HERRIN, Ill. (WSIL) –- Community members and veterans gathered at Herrin Park this weekend for the inaugural 5K Fun Run and Walk hosted by Down the Leash Service Dogs. The nonprofit is dedicated to assisting veterans in training their own service animals.

One of the nonprofit’s founders, Tony Eaton, says the organization has grown from humble beginnings in his parents’ garage to a program that has provided nearly $500,000 in service dog training to veterans over the past three years.

“We’ve helped over 60 veterans and their families,” said Eaton, executive director of the organization.

As a veteran himself, Eaton knows firsthand the life-changing impact a trained service dog can have especially for those dealing with PTSD, mobility issues, or other service-related challenges.

“The dog

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