Circle Tail is actually about 30 miles northeast of Cincinnati, in a town called Pleasant Plain, and the organization trains service dogs for the disabled. In addition, they operate a rescue program with adoptable dogs, which is how I got my dog Clancy, who was clearly not service dog material.
I have such respect for the people behind Circle Tail, and I've learned so much about service dogs since becoming involved with them that I'm simply amazed at what these dogs can do. I've had the good fortune to become friends with a woman named Jane who has a hearing dog through Circle Tail, and it's really been astounding to me to see just how much this extraordinary dog has changed her life.
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| Photo courtesy of Jane Biehl |
I actually owe both Circle Tail and my friend immensely, as because of them I was able to get my first paid writing credit last year. I wrote about Jane and her spectacular dog Sita for an e-journal called Thrive in Life, and I can't even describe how excited I was when I got that first payment. If you'd like to read the article and learn more about the amazing Sita, it's available here.
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| Photo courtesy of Jeff Routt |
There's no question that Circle Tail has changed my life since I first came upon the organization back in 2008 while browsing the web. First and foremost, I have Clancy because of Circle Tail, and I wouldn't trade him for the world. But I also owe Circle Tail for introducing me to these amazing dogs that have been such a pleasure for me to write about in my articles.
So I'm glad to have the opportunity to sing Circle Tail's praises once again. I can't imagine a more deserving organization.
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| Photo courtesy of Circle Tail |
O.O You're an examiner too? I do science news ^_^ Haven't gotten any money from them yet though :/ Must write more!
ReplyDeleteService animals are great. There's a place I think an hour and 1/2 from me that does therapeutic horse back riding. There's just something about animals that makes everyone feel better.
Julie, your post from the heart brought a tear to my eye. The last photo, loading laundry, is beyond amazing. Big applause to all at Circle Tail for the good they do.
ReplyDeleteWait, dogs can do laundry? *eyes my two lazy mutts with suspicion* : )
ReplyDeleteBeautiful "C" post. I experienced a service dog when I was waiting for my chemotherapy session. She was a beautiful yellow Lab, and just petting her was comforting.
ReplyDeleteDogs are amazing creatures, and truly a blessing to those who need their help. What a beautiful, inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteOh WOW! What an amazing organization! Julie thank you so much for highlighting this group again. I am in awe of all the people who work so hard to train the dogs for others...Great post!
ReplyDeleteService animals are wonderful. So smart, so caring, and so sweet!!
ReplyDeleteService animals are wonderful. So smart, so caring, and so sweet!!
ReplyDeleteCircle Tail sounds again. And look at that dog doing the laundry. A great organization. =D
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful thing! I had a friend that used to do fostering for service dogs like that. She really enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteInspirational post. Thanks :)
ReplyDeleteI've owned 3 therapy dogs and know the work they do is wonderful and important. What a great article.
ReplyDeleteAmazing dogs. I wonder if Circle Tails would teach my dogs to do laundry - complete with folding :)
ReplyDelete@Gwen, oh, I didn't realize you are writing for the Examiner too, I will have to look up your profile! I have only been doing it for a short time but I love writing about the animals. The therapeutic horse back riding sounds amazing. I've never really been around horses but I think they seem like such incredible animals.
ReplyDelete@Kittie, isn't that laundry dog something? I thought that picture was so precious. Thanks so much!
@EJ, LOL, I've never been able to get Clancy to do laundry either. He's afraid of the dryer so I don't think he'd do too well anyway LOL.
@Em, oh, how wonderful that the therapy dog was so comforting to you. I'm so glad and I hope you have recovered now.
@cherie, I totally agree. Thanks!
@Tracy, oh, I'm so glad you liked it, thanks!
@Bonnie Rae, definitely, they are amazing.
@RaShelle, I can't get over the dog doing laundry, it's just so cute!
@Alex, oh, how cool that your friends were fosters. I've thought about doing that but I worry I would get too attached and not be able to give the pets away.
@Carolyn, I'm glad you liked it, thanks!
@LynnMarie, oh, I didn't realize you had therapy dogs, how wonderful. Thanks so much.
@Carol, LOL, I'd love to see the dogs fold. :D
Most inspirational , also a wonderful C post.
ReplyDeleteYvonne.
What a wonderful program. It must be incredible for the people who have service dogs. They get help and unconditional love!
ReplyDeleteSuch a wonderful organization! I especially love the idea of a service dog in a funeral home.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fabulous organization. I haven't had the pleasure of knowing any dogs trained to help the disabled, but I have known some search & rescue dogs. It is absolutely amazing what a well-trained intelligent dog is capable of doing.
ReplyDeleteI agree it's an awesome place.
ReplyDeleteHello Julie,
ReplyDeleteWhat a great post! I think this is my new favorite blog! I will definitely be back to see what you dream up for the other letters, and to read more of your lovely writing. I am following now.
I am doing the A to Z Challenge as well. Take a peek at my blog too if you get a chance! I write humor, or at least I pretend to.
Best,
MOV
http://mothersofbrothersblog.blogspot.com
This sounds like a great organization. Love dogs and all the amazing things they do.
ReplyDeleteJulie,
ReplyDeleteThat is so wonderful. I truly appreciate the people who train service dogs, as I have considered getting one for my younger son when he's older due to his significant delays.
I must say, Clancy has won over my heart from the photo alone.
The Circle Tail does such wonderful work bringing the right pairings together! I remember some of your earlier posts, and it's nice how you became friends with Jane! Julie
ReplyDeleteAww, Clancy looks so chill! Hooray for Circle Tail, and thank you for highlighting this organization. There is a therapy dog at my group psychology practice--an adorable little fluffball Maltese--and she draws a smile from just about every client.
ReplyDeleteCircle Tail sounds like a wonderful organization. It's amazing what dogs can do for people beyond companionship.
ReplyDelete@Yvonne, thank you!
ReplyDelete@Janel, I know, I can't imagine the bond people must have with these service dogs, it's amazing what they can do.
@Laura, me too, I thought it was such a great thing and the dog must really help people with something that is so hard.
@Susan, oh, that would be interesting to know the search & rescue dogs, I am amazed by what those dogs can do as well.
@Tonja, it definitely is.
@MOV, oh, thank you, it's great to meet you! I will definitely check out your blog, thanks for stopping by here.
@Carrie, me too, I can never get enough of dogs.
@Susan, oh, I hope your son will be able to be helped by a dog if that is what he needs. Thanks about Clancy's photo, he is the laziest hound on earth LOL.
@Julie, thanks! I've really met some amazing people thanks to this place.
@Jennifer, aww, that Maltese sounds like a doll. LOL chilling is what Clancy does best. :D
@Theresa, so true. I honestly had no idea that dogs could be helpful in so many different areas.
ReplyDeleteWow that is amazing! These dogs just blow my mind. And Circle Tail sounds incredible. Thanks for sharing them with us!
ReplyDeleteI'm amazed by what these service dogs can do - thanks for spreading the news.
ReplyDeleteThis is really amazing! I had never heard of Circle Tail before today.
ReplyDeleteExcellent post!
Hi Julie - thanks for sharing Circle Tail with us - what an uplifting story: put the smile in my day!
ReplyDeleteJenny @ Pearson Report
Co-Host of the Blogging from A to Z Challenge.
What a great letter C post. Love the photos! Where can I find a dog that does laundry?!
ReplyDelete@Pk, I'm so glad you liked it, thanks!
ReplyDelete@Melissa, they really are so amazing, I am still shocked by what they are able to do.
@Crack You Whip, thank you!
@Jenny, so glad I could give you a smile!
@Christine, LOL, I am still looking for a laundry dog too. My dog would chew on my clothes after he got them out of the dryer LOL.
Another wonderful post! I think service dogs are so amazing and it's such a neat thing to think of all that they can do for one another, once they find an owner. I would just like you to know I am writing this while my dog in snoring across the room from me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Julie! Service dogs are so awesome, and it's cool that you have such a great relationship with Circle Tail.
ReplyDeleteJulie:
ReplyDeleteI loved this post. I am a total animal lover and I have great respect for any organization that helps animals, but especially animals that help humans.
You've been by my blog, but I don't know if you've seen my earlier posts about my cat Violet. If you're interested, stop by and read Gatesville Prison Cats or Saving Violet.
My big topics (or the ones I've been paid for) have been about prison and death. I think animal programs in prison settings are so therapeutic. There are so many animals that are put down each year that it breaks my heart. Everyone needs a friend to love, especially one that doesn't judge you.
Love your post.
And I am now going to read about the dog in the funeral home.
Pamela
Circle Tail sounds like a fantastic organization. I've seriously thought about fostering puppies that then go on to service dog training, but I know it was break my heart into a thousand sobbing pieces having to give them up, even knowing they were going on to help people. I just get too attached.
ReplyDeleteCircle Tail is extraordinary. What an amazing group of people and animals. Thank you for sharing their story and the impact they've had on you.
ReplyDeleteThese working dogs are incredible and the people who train them are in a class of their own.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful post :) and Circle Tail is a wonderful organisation and the people working there. I've only seen service dogs on documentaries, I'm in awe of the people who train them. :) Thanks for sharing, and a happy Wednesday!
ReplyDelete@ejw, LOL about your dog. My dog spends a great deal of time snoring as well LOL.
ReplyDelete@Tim, thanks! I feel so fortunate to have met these people.
@Pamela, oh, thank you! I am going to head back to your blog to read about Violet, I didn't see that when I was there. I love cats as much as dogs and I'm anxious to meet Violet. And I so agree, I think the prison programs are simply amazing. It's one of the best ideas I've ever heard of, for both animals and humans! Thanks so much again!
@Jocelyn, that's just how I feel about fostering, I think it would kill me to give the animals up! I get attached so quickly. But I really admire those who can do it.
@Melissa, I'm so glad you liked it, thanks!
ReplyDelete@jabblog, I agree 100%!
@Cecilia, I've seen documentaries on service and guide dogs too and always enjoy them so much. It's simply amazing to see what they can do. Thanks!
Hi Julie .. your involvement is wonderful and the fact that you're recording your journey with them, and the dogs and their owners who you meet along the Circle Trail ..
ReplyDeleteYou probably have heard of Bernie Krause .. I've been following his blog (photos) .. but he's just published this book and is so interesting on animal sounds .. and as you're at the Library - perhaps you can get a copy to read ...?
I read about it and have it now at the forefront of my brain = I want!! But I listened to an abridged 15 minute read this a.m. - part of book of the week .. and that completely bowled me over .. amazingly interesting and informative ...
The book is called "The Great Animal Orchestra" ..
Here's the link
http://www.wildsanctuary.com/
For May perhaps?!
Cheers Hilary
@Hilary, oh, how interesting, thanks for that link! I actually hadn't heard about it but I'm definitely going to get it. Love the title. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely an awesome organization that does a lot of good. You do it quite a bit of justice, yourself, with your warm words about it.
ReplyDeleteShannon at The Warrior Muse, co-host of the 2012 #atozchallenge! Twitter: @AprilA2Z