Veterans Get New Leash on Life

HAMPTON ROADS, Va. (WAVY) — The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs reports there were 6,400 veterans who died by suicide in 2022. That’s lower than in 12 of 14 previous years, but it’s three more than in 2021.

To help deal with the issue of suicide, the nonprofit Leashes of Valor provides highly-trained service dogs at no cost to wounded and disabled post-9/11 veterans. Its founder said one leash can save two lives.

“Our motto is one leash saves two lives,” said Leashes of Valor founder Jason Haag. “We are rescuing the dog, and the dog is rescuing us, and it only takes one leash.”

Watch the interview and read the story on Wavy TV 10.