Decorated U.S. Navy veteran Chad Brown is passionate about fly fishing and connecting others with wild places. And he does it all with his American chocolate lab service dog, Axe, at his side.
Chad discovered that fishing eased his struggle with PTSD. Inspired by the potential of nature as medicine, in 2013 he launched Soul River, a nonprofit that shares the healing power of rivers with veterans and inner-city youth by bringing them to natural areas ranging from the tundra of the Arctic to the deserts of eastern Oregon. These opportunities promote healing and learning through outdoor education while breaking barriers and building new communities. Axe, Chad’s service dog, accompanies him on every adventure, easing his anxiety and reminding him to be in the present.
Follow their adventures at: @axe_the_service_dog
“ Axe is with me everywhere I go. He’s been tucked in the back of bush planes going to the Arctic and in boats in the Everglades. He’s my battle buddy. ”
-ChadFinding Soul River
Veteran Chad Brown struggled with severe PTSD. Then, after a life-changing fishing trip, he decided that he would dedicate his life to giving back to others who might find healing, connection, and purpose in nature – specifically, inner city youth and veterans.
