1STSGT Alijah Everson retired from the USMC after 20 years of active service, including multiple combat deployments overseas. He is diagnosed with PTSD. Alijah experiences frequent panic attacks, and often distances himself from people and public settings, as he remains hypervigilant anytime he leaves the house. He is also diagnosed with an autoimmune disease, which causes chronic pain. Alijah believes that having a Service Dog will give him the confidence he was lacking to be a more present and happy family man!
Alijah and REBEL began working together in May 2024. REBEL will help by paying attention in crowded places and anchoring to Alijah’s anxiety. This will allow Alijah to feel confident in public, lessening his startle response, and keeping him from watching over his shoulder all the time. REBEL will also retrieve items out of Alijah’s reach, and brace to help as he changes elevations. We look forward to watching the wonderful things these two will do together!
