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
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Hay, beware. Not all VA clinics will treat you with a service dog. I was denied medical care at the VA clinic in Haringten, Texas for having my service dog with me. Chief of VA police fined me $800. the other cop pulled a gun on me. Besides that, had 4 cops ordering me out of the clinic, being sent home without being permitting me see my doctor.
I had to fight in Nam, so i had to fight to get my dog and me in the clinic. just a heads up on having a service dog in the VA system.
Why are Viet Nam veterans excluded? I’ve endured PTSD and hearing loss caused by my service for 53 years.
My friend passed away last week and I was hoping someone could help me with this.I loved my friend who had been with me since she was little puppy, she told when to take my meds,when to wake and to go to bed,let me know if I need to ckeck my blood sugar or anything else.she alerted me to my condition and told me about my surroundings, but I know it is impossible to replace my her. She great but I am so insecure and scared,I would like to see you and try to get a new one soon,
I run a Service Dog program in Georgia called Tails of Hope where we provide service dogs at no cost to veterans of all areas and eras. We look for programs in your area and would love to refer, and hope you would do the same for those who might contact you in our area. Having local support is so important in this process!
Your program sounds wonderful! I am a Vietnam Era veteran. Diagnosed in the 1980s with PTSD. Long story. To many medications later my psychiatrist gave me my letter 8yrs ago. 250 veterans on the list. I bought Selah myself. Trained in obedience by one trainer, trained also for obstacles/cattle herding. Trained for eye contact. Perfect for me. Golden doodle, 30 lbs. We have an amazing story of our life together. 10 months of training. Learned much more on her own to assist me in my ability to tolerate being in public places, etc. I hope to out live my companion. I’m 72. The fake dogs out there make it very hard for legitimate owners. Thank you.
I’m a vietnam vet and agree with the other pre 9-11 vets that feel being excluded from this benefit is disrespectful! period.
What about veterans who don’t live near the facility. I live in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
I deployed 7 times, including twice to Afghanistan. Now I volunteer every day at my local dog shelter in Jackson Ohio. We have a small staff, but we work hard to help all of our dogs. We have great dogs! Would it be possible to consider our dogs for this great program?
Vietnam 60+ years ago. Seventh black Labrador Shadow is my last dog. When she goes, I too will go. No way I can survive without a dog. All these years, PTST and all the rest, now PACT. VA saved my life then took it away. Dog is best friend. Life Member American Legion, VFW, DAV, for years, went through the chairs, paid the dues, did it all but hearing damage in Vietnam finally went so bad no longer can hear. No more socializing, cleaning up cemetaries, marching in Veteran’s Day Parades, talks to high school kids, no more. Bottom line, not a single visit from those veteran’s organizations in 20 years. So, just me and the dogs. Always there, friendly, caring, sharing, understanding.
My husband is 100% disabled with PTSD. Depression, anxiety for over 53 yrs from Viet Nam. Now, he has dementia. We’ve always had Labradors, but lost our last one about 6 year’s ago. Why is this program for post 911 veterans only?
ALL VETERANS W COMBAT ISSUES DESERVE DOGS. I get up without my Dad in our home because he couldn’t handle life after the WW2 Ticonderoga bombing he experienced. A dog might have helped. He really suffered-I got to know his after college. Wars damage the whole family.
I appreciate that this service is available at all but I have to echo the sentiments of My Fellow Veterans, why is it non-inclusive?! I got SO EXCITED when I first started reading, but as I got further along my heart sank!
I agree. The open discrimination these VSOs are exhibiting is unbelievable. How?
How can I link this to my facebook account to raise money on my birthday
just have to search for us when creating a birthday fundraiser
I can’t think of a better way to help our men & women than to add the friendship of a Dog. The love that is shared with a Dog is so very special. It is the most loyal friendship bond that could ever be. I feel this very deeply.
I feel that I meet the criteria and would like to apply.
I am a Desert Storm/Desert Shield veteran rated with PTSD, HOW can I find a trained service dog for myself?
Many programs providing dogs have long waiting lists and long training times for dogs. I bought Selah myself. If your only need is PTSD, without mobility issues, obedience is required, then your specific needs. A cattle dog trainer taught her to respond to me with eye contact and certain commands. She never barked to get my attention for anything, never climbed on me in bed, has slept on my ankle for 7 yrs. Taught herself so much more. Trained to sit till I went through a doorway, she sensed my tension and startle reflex. Goes through first, looking both ways,stands quietly waiting for me or alerts with a small bark if someone is coming. It’s possible for you, too. Bonding with your companion needs to be there first. She was very shy to others but the instant we met, at 7 months, she wanted to be with me every second. The relief I felt right then was amazing. Still is after 7 yrs together ❤️
This sound wonderful. I have a tiny Chihuahua who started responding to my PTSD by climbing up and getting in my face so that the chain was broken and stopped the panic. When I worked at a DAV office, he would do it for other vets. I was wondering about having him certified. Can someone help?
I would like to volunteer!
I can house and help train/ socialize a dog.
Do y’all use volunteers for this?
Why have you decided to leave out 3 wars?
Post 9-11 vets are not the only vets that hurt!
My service was prior to 9/11, however, PTSD/MST honorably discharged veteran here feeling rather excluded in the selection process outlined in this article. Do you really think only those who have served post 9/11 can benefit from your program?
My situation is practically the same as yours. I hope we can find a solution.
I’d love to have an old dog.
Plenty of Vietnam and Vietnam Era vets that still have some life in them but never asked for help till they got so old we couldn’t help ourselves much anymore.
Nice benefit. As usual the Vietnam vets are not included.
I’m
a Vietnam veteran vision an hearing impaired is a rated 100%
Is a organization in Colorado to help me with a service animal
Is this program available only at certain times a year? I would like to attend one of these events one day to see if I can be paired with a wonderful service dog, but I am also guessing these events are not in Florida where I am located.
THANK YOU SO MUCH for contacting me. I send you my info. to see if you can find me a little Papillon female or male Service Dog, if you need more info.!! please e-mail me. You don’t know how you made my early morning because I was feeling pretty low this morning but you picked me up THANK YOU AGAIN and GOD BLESS YOU’LL Wayne.
Will you help with a dog already that needs help
Curious why it’s only post 911…
Why is it that all these organizations providing psychiatric service dogs only do so for post-9/11 veterans? I’m a late Vietnam Era vet with PTSD and a need. I’ve been trying in vain to teach my own dog to meet my needs. She does a good job but she’s only two years old.
Should sell a leash for fundraising, I would buy one :)
Yes, yes, yes! Wonderful idea to sell leashes and or bandanas.
I’m a Desert Storm CPTSD/MST service connected veteran questioning why I’m excluded from this program. Perhaps you could ask?
I would like to sponsor a dog to be part of the program. What would be the cost?
R Lewis
I would like to know if this organization is a member of Assistance Dogs International. If so, then veterans would also be potentially eligible for reimbursement for the medical bills of their service dogs.
How about you stop her posting post 9/11 bullsh-t I’m so sick and tired of it. I can’t stand it you have all these resources like wounded warriors and leashes for vets and everybody has to be a post 9/11 veteran to take advantage of these resources. I’m sick of it.. if you don’t have a resource that’s available to all veterans with PTSD then you shouldn’t be posting it on a VA Government website it’s discriminatory
I am a Vietnam veteran. I have been diagnosed with PTSD. I am considering giving a service dog. I really don’t know why other than for comfort. loud noises really bother me along with nightmares.. I’m not quite sure how to deal with these feelings. I’ve been trying to reach out for the last several months with not much success.
I have a wonderful dog ? they can adopt
I was never a dog lover, When i became legally blind in 2003 the VA recommend me to get a guide dog, well in 2015, I should have done it sooner, Anyway having a service dog is the best thing that happened to me, I feel that any vet with any disability would benefit with one. They are so loyal, loving, dependable, and you don’t have to be smartest cookie in the batch. Your dog will LOVE you no matter what, So if you are thinking of getting a service dog DO IT.
Amazing program, amazing dogs. Hubby and I are both service connected from Vietnam and Vietnam era.
It seems like everything I’m interested in or need is for POST 911. I don’t understand why? I’m a 1993 veteran and it seems kind of selective to say veterans after a certain date of service are different than others.
I have cancer can I get a service dog
This sounds like a great initiative. Thank you for this email about this!
How about a service cat? I’m allergic to dogs.
Nice! Don’t forget the Vietnam vets though, many still suffer from PTSD. They were just brushed aside years ago. They made sure that did not happen to returning troops after 911 !!
Great program, but I guess us pre-9/11 vets are less important.
You are NOT less important. I pray your comment is read and changes regarding this rule are made quickly. You have served your Country and you will ALWAYS matter! Thank you.
Good evening,
Thank you so much for this valuable service you provide for my fellow veterans.
I am a Vietnam veteran with an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps. I have been diagnosed for several years with PTSD and recently received the agent orange classification.
I am hesitant to ask for a Dog because of finances.
Do you or someone you can refer me to, provide therapy dogs for Vietnam vets?
Thank you,
Hugh Adams.
Absolutely amazing organization!