April Duckson-Jackson wanted to take a different path than those she grew up with who were affected by the high crime rate in her New Jersey hometown. She joined the military at age 17 with the hope that she could do something positive, meet new people and travel the world. However, her hopefulness was soon overshadowed by the realities of sexual harassment and assault in the military, leaving invisible wounds that manifested as anxiety, depression and PTSD.
“I went from being optimistic and overachieving to an insecure and discouraged young woman,” April says. “I thought one day I would be free from the nightmares, paranoia, lack of confidence and independence my experience in the Army took from me.”
Her optimism wasn’t misplaced – April recently gained a new “battle buddy” in Canine Companions Service Dog Rhapsody.
Rhapsody’s impact is profound. Before Rhapsody, April struggled with severe social anxiety and would hide away, avoiding interacting with others. “It’s easy for me to lock myself away and be alone,” she remarks. “With Rhapsody, she makes me meet new people. She gives me the confidence to go new places and try new things.”
“Rhapsody knows when I’m mad and she knows when I have anxiety. She picks up on it before I notice and interrupts it, letting me know I’m safe. Rhapsody is the best-kept secret under my desk!”
Rhapsody is trained to interrupt April’s anxiety by nudging her leg with her nose. The persistent nudge reminds April that she’s safe. Rhapsody was also trained to stop nightmares by tugging the blankets off April’s bed. Now, she assists with nightmare recovery.
April describes living with PTSD like a prison in her head. But Rhapsody is helping her finally regain her freedom. “Now, I’m eager to think outside of my ‘box,’” she says. “I’m thinking of things I can do, instead of feeling like everything’s impossible.”
