Canine Companions, a renowned organization, has been making a significant impact in the lives of people by placing approximately 400 dogs across the country and 60 dogs in the south-central region since 2015. In an exciting development, their reach will expand even further as they have recently joined forces with the Texas Veterans Commission. This collaboration will enable them to extend their assistance to more of our nation’s heroes.
Retired U.S. Army Sergeant April Duckson-Jackson dedicated eight years of her life in service to her country.
“My wounds, in my case, are not physical,” Duckson-Jackson expressed.
She now has a reliable companion by her side, assisting her with the invisible wounds.
Rhapsody Jalapeno, a Labrador and golden retriever mix, was welcomed into Duckson-Jackson’s home in July through Canine Companions. The 2-year-old dog has already become an inseparable part of their family.
According to Duckson-Jackson, Rhapsody is more than just a companion for her. As a veteran who suffers from PTSD, Rhapsody plays a crucial role in boosting her confidence.
Duckson-Jackson shared, “In case I experience a nightmare interruption, she has the ability to gently pull on the blankets to wake me up.”
Funding from the Texas Veterans Commission will provide veterans with the opportunity to acquire more service dogs, just like Rhapsody.
Laura Manning, the director of philanthropy at Canine Companions, explained that this is the inaugural year for the Texas Veterans Commission grant program.
The Texas Veterans Commission has pledged to provide $100,000 annually to Canine Companions, an organization dedicated to raising and training service dogs for veterans as well as individuals with disabilities.
According to Manning, Canine Companions takes great pride in providing these dogs to veterans free of charge. Manning expressed gratitude towards the veterans, acknowledging the immense sacrifices they have made for both the organization and the country.
Service dogs receive extensive training in a wide range of tasks, including retrieving pill bottles, fetching phones, and even turning lights on. Additionally, these remarkable canines are taught to detect and respond to signs of anxiety in their handlers.
According to Canine Companions dog trainer Makenzie McGuire, one way to show your love and provide some therapeutic relief to your dog is by bouncing their leg. This simple cue can be easily taught and helps in building a stronger bond between you and your furry friend.
Service dogs are trained by trainers to ensure that veterans feel comfortable in public settings.
According to McGuire, many of our clients feel uneasy in crowded environments. Therefore, having the dog positioned behind them offers a sense of comfort and creates additional personal space.
Duckson-Jackson expressed her excitement about her new partner, stating, “In just a few weeks of having her, I can already see that we’re going to accomplish great things together. We are going to overcome obstacles and shatter boundaries.”
Rhapsody goes beyond being just a service dog for Duckson-Jackson. She provides him with a sense of security, allowing them to move forward together, filled with confidence and optimism for what lies ahead.