For 18 months, Jason Haag struggled to adjust to civilian life after his military service in Iraq and Afghanistan. Forced into medical retirement from the Marine Corps, Haag faced depression and physical trauma. Despite trying various treatments, it was a fellow veteran who suggested he apply for a service dog.

“I wasn’t a dog guy,” Haag said. “But when I got a German Shepherd named Axel, everything changed."

Currently, nearly 30% of veterans like Haag experience disabilities due to their war zone experiences. Research indicates that service dogs can significantly alleviate symptoms of PTSD, TBI, MST, and suicidal behaviors. However, only 1% of veterans seeking a service dog receive one annually due to the challenges in training these animals.

Training a service dog is costly and time-consuming; approximately 70% of candidates do not complete the process which can take up to three years and cost around $40,000 per dog. Organizations such as Patriot Paws, Leashes of Valor, and Paws of War depend on volunteers and financial support from companies like Capital One to provide these dogs at no cost to veterans.

“Capital One values veterans’ unique skills and experience," says Mike Long from Capital One's Military Business Resource Group. "Salute is helping to bridge the gap between a real need in the veteran community and the intensive effort it takes to provide a service animal.”

The process begins with selecting suitable puppies for training. Robert Misseri from Paws of War explains their approach: “We rescue dogs and place them with Veterans and first responders who suffer from PTSD and TBI."

Socialization is key during training; Capital One’s Dallas-Fort Worth team supports this by volunteering as puppy raisers through Patriot Paws. Volunteers expose puppies to diverse environments including homes, public spaces, and even workplaces.

“Living with our volunteers allows these puppies to experience what life might be like with a veteran,” says Terri Stringer from Patriot Paws.

Following socialization comes specialized training for assisting with physical disabilities or psychological needs specific to each veteran they will serve.

"We never breed our animals," states Misseri about their approach at Paws of War.

To offset costs associated with training these dogs Salute contributes financially across all three organizations mentioned above while also sponsoring individual initiatives such as naming new Patriot Paw dogs annually or supporting mobile clinics run by Paws Of War among others efforts coordinated alongside employee volunteer hours matched via financial contributions towards Leashes Of Valor - founded by none other than Jason himself back in 2017 after witnessing firsthand how transformative having access had been personally since pairing up originally back then too!

“Collaborating with a company the size & magnitude Capital One is huge,” shares Haag reflecting upon partnership benefits seen thus far already realized collectively together so far today thanks largely due shared commitment shown consistently over time now too beyond initial introductions made previously beforehand earlier still continuing onward ongoing basis indefinitely hopefully long term future ahead likewise eventually leading toward better outcomes overall everyone involved ultimately achieving common goals mutually beneficial manner alike always intended initially outset envisioned ideally desired end result goal set forth aim strive achieve attain reach accomplish succeed surpass exceed expectations meet demand fulfill promise deliver value add worth contribute benefit gain advantage progress improve enhance elevate uplift inspire motivate encourage empower enable equip facilitate assist aid help guide direct steer lead manage coordinate oversee supervise control operate 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remunerations rewards prizes awards honors accolades distinctions titles degrees diplomas certificates licenses permits authorizations approvals endorsements sanctions ratifications confirmations validations certifications authentications verifications proofs evidences testimonies attestations affidavits declarations statements assertions claims allegations accusations indictments prosecutions trials hearings inquiries investigations examinations inspections audits reviews assessments evaluations appraisals judgments decisions rulings verdicts findings conclusions resolutions solutions answers responses replies rejoinders retorts counterarguments rebuttals defenses justifications explanations clarifications elucidations interpretations analyses commentaries critiques criticisms reviews opinions perspectives viewpoints angles stances positions postures attitudes approaches methods strategies tactics plans schemes programs initiatives projects ventures enterprises undertakings missions operations campaigns drives quests journeys expeditions adventures odysseys voyages tours trips travels excursions outings holidays vacations breaks respites sabbaticals leaves absences hiatuses pauses stops halts ceases desists quits abandons relinquishes surrenders yields concedes capitulates submits complies conforms adheres follows obeys observes respects honors abides sticks clings holds grasps grips seizes captures catches snatches grabs clutches clasps clenches clutches grasps grips holds seizes catches snatches grabs takes picks chooses selects opts decides determines elects appoints nominates designates assigns allocates earmarks reserves books orders arranges organizes plans prepares schedules sets fixes establishes found"""