Why Leashes of Valor?
Flint’s Fabulous 5K supports Leashes of Valor, a national nonprofit based in Fredericksburg, VA, that provides highly-trained service dogs to post-9/11 veterans to help with symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other “unseen wounds” of military service. Whenever possible, they source dogs from local animal shelters and rescue organizations because "1 Leash Saves 2 Lives".
Retired Marine Corp Capt. Jason Haag, founder and CEO of Leashes of Valor (LOV), had tried multiple treatments to help battle his wounds and aid in healing but he credits a German shepherd named Axel for saving his life. Jason was paired with his service dog in 2012, and the two spent years traveling around the U.S. educating the public and policymakers on the benefits of psychological service dogs.
Axel passed away in January 2023, but his legacy lives on through Leashes of Valor and Axel’s Place, their canine and warrior training facility. Jason has expanded his mission to help provide service dogs at NO COST to wounded and disabled post-9/11 Veterans so that they, too, can experience the life-changing and lifesaving benefits that he has enjoyed.
That is where you and your registration and additional donations will make a difference; no doubt. Tammie and Flint thank you in advance for helping pay it forward to the next Warrior Veteran blessed to receive their own service dog as fabulous as Flint!
Leashes of Valor will be onsite and available to share stories of warrior veterans, dogs in training, and how dogs are obtained, named and trained. Talk to them before or after the race or visit the newsroom on the Leashes of Valor website to learn more about the impact your registration and additional donation will make.
