For many veterans, returning home doesn’t mean the battle is over. Organizations like Leashes of Valor are helping make the transition a little easier — one service dog and one veteran at a time.
As part of FOX 5’s Pay It Forward series, sponsored by Easterns Automotive Group, we recently had the opportunity to recognize Leashes of Valor with a $2,200 donation to support its life-changing work.
Based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, Leashes of Valor provides highly trained service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled post-9/11 veterans, including veterans throughout the DMV.
A Mission Born From Personal Experience
Leashes of Valor was founded by combat-wounded Marine Corps veteran Jason Haag, whose own experience with a service dog inspired him to help other veterans facing similar challenges.
After serving 14 years in the Marine Corps and completing multiple tours overseas, Jason struggled with his recovery after returning home. He credits his first service dog, Axel, with helping him reconnect with his family, his community and everyday life.
“Axel saved my life,” Jason shared during his interview with FOX 5. “It’s the whole reason I’m here. It’s the whole reason Leashes of Valor exists.”
That experience became the foundation for an organization dedicated to giving other veterans the same opportunity.
One Leash Can Change Two Lives
Leashes of Valor lives by the message, “One leash saves two lives.”
Whenever possible, the organization works with dogs from shelters and rescue situations, giving them an opportunity to find purpose alongside the veterans they serve.
Preparing a service dog takes approximately 18 months and involves far more than teaching individual commands. Dogs must learn how to remain calm, focused and responsive in everyday environments, from stores and restaurants to crowded public spaces.
A network of foster families plays an important role in that process by helping socialize the dogs and prepare them for life alongside their future veteran partners.
To date, Leashes of Valor has completed more than 50 veteran and service-dog pairings.
Easterns Pays It Forward
During FOX 5’s visit to Leashes of Valor, Jason and his team learned that the organization had been nominated for the Pay It Forward program.
With support from Easterns Automotive Group, FOX 5 surprised the organization with a $2,200 donation.
Jason explained that the contribution could help cover a service dog’s medical care for an entire year and help the organization move another dog closer to being paired with a veteran.
For Easterns, supporting organizations like Leashes of Valor is what Pay It Forward is all about.
Our communities are filled with people and organizations doing extraordinary work every day, often without expecting recognition in return. We are proud to partner with FOX 5 to help shine a light on that work and provide support where it can make a meaningful difference.
How You Can Support Leashes of Valor
There are several ways the community can help Leashes of Valor continue its mission. Donations directly support the care and training of future service dogs, while foster families help prepare dogs for their eventual placements.
Simply spreading the word can make an impact too. Sharing the organization’s mission may help connect another veteran, volunteer, foster family or supporter with Leashes of Valor.
To learn more, visit LeashesofValor.org.
To learn more about Easterns Automotive Group’s ongoing commitment to the DMV community, visit Easterns.com/community.