LISTEN: Town Talk/Leashes of Valor

Leashes of Valor, a Spotsylvania nonprofit that provides service dogs to post-9/11 veterans, will host its annual fundraising gala, “Tail as Old as Time,” on October 11 at Fawn Lake Country Club. Tickets and sponsorship opportunities are currently available. Founded by veterans, Leashes of Valor is headquartered in Spotsylvania and focuses on addressing the mental health crisis among military veterans, many of whom face PTSD and other service-related conditions after multiple deployments. “Every dog we place changes a life — not just for the veteran, but for their family,” said Jason Haag, founder of Leashes of Valor and a Marine Corps veteran. “Our program provides more than a service dog. It provides hope.” The organization places fully trained service dogs with veterans at no cost. These dogs are trained to help with a range of conditions, including anxiety, night terrors, and hypervigilance. The nonprofit also provides ongoing support after placement to ensure long-term success. Chris Bowers says community support is needed. “This gala is a chance to celebrate our mission and raise the funds we need to reach more veterans,” Bowers said. According to Haag, frequent deployments have placed an increasing burden on military families, contributing to higher rates of suicide, substance abuse, and homelessness among veterans. “We’re working to change that trajectory, one dog at a time,” he said. leashesofvalor.org