Leashes of Valor (LOV) is a nonprofit organization that supports Veterans by pairing them with service dogs from local shelters. Based in Fredericksburg, Virginia, the 501(c)(3) provides psychiatric service dogs at no cost to post-9/11 Veterans who suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other “unseen” wounds of military service.
The inspiring story of Capt. Jason Haag and Axel
Retired Marine Corps Capt. Jason Haag founded LOV in 2015 after receiving his own service dog, Axel, whom he credits with saving his life. True to Haag’s own story of a rescue dog rescuing him, Leashes of Valor sources its dogs from shelters whenever possible, with the belief that one leash can save two lives—the life of the dog and the Veteran.
Haag’s journey with Axel
After three combat tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, Haag suffered from debilitating symptoms of PTSD and multiple TBIs. Despite many years of conventional treatment that included medication, outdoor therapy, counseling and a 30-day stay at an in-patient clinic, Haag experienced only temporary relief.
Then he met his service dog, a German shepherd rescue named Axel, in 2012, years before psychiatric service dogs were a commonly accepted treatment for Veterans with PTSD. Haag and Axel eventually began traveling the country together, educating the policymakers and the public on the benefits of service dogs. Their work helped to redefine service dogs to include psychiatric support in 2014, and earned Axel the title of American Humane Service Dog of the Year in 2015.
Leashes of Valor’s rigorous training and selection process
Each LOV dog trains for up to two years before being paired with their Veteran, who is selected through an application process. Veterans accepted into the program must have served during or after 9/11; have an honorable discharge and a verifiable diagnosis of PTSD, TBI, or military sexual trauma (MST); and meet additional criteria.
Honoring Axel: The inception of Axel’s Place
Soon after Axel died in January 2023, LOV moved into a new home called Axel’s Place on 10 acres in Fredericksburg, Virginia. Veterans who receive service dogs will live and train—all at no cost—at Axel’s Place for 10-14 days, where they receive hands-on, real-life training with their new companions and build lifelong connections with the LOV team. Axel’s Place will host its first class of Veterans in the spring.
The impact of service dogs on Veterans’ lives
“War changes every facet of your life,” said Mike Betts, a Marine Corps Veteran who received Malinois rescue dog, Tesla, as a service dog from Leashes of Valor. “When you hear a loud noise, you look around to see what body is laying on the ground as opposed to picking up the trash from the can that fell. You can’t undo those experiences, you can’t unsmell certain things, you can’t unsee certain things. From your sleep to your waking, everything is different.
“My service dog allows me to be present in the moment, to appreciate life, to hug my kids. She’s a glowing light in times of pitch black.”
Beyond service dogs: LOV’s outdoor programs and community building
In addition to providing service dogs, LOV also works to reach Veterans of every generation with its outdoor programs, including its annual golfing tournament called the Valor Cup, a Ryder Cup-style event in Glen Allen, Virginia.
The Valor Cup: Golfing for a cause
Outdoor programs are run by Chris Bowers, LOV’s director of programs, who found healing through not only a service dog but golfing after a combat injury that resulted in the loss of his left leg. While providing community-building, golf also serves as one of LOV’s flagship fundraisers to support its primary mission of providing service dogs to Veterans. Veterans participate in golfing and other outdoor events at no cost.
Leashes of Valor’s upcoming events: Building a stronger Veteran community
LOV continues its mission to aid Veteran recovery at upcoming fall and winter events to raise awareness and provide space for Veterans and their families, friends and dogs.
Writer: Sarah McDonald
Editors: Amanda Watkins & Michelle Shade
Graphic Designer: Grace Yang
