Dogs are known as man's best friend, but they have the potential to serve an even bigger purpose with the right training.
Amy Hoh from the west side knows just how true this is. She was accosted a couple of times on her way to work in downtown Cincinnati. Since being paired with Cortez, that is no longer a concern for her.
Not only does he keep her safe, he assists her in her daily life. Amy is confined to a wheelchair and the things we take for granted are more difficult for her.
Cortez is able to assist her in daily tasks ranging from answering the phone, picking up things and opening doors and drawers for Amy.
Cortez's talents do not just lie in protection and assistance, but he helps her medically.
Amy is a diabetic and Cortez can sense when her blood sugar is low just through her breath. He bumps her in the leg telling her she needs to eat and will block her from doing anything else until she eats.
Being disabled comes with a large price tag, $40,000 for a wheelchair that has a shelf life of 4 1/2 to 5 years and another $40,000 for a specially-equipped van.
The one cost that she did not have to worry about was with Cortez. She only had to pay a $25 application fee.
Circle Tail, Inc was founded in Pleasant Plain, Ohio in 1998 by Marlys Staley after she toured a training center for guide dogs in Florida and realized the need for assistance dogs. The organization's purpose is to to provide assistance dogs to people with disabilities with either mobility, hearing or neurological at no cost to that person.
Jane Schroer with Circle Tail says the cost to train an assistant dog over two years is $10,000. Staley trains them. They have foster families and then they go into the prison program for different correctional facilities around the area.
Circle Tail operates on fundraisers and donations. They have initiated a green building plan for the future that will incorporate environmentally preferable materials and geothermal heating.
Circle Tail will be holding a fundraiser this Sunday at Valley Vineyards in Morrow from 1 to 3 p.m. The event "Fashion FUR a Cause" will feature a fashion show, wine tasting, and raffles. Admission is free with faux fur coats, wine and jewelry available for purchase after the show.
