C is for Circle Tail

I've written about Circle Tail before on this blog, but I love the organization so much that I couldn't resist using it for my A-Z of Cincinnati "C" word.

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.

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. 

Photo courtesy of Jeff Routt

Since I started writing about Animal News for the Examiner website, I've been able to write about a few more Circle Tail alums. Last week, I wrote about a dog named Jackson, who wasn't right for the service dog program but now works as a therapy dog at a funeral home run by his adopted dad. I'd never heard of a dog working in a funeral home before, but I think it's a fantastic idea. If you'd like to read about Jackson's work and see him in action, that article is available here.

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. 

Photo courtesy of Circle Tail

Pets for Vets

Thanks to my articles for Examiner.com, I learned of an organization called Pets for Vets. I'm so impressed with it that I just had to write a short post to help spread the word about this great group.

Photo courtesy of Pets for Vets

Founded by animal trainer Clarissa Black, Pets for Vets rescues dogs who are set to be euthanized at shelters and pairs them with military veterans who could benefit from a companion animal. The dogs are nursed to health if needed, and completely trained before being paired with their matched veteran. Some of the veterans who have already been helped are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder, as well as physical injuries from their time in the service. Their dog companions provide emotional support, love, and companionship, and both the dogs and the veterans heal together.

If you'd like to learn more about Pets for Vets, including ways to help, my article on this wonderful organization can be found here. In addition, check out their website.

One of the things I have loved the most about my journey into writing has been the amazing people I have had the chance to meet, not only through blogging, but also through writing articles like this. In a world that can often be quite harsh, it's really a joy to be able to interact with people who are doing such positive things, and using their talents to help both people and animals alike.

The Pets for Vets success stories are so heartwarming, and I can't deny that on a day when I needed a lift, the people and animals involved in this article really gave me a reason to smile. It's great sometimes to have a reminder that every day, people are quietly working to help others in need, and I'm truly honored to be able to play a small part in that by sharing their stories.

Examiner Article

I started writing for the Examiner website as an Animal News Examiner, and wrote my first article yesterday. I had a great time doing it, as it was fun to try something new and have another opportunity to write about animals and support organizations that I admire. And, while I love doing the volunteer writing for Best Friends, it's fun to get a little money for writing as well. :D

I wrote about a dog named Edie who was found as a stray here in Ohio, and now works for the Fairmont Hotel in Pittsburgh. I found her story so touching, and I loved writing about her. I had never heard of Canine Ambassadors for hotels before, but I think it's such a cute idea, and I'd definitely love to visit one of these hotels at some point.

I'm excited to have another "writing first" to add to my list for this year, and I'm looking forward to continuing with this opportunity. If you'd like to read about Edie the hotel cutie, click on the link below to see her story. Thanks for reading!

Kaitlin Bledsoe Photography

Local dog makes good in Pittsburgh