(also partnered this year was .....)

Michelle and Hearing Dog, Tyson

Tyson, born around in November 2005,  is Golden Retriever who came from a family who could no longer care for him. Tyson received his training at London and Marysville Correctional Facility and through our Foster Family Program. He was partnered with Michelle in March 2007. He is now enjoying life as a working man -- being the "ears" for his new partner. He alerts her to sounds around the house, people calling her name at work or things happening when they are out.  Since he loves to retrieve, he is also helping out if she drops something. Tyson is always ready for action!!! In his free time, he loves to play with his ball and make it go squeak, squeak, squeak, squeak.....

(also partnered this year was 1 facility dog and 5 in-home service dogs)

Jane and Hearing Dog, Sita

Sita, born around in November 2004,  is Yellow Lab mix who came from Clark County Shelter. With her gentle spirit and willingness to work, anyone who met her fell in love with her and saw her as a working girl one day.  Sita received her training at Marysville and London Correctional Facility and through our Foster Family Program. She was partnered with Jane in October 2007. Sita helps Jane by alerting him to the sounds at work and home. She also loves to help the kids Jane counsels by lending a ear and paw. In their free time, she loves to run in the field and chew on her bones.

Juanita and Hearing Dog, Hinkle

Hinkle, born in April, 2006, is a Shih Tzu who was given up by a family who could no longer care for him. He has a great personality for the job -- loves to work and very laid back about everyone and everything else. He received most of his training at Marysville Correctional Institute and got into the public life by living in one of our foster families homes. He loves to alert Juanita to all the sounds of her home -- she has never felt so relieved with a helping hand (or paw!). In their free time, he loves to play with his toys and get his belly rubbed.

Ray and Hearing Dog, Tristen
Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

Tristen, born in August 2004,  is Sheltie who was donated when she was 8 months old by a family.  We saw that Tristen had the personality for assistance work the minute her paws landed at our facility. Tristen received her training at Marysville and Ross Correctional Facility and through our Foster Family Program. She was partnered with Ray in April 2007. Tristen helps Ray by alerting him to sounds and retrieving dropped items. In her free time, she loves to play fetch with her best buddy, Ray!

Mary and Service Dog, Haven

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

Haven, a Golden Retriever, was born in October, 2004. He was donated by a breeder when he was a pup.  Haven was educated in service dog work at Ross and London Correctional Facilities. He also rotated into foster homes where he practiced his manners in a variety of public places. Haven loves to chew on nylabones and play fetch. Mary became the lucky recipient of Haven in in January 2007.  Haven loves to help Mary with tasks around the house such as putting laundry in the washer and retrieving her slippers.

2006 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year were 3 facility dogs, 2 therapy dogs, and 3 in-home service dogs)

Andrea and Service Dog,Aztec

Recipient of DeLong-Sweet Grant

Aztec was born in March  2004.  He was donated by a German Shepherd breeder along with his brother Cortez when they were pups (see Cortez and Amy's story below.)  Aztec spent his time developing into an assistance dog grew rotating between time at Circle Tail, Ross Correctional Facility and different foster families. He served a brief stint as the Circle Tail Demo Dog, but we soon realized that Aztec was meant to be a working dog. He was partnered with Andrea in December 2006. Aztec helps Andrea with balance and retrieval. He so much loves to work that as Andrea and a friend were shopping for cabinets at a store, he kept closing them as soon as they opened them up to look inside.  

Guy and Service Dog, Zomer

Zomer is a 2 year old Golden Retriever donated by a family. He was partnered with Guy in November 2006.

Brad and Hearing Dog, Stubbs

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

 Stubbs is a 3 year old Jack Russell Mix donated by ARF. He was partnered with Brad in October 2006.

Mario and Hearing Dog, Mingo

Mingo is a  2.5 year old German Shepherd Dog found as a stray. She was partnered with Mario in October 2006.

Colonel Jackson and Service Dog, Tank

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

 Tank is a 2 year old Black Labrador Retriever donated by a breeder. He was partnered with Colonel Jackson in October 2006.

Amy and Service Dog, Cortez

Cortez is a 2 year old German Shepherd Dog donated by a breeder. He was partnered with Amy in October 2006.

Marlene and Service Dog, Coda

Recipient of DeLong-Sweet Grant

Coda is a 3 year old Golden Retriever donated by ARF. She was partnered with Marlene in July 2006.

Cathy and Service Dog, Caddy

 Caddy is a 3 year old Golden Retriever donated by Clarke County Shelter. She was partnered with Cathy in July 2006.

Gayle and Service Dog, Kedar

 Kedar is a 3 year old Black Lab mix given to Circle Tail by another rescue. He was partnered with Gayle in July, 2006.

2005 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year was 1 facility dog, 5 in-home service dogs and and 1 companion dog)

Rita and Service Dog, Tango

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

 Tango is a 2 year old black lab donated by a private individual. She received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Institute with skill reinforcement at the Marysville Correctional Institute, and rotated out to a couple of foster families to work on her in public skills. She was partnered with Rita in April, 2005. Tango helps Rita with retrieving items that she may drop. She is also a huge comfort to Rita when she needs some "pet" therapy. Tango is now enjoying helping her new mom keep an eye on the kids at day care as well as accompany her on other adventures. To relax, Tango enjoys chewing on her bone and getting belly rubs. 
 

 

Mike and Service Dog, Seran

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

Seran, born in February 2003, was donated along with her sister, Asia, by a breeder. She received most of her training at the Ross and Marysville Correctional Facilities and spent her furloughs at different foster families honing up her skills and going out in public. Seran helps Mike with retrieval and opening and closing doors and drawers. She loves to work and thinks being a working girl is pretty special. She is also happy to carry around her toys showing off her "golden growl" when she is hanging out with Mike. 
 

2004 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year were 4 facility dogs, 2 in-home service dogs, and 5 companion dogs)

Josh and Service Dog, Nick

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

Nick is a 2 year old black lab donated by a private individual. He received most of his training at the Ross Correctional Institute, but rotated out to a foster family to work on his in public skills. He was partnered with Josh in July, 2004. Nick helps Josh become more independent by picking up things, retrieving items, opening and closing doors, and turning the lights on or off. Josh had an assistance dog previously who died at 13 years old. He didn’t realize how much having an assistance dog affected his life until he lost her. He had to rely on others to do those things which she did, making him more dependent instead of independent. Nick has changed his life in such a short time -- already doing more for him than his previous assistance dog. To relax, Nick enjoys playing ball and chewing on his bone. 

Renee and Service Dog, Nixa

Nixa is a 2 year old black lab  donated by a private individual. She received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Institute, but rotated out to a foster family to work on her in public skills. Nixa was partnered with Renee in July, 2004. Nixa helps Renee by retrieving items, carrying things in her mouth, opening and closing doors, and providing balance on their walks.  Nixa loves Renee busy schedule.  She is especially fond of going to the stable with Renee where she enjoys hanging out and watching the horses. Nixa now has 2 feline siblings who enjoy cuddling with her.  Nixa is an affectionate dog, never tiring of Renee scratching her under her chin, behind her ears, and on her belly. To relax Nixa loves to play fetch, chew bones, and romp in the nearby park.

Chris and Service Dog, Guinness

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

Guinness is a 2 year old black lab donated by a private individual about 1+ years ago. She received her training at the Ross Correctional Facility and periodically returned to a foster family in Cincinnati to work on her “in public” skills. She was partnered with Chris in April 2004. She is starting to bond with Chris helping him retrieve anything he needs. She goes everywhere with him -- learning about computers at Cincinnati State and helping him at his job. Chris is focusing on getting her out in public and having her work around all the distractions. Chris is enjoying her help, friendship and company!

Justin and Service Dog, Smudge

Smudge, a 2 year old Cockapoo, was given up by a county shelter. He received most of her training at the Ross Correctional Institute, but rotated into a foster family to get used to working in public skill.  Smudge was partnered with Justin in July, 2004 where she is to help Justin by retrieving items and helping her while in public to keep focused. Smudge loves going places with Justin, especially to her work, where he helps with her clients. To relax, Smudge loves to carry toys around and play fetch with his fish and new partner.

2003 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year were 4 facility dogs)

Barb and Hearing/ Service Dog, Vickie

Vickie is a 3 1/2 year old Black Lab who was partnered with Barb in April 2003. They reside in Cincinnati. Vickie came to Circle Tail with her brother Jet at 6 weeks old. She received most of her training and socialization in a foster family. She was partnered for a short time as a seizure response dog but returned when her partner did not work on her obedience or use her skills. After more obedience and socialization in her old foster family, she was ready for partnership again. Though she loves to retrieve anything asked for, she is also alert and intelligent enough to learn signal work. Barb needs both and is taking full advantage of each. According to Barb, "Vickie is a wonderful friend and partner, helping me with retrieval and signaling.  She opens cabinet doors and drawers to help me while I'm getting dressed or when I'm cooking.  Vickie is great at letting me know the phone is ringing or someone is at the door.  At the end of the CPR classes I teach Vickie picks up the mats the students kneel on, keeping me from having to bend down eight more times.   Vickie has become an avid traveler, accompanying me to Atlanta, Baton Rouge, Washington, D.C., New Orleans, and St. Augustine.  She's a whiz at settling in on airplanes, in streetcars, busses and taxis.  She's demonstrated a definite preference for nicer hotels.  Vickie has also been a lifesaver, keeping me from stepping out in front of cars coming around corners.   To unwind we play fetch outside or "hallway fetch" inside in bad weather.  We go for walks around the neighborhood and on the bike trail nearby.  Vickie loves belly rubs and cuddles and gives lots of kisses."

Georgia and Service Dog, Dugan 

Dugan is a 5 year old lab mix rescued from a kill shelter in Indiana about 1 ½ years ago. He received his training at the Ross Correctional Facility and periodically returned to a foster family in Chillicothe to work on his “in public” skills. He began partnering with Georgia, who also lives in Chillicothe, in October. Dugan already retrieves the phone, hair brush, and almost anything else Georgia drops! He accompanies her to church, stores, and restaurants. Georgia loves the help and the company!

Angie and Hearing Dog, Caritas (aka Henna)

Cari is a four year old Beagle/ Dachsund who came to Circle Tail after being left running by her family who moved without her. She received most of her early training at the Ross Correctional Institute, but had being living in a foster family for most of her stay at Circle Tail. Her foster mom worked on obedience, signal work and socialization. Cari is now living and going to school in California with her new mom, Angie, who was our first recipient of a service dog back in 1998. Her previous signal dog, Sydney, was retired due to medical issues and is now living with her previous family working on relaxing after a very fulfilling career. While Angie greatly misses Syd, she is greatly enjoying her new partner. She and Cari are working on bonding and getting to know one another. Cari is already signaling her to many sounds. 

Mikki and Service Dog, Nestle

 Nestle is a four year old Chocolate Lab who came to Circle Tail at 9 months of age. She received most of her training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute but returned to Circle Tail and a foster family for socialization. She was partnered for a year previously but returned to Circle Tail after her partner died. After brushing up her skills at London Correctional Institute and in a foster family, she is now helping Mikki with balance and retrieving items. They are now in the bonding stages learning each others needs. To relax, Nestle loves to play ball and swim.  She is looking forward to going to work and snuggling up for a good book afterwards with her with her new best friend!  

April and Service Dog, Scruffy

Scruffy is a four year old Mixed Breed who was donated by another rescue organization. He received most of his training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute but returned to Circle Tail for socialization outings. He was partnered for a year previously but returned to Circle Tail after his partner could not afford his care. After brushing up his skills at London Correctional Institute, he now helps April with balance and retrieving items. Additionally he, provides comfort and companionship to April when she needs to relax through "pet" therapy. They are now in the bonding stages learning each others needs. To relax, Scruffy loves to hang out and chew on his bone. April is looking forward to getting out with her new best friend! 

Mandy and Service Dog, Lincoln 

Lincoln is a 3 1/2 year old German Shepherd Dog who came to Circle Tail as a pup. He received most of his training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute but came back to Circle Tail and a foster family for socialization outings. Lincoln is trained to retrieve items for her, open/ close drawers and doors and help pull Mandy in her wheelchair. They are in the bonding stages working on obedience and basic service skills. Lincoln is looking forward to going to check out the hippos and monkeys when Mandy goes to her singing job at the Louisville zoo. He will be one of our more cultured service dogs attending auditions and shows together with her. To relax, Lincoln loves to play with his Frisbee and destroy tennis balls!

Ted and Hearing Dog, Java

 Java is a 1 1/2 year old Chocolate Lab who came to Circle Tail at 9 months after her previous family could no longer care for her. She received most of her training at the Ross and London Correctional Institutes but came back to Circle Tail for socialization outings. Ted and Java are currently working on bonding, basic/ advanced obedience and starting signal training.  Once bonded and they are both trained, Java will alert Ted to sounds that he misses like the alarm clock, door bell and phone. To relax, Java loves to play ball and swim.

Bethany and Service Dog, Chester

Chester is a 3 year old Shepherd Mix who was donated by a family who found him running the streets. He was partnered with Bethany in April, 2003. Chester received his basic and advanced training at Ross and Chillicothe Correctional Institutes. He is a huge comfort to Bethany when she needs to relax through "pet" therapy. He is also helping her to get out into public. He will be the most cultured service dog as he is helping Bethany get a degree in Musical Arts. To relax, Chester loves to play ball and hang out and watch TV.

Sandy and Service Dog, Tux 

 Tux is a 2 year old Lab/ Shepherd mix who was found as a stray at 6 mths old. He received all of his training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute, but returned to a foster family for socialization. Tux was partnered with Sandy in April 2003 and is now a "country dog". Currently, they are focusing on bonding, but Tux is already retrieving everything that Sandy asks for and providing balance to her as she walks. To relax, Tux loves to play ball and swim.

Heath and Service Dog, Clay

Clay is a 3 year old Golden Retriever who was donated by a breeder. He received all of his training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute, but returned to a foster family occasionally for socialization. Clay was partnered with Heath in May, 2003 and is now a "southern dog" living in Alabama. He replaced former service dog, Bracken, who become too protective of his person. Clay took over where Bracken left off by helping Heath with retrieval, opening/ closing doors and drawers, turning lights on/ off and providing companionship. Heath is back to work with Clay helping carry binders and other needed information around the plant. When he is not helping Heath, he is figuring out how to stuff all of his toys in his mouth at once! To relax, Clay loves to play ball, swim and get belly rubs

.

2002 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year were 2 therapy assistance dogs and 1 companion dog)

Jay and Service Dog, Sonny

Sonny is a 2 year old Golden Retriever who was donated by a private individual. He received his training at the Chillicothe and Ross Correctional Institutes. He was partnered with Jay in June, 2002 and lives with an older "sister" who loves to mimic dad giving the dog commands. Fortunately, Sonny only has eyes for Dad! Sonny helps Jay with retrieval and provides constant companionship to him. To relax, this already laid back dog loves to get pets and belly rubs. 

Rick and Service Dog, Onxy 

Recipient of a Assistance Dog team scholarship!

Onyx is a 2 year old Black Lab who was born in the Chillicothe Correctional Institute by a pregnant stray. She received most of her training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute but had long stays in a local foster family on the outside who took her for socialization experiences while on furlough. Rick knows how valuable her retrieval and opening and closing door skills are. Rick is a guy always on the go and Onyx has the energy level to keep up with his active lifestyle. Rick is already enjoying wearing her out on long "rolls" finding nearby shopping areas! 

Ken and Service Dog, Hoss

Hoss is a 3 year old St Bernard/ Great Dane mix who was rescued from a kill shelter. He received his training at Circle Tail but enjoyed sleepovers at his new partner's house to help with the bonding phase. Hoss was partnered in July, 2002 and is trained to meet Ken's need for a mobile cane. Hoss walks slowly beside him to help balance and stabilize him if necessary. They have already taken him to a birthday party and the movies, and Hoss takes everything in stride. To relax, Hoss loves to chew on his bone.  Just recently, Hoss acquired two new siblings who he adores -- Ken and his wife have beautiful twins!

Toni and Hearing Dog, Dashiell  

Dashiell is a 4 1/2 year old Mutt who was partnered "later" in life. He was one of the original Circle Tail service dogs in training who went to dog training school with the president of the organization. He was dropped from the program over 3 years ago due to being too fearful but was used for pet therapy and demonstrations. Fortunately, he has gotten better with age, now being a very confident, social dog who is happiest when "working".  Dashiell received all of his training at Circle Tail. He was partnered with Toni in February, 2002. Dashiell signals Toni to the door, alarm clock, telephone, her name and other common sounds. This is Toni's second signal dog, and she enjoys the companionship and security that a dog provides her. Dashiell is having the time of his life working, going on long walks with his partner and squeaking his stuffed toys. They are becoming quite the traveling duo -- going places Toni could only dream about but now had the confidence to go with her little man. They have been to New Orleans and Las Vegas to name a few places. And whereever they go, Dashiell goes in style!!!! Additionally, they give talks about service dogs to many local groups for kids and adults. Toni and Dash are the token signal team in their community and in surrounding areas.  

Melissa and Service Dog, Carbon

Carbon is a 3 year old Lab/ Rott Mix who was donated by another rescue organization.  She got most of her training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute and came back to Circle Tail for outings. She was partnered with Melissa in 2002.  Carbon helps her mom with retrieving items that drop and occasional balance support. On her down time, she loves to play with her Kong and hang out with her mom.
 

2001 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year were 4 facility dogs)

Tina and Service Dog, Stone 

Stone is a 2 1/2 year old Long Hair Weimeriner who was donated by a private individual as an 8 week old puppy. He received all of his training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute. He was partnered with Tina in December, 2001. He provides balance when she is walking, gets her medicine when the timer goes off, and retrieves dropped items. Stone quickly bonded to Tina responding to many of her needs -- sometimes figuring out what she needs before she even knows!!. They love to play ball in the back yard. To relax, he enjoys destroying tennis balls with his jaws.

Bryanna and Service Dog, Maggie Mae

Maggie is a 3 year old Lab Mix who was donated by another rescue organization.  She got most of her training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute and came back to Circle Tail for outings. She was partnered with Bryanna in 2001.  Maggie helps Bryanna go to school and remember to take her medicines. When Bryanna is stressed, Maggie helps redirect her focus.  To relax, Maggie loves to take walks and hang out and watch TV with her family.

2000 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year were 2 facility dogs)

Chuck and Service Dog, Wyatt

Wyatt is a 4 1/2 year old German Shepherd who received most of his training at Marion Correctional Institute. He was partnered with Chuck, a self-employed photographer, in March 2000. They live in Mentor on the Lake, Ohio. Wyatt retrieves items, opens and closes doors, and assists Chuck by pulling his wheelchair up inclines. This is the second service dog for Chuck whose first dog also was a German Shepherd. Wyatt accompanies Chuck to medical visits and other errands. Chuck's cat finally warmed up to Wyatt. Wyatt enjoys playing with Chuck's nieces and nephews.

Harriet and Hearing Dog, Jaz

 Jaz is a 6 year old Lab/ Maltese mix. Harriet, who is hearing impaired, and Jaz were partnered in March 2000 and live in Cincinnati, Ohio. Jaz was donated by the Clermont County Humane Society and received most of her advanced training at the Marion Correctional Institute. She signals Harriet to the alarm clock, door, telephone and her name. Jaz goes to work at a florist with Harriet where she follows Harriet around helping her pick up dropped flowers. For exercise, Jaz enjoys walks in the park.

Bob and Service Dog, Zena 

Zena is a 5 1/2 year old Rottweiller/ Hound mix. She was partnered with Bob, from Columbus, Ohio, in April 2000. Zena received most of her training from a local foster family and brushed up on her advanced skills at the Lebanon Correctional Institute. Zena opens and closes doors, retrieves dropped items, and helps Bob get his arms back on the arm rests of his wheelchair. Zena accompanies Bob to the bowling alley, zoo, bible study and family and friend's houses. This is Bob's second service dog, and he is enjoying the companionship and assistance Zena is providing him. Bob is currently seeking a job outside the home where Zena will accompany him. For fun and exercise, Zena loves her ball and going for a run next to Bob's electric wheelchair. Since Zena can't go the long distances Bob likes to travel on the bike trail, he devised a cart (shown) that can carry her when she needs to rest!!

Michelle and Hearing Dog, Zella 

 Zella is a 4 1/2 year old Keeshond mix. She was partnered with Michelle, a payroll/ billing coordinator in July, 2000. They reside in Cincinnati. Zella came to Circle Tail as a pregnant stray. After having puppies, she was placed in a foster family where she learned basic/advanced obedience and signal work. Michelle and Zella bonded quickly, and Zella quickly became competent in her signal duties. She signals Michelle to her name, the door, alarm clock, phone, smoke detector and now signal sounds for which she was never trained. She had the perfect opportunity to practice the smoke detector when it went off at 1:30 in the morning due to a family member taking a shower. In true style, Zella bounded back and forth across the bed until Michelle got up and went running outside knowing it was a false alarm. When Zella is really tired, she doesn't bother getting up to signal. Rather, she establishes eye contact with Michelle and rolls her eyes and head toward the sound. She accompanies Michelle to work every day. To relax, Zella loves to play ball, chew her bone, and get belly rubs.

1999 GRADUATES

(also partnered this year was 1 facility dog)

Tom & Service Dog, Holly

Holly is a 5 year old Yellow Lab who received part of her training at the Chillicothe Correctional Institute. She was partnered with Tom, a self-employed businessman, in September 1999. They live in Trotwood, Ohio. She opens doors, retrieves dropped items, carries items and helps pull Tom's wheelchair up inclines. Holly is a hit at the Dayton Bombers hockey games where Tom is a frequent spectator. When Holly feels Tom needs a break from working on his computer, she steals his mouse. Holly loves to play ball to relax and expend some energy. 

Ann and Service Dog, Jesse

Jesse is a 2 year old Lab/ Rottweiller mix donated by the Clermont County Humane Society. He was in a foster home receiving socialization until 1.5 years old when he returned to Circle Tail and was partnered with Ann in North Carolina in 1999. He helps her with retrieving items   and getting help when she needs it.  During his down time, he loves to play fetch and chew on his nylabone.

1998 GRADUATES