Leashes of Valor: Uncommon Grit Foundation Grantee Spotlight
The Uncommon Grit Foundation (UGF) is on a mission to raise awareness, funds, and community support for military veterans, first responders, and their families. We celebrate those who run toward danger and support them by providing grants to nonprofits that offer direct support and services to these courageous individuals. Today we are shining a spotlight on UGF grant recipient, Leashes of Valor.
In 2017, Leashes of Valor was founded to bring together service dogs and post-9/11 veterans to enrich and improve the lives of both. If you are familiar with their work, then you know it is enriching indeed. If you are not familiar with their work, we are delighted to acquaint you. The personal stories pack a punch, and the supporting data make the mission even more compelling.
“More than 80% of PTSD patients say service dogs reduce their symptoms, and more than 40% with PTSD cut back on medications as a result of their service dog,” said Leashes of Valor founder Jason Haag. “More than that, service dogs provide a steady, steadfast presence in the lives of our veterans and are the reason many of us are alive today.”
A military veteran himself, Haag began Leashes of Valor because he has experienced the healing power of canines through his own battles with PTSD and TBI, and wanted to make sure every veteran who needs one receives a highly trained service dog to become active participants in their families and communities again and live the life for which they have fought.
When it comes to funding Leashes of Valor, the Uncommon Grit Foundation found this veteran-owned and operated nonprofit to be in alignment with its mission and goals. Grants and donations directly support providing service dogs to veterans in need, including service dog training, dog food, and veterinary care. With its rigorous training and follow-up communication, Leashes of Valor is setting a new standard for excellence in the world of service dogs.
“All veterans who receive a service dog must complete a 10-day, in-person class where they learn everything they need to know about being a service dog handler. They must also pass a public access test to graduate,” added Haag.
Perhaps the best part of Leashes of Valor is the accessibility veterans have to these otherwise very expensive, and often out-of-reach canines. Service dogs are provided at no cost to veterans, thanks to community support—something for which Leashes of Valor does not take for granted.
“We say this often because it's true—Leashes of Valor operates solely with the support of donors and grantors. We absolutely could not accomplish our mission without the support of people and organizations like UGF,” Haag emphasized.
Learn more on the Leashes of Valor Facebook page, and while you are there, go ahead and give them a like and a follow.
Here are a few examples of how Leashes of Valor service canines are changing the lives of America’s Heroes:
Gabe and Patton
At the age of 22, Gabe joined the U.S. Marine Corps and served for four years as an infantryman and spent six months in Iraq. After he left the military, he worked as a retail detective but suffered from PTSD and hypervigilance. He was nervous about getting a serving dog, but when he met Patton, his worries faded. Today he is thriving with his service dog by his side.
“My fiancée and I are getting married in September,” shared Gabe. “We’re trying to get everything done — the hall, the dress, the rings. Some buddies from the Marine Corps are flying in for the wedding, including my best man. With Patton, I feel like I get more accomplished. He’s everything I hoped for.”
Pam and Nimitz
Pam suffers from post-traumatic stress and tried for years to cope with alcohol, medications, and even talk therapy. But nothing seems to work. Nothing, that is, until she got her service dog, Nimitz.
“I went back and forth in my head for years about getting a service dog. But it didn’t seem accessible until I found Leashes of Valor,” said Pam. “Nimitz, my service dog, saved my life. I wouldn’t be here with him. I’m living life more instead of just existing. He’s woken me up countless times from nightmares. I wake up, and he’s right on top of me, laying there or licking my face. I’m not always fully in the moment and realizing I’m home and safe. But I see Nimitz. Nimitz is there. So, we’ve got to be OK.”
Steve and Mohawk
Steve spent 21 years in the Army and deployed multiple times. He had anxiety and was diagnosed with PTSD and depression. Steve saw what service dogs had done for other Veterans, and often thought, “Maybe I should get a service dog.” But he was discouraged because the organizations I reached out to told him there was a two-year waiting list or he didn’t meet the criteria. Then he found Leashes of Valor and was paired with his service dog, Mohawk.
“I used to be a loner,” said Steve. “Since I got Mohawk, I’ve had people tell me at my job that they’ve never seen you this upbeat, they’ve never seen me with a smile on my face so much. They say I’ve made a big change in my life. More people notice it than I have myself.”