Air Force veteran Abri Green (center) and retriever Biscuit rejoice in a donation of $5,000 toward the service puppy’s training. Presenter (left) is RRUFF representative Vicki Curtis. All Stage Canine Development owner Miranda Vianni (right) will oversee Biscuit’s education.

SACRAMENTO, CA (MPG) - A 45-pound (and growing fast) bundle of canine comfort has brought new confidence to Major Abri Green.

Suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the Air Force veteran ended a 10-year career in service last year.

During three Middle East deployments, Electronic Combat officer Green flew reconnaissance over enemy territory, often under missile attack. In an incident of engine failure, her team’s E-3 jet plunged 10,000 feet in seconds. In a separate instance, onboard equipment caught fire and filled the plane with smoke.

“We were scrambling to get on oxygen with our eyes burning,” Green recalled. “Luckily, airmen were able to put out the fire. But it was terrifying.”

Aged 32, Major Green was honorably discharged last year. But PTSD stalled her hopes for a civilian career.

“I had anxiety and trouble sleeping,” said the Natomas resident. “I’d sweat and fidget with my hands. I was paranoid and stressed. All I could do was find a dark spot and stay there.”

Living with her Air Force Veteran mother provided emotional support. Thanks to mother Janet Green’s intervention, Abri Green last year connected with Rocklin-based RRUFF Healing Heroes. The nonprofit organization in Placer County funds service dog training for vets and first responders with PTSD and sometimes also covers dog acquisition costs.

In December, Green met her newly-weaned chum at Crème Brulee Goldens (retriever breeders) in Roseville (Placer County). 

“He just rolled over in my arms,” Green grinned. “One cuddle and I was in love.”

A week later, Green took him home.

“With all that white fur, the puppy looked like a ball of cookie dough,” said his new boss. "We decided to call him Biscuit.”

For now, Biscuit is a high-octane handful. Over coming months and years, he’ll be trained by a service-dog specialist at All-Stage Canine Development. Operated by former Carmichael Honorary Mayor Miranda Viani, the Citrus Heights facility welcomes his weekly visits. Through a $5,000 donation, RRUFF sponsors the lessons.

“One cuddle and I was in love,” said veteran Abri Green of her service companion, Biscuit.

 “We’ve trained dogs to help with PTSD before," said Viani. "We know how much they can help.”

Biscuit will learn to recognize and interrupt Green’s anxiety attacks.  

“He’ll respond with deep pressure,” explained All Stage Canine trainer Unee Cardenas. “He’s a living weighted blanket. He’ll re-set Abri’s nervous system and make sure her attacks don’t escalate.”

Reported Green: “He’s helping me live a better life and regain my independence. None of this would be possible without the help we’ve got from RRUFF.”

The veteran has been accepted to study law at University of California, Davis this fall.

 “Biscuit will go with me to school,” Green said. “He’ll love the library. He can sleep while I feel safe and secure to get on with my studies. We’ll go hiking and take my kayak out on Lake Folsom. We’ll have a great life together.”

Learn about the RRUFF Healing Heroes organization online at RRUFFhealingheroes.org.

All Stage Canine Development is located at 5948 Auburn Blvd., Citrus Heights.