FALLON and Me Making Progress…by Mike Branck

FALLON had already started her customized training protocols according to my needs, PTSD Classifications, and other medical requirements. I have been anticipating for several weeks now when FALLON and I would start our ITT. Someone’s ears were ringing and I received the news last week from Terry that FALLON and I would start our ITT this week.

I had the opportunity to spend over two hours with FALLON on Monday, 10/31/2011. FALLON brought immediate joy and comfort to my soul. We initially spent an hour walking. We stopped occasionally to rest. I took advantage of that time to chat with her. I discussed my traumas and how the Combat, Service-Connected, and Non Service-Connected stressors have impacted me, and in-turn, how my emotions and behaviors affected my family, friends, and co-workers. After the walk, we spent the rest of the time focusing on and continuing with my issues. What amazed me was she never lost focus of me for the entire time we spent together.

However, prior to starting our walk, something amazing happened… As I entered Terry’s home, I took my shoes off and placed my glove on top of my shoes. Terry and I entered his kitchen and we began to talk. Soon after, FALLON enters the kitchen with my gloves in her mouth. She immediately turns to me, sits, looks directly at me as to say, “Here ya go, I have your gloves. I am ready for our walk. Now let’s go and get to know each other before I leave for Lakin next week to begin Public Access (PA) training.” FALLON’s actions and the look on her face made me tear-up.

I look forward to our visit and training on Wednesday, 11/02/2011; as with training during dinner; and first outing to a Scout meeting.

It is exciting that I will be involved as FALLON embarks and participates in ITT sessions and standard command related Transfer Training sessions with me. It is my understanding this training involves the utilization of FALLON in concert with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy (ET), similar training which I have been involved with regarding my participation with the VAMC Martinsburg, WV Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Psycho-Social Rehabilitation and Recovery Center (PRRC) Outpatient Program, and Individualized Counseling since March 2011.

As I continue to participate in PTSD and PRRC outpatient programs at Veterans’ Administration Medical Center (VAMC) Martinsburg, WV; I will be able to adjust and enhance my therapy. As well, I am in the process integrating FALLON into my PTSD Wellness and Recovery Plan (P-WRAP). This will be an on-going process.

FALLON’s training will be conducted under the tutelage of the certified paws4people/paws4vets Assistance Dog Trainer(s) and a paws4vets Peer Mentor(s). What is critical for my specific medical situation is that all training sessions, scenarios, and methodologies are coordinated with the paws4vets Medical Evaluation Team (pMET) and my VAMC medical and/or psychological treatment providers.

The training is designed to work towards specific goals within my psychological treatment plan, and collectively with my WRAP. This provides me with the avenue to outreach FALLON’s therapeutic capabilities, making the most of our future relationship, my recovery, and wellness.

The training scenarios and venues are determined, and the level of potential stress and anxiety to which I will be subjected is carefully considered prior to each training session. A true integrated approach in my road to recovery and wellness. My willingness to “stretch” beyond my “comfort” zone, to purposely experience and work through anxiety and stress, is a critical aspect of the training.

My willingness and ability to learn to use FALLON’S innate capabilities, and telepathic and instinctual abilities is a critical portion of this training before we are finally united as a team.