone who has been a part of this journey. It’s not just my victory — it’s ours.