Dog Tributes

This page is dedicated to the memory of those beloved dogs that have had an unforgettable impact on our life. Circle Tail wants to celebrate the memory of these special dogs.

Please feel free to email us your tribute to a special dog that has touched your life. We also welcome additional tributes from those who knew a dog whose memory is featured below.

Abby

November 1997 - April 27, 2006

It is with a sad heart that Circle Tail wished Abby, faithful and much loved canine friend of Circle Tail, a safe journey across the Rainbow Bridge.

Circle Tail and Abby’s life as the Circle Tail demo dog both began in 1997. As Circle Tail continued to grow and touch so many lives, so did Abby. Every assistance dog who passed through the Circle Tail training program was trained under Abby’s silent but effective tutelage. Guards and handlers alike knew Abby when she walked through the prison gates to lend a paw with the dog program. Saturday training classes were held under her ever-watchful eye. Abby was and always will be Circle Tail. She will be greatly missed by all those whose lives she touched.

Some people are blessed with experiencing the unconditional love and absolute devotion of that true, once in a lifetime, canine soul mate - the dog that seems to become a part of who we are. Circle Tail’s Director, Marlys, and Abby had such a relationship. The Friends of Circle Tail send our sincerest condolences to Marlys.

Jesse

1997-2006

It's with a sad heart that Circle Tail said goodbye to Jesse, our second retired assistance dog. He was well loved and will be forever missed by many.

This good-natured Shepherd / Rottweiler mix retired from his job as a Seizure Response Dog in fall of 2003 around the age of 6. Jesse was partnered as a Seizure Response Dog in August 2000. He was partnered with a gentleman who he helped when he had seizures. Jesse was so well trained and bonded to his partner - he pulled the lifeline 5 times in the first year alone, summoning EMTs! After Jesse’s partner had a stroke, he was no longer able to care for Jesse and utilize his skills. So Jesse's new job was to be a pampered pet and he was adopted into a loving home. With his change of career, he had it made!! He played with his elderly canine sibling, was stalked by the 3 resident cats, hunted "rabbits" (and the occasional misidentified leaf!) and received pets and belly rubs daily from his new mom and dad. For three years, he lived the life of luxury where his family thought he was the best dog in the world.

From a stray puppy, to an honorable Assistance Dog, to a retired pampered pet, Jesse's life was filled with love and adventure; however, never long enough for those of us left behind without him.

It is with a very sad heart that we write to tell you of the loss of our beloved Boston Terrier Bert. We adopted him from Circle Tail two years ago ... when he was 6 or 7 years old. He was such a fun, silly boy ... and brought smiles and laughter to all of us. Our sons were especially attached to this wonderful little guy. In July, he was diagnosed with an inoperable tumor. Earlier this month, the tumor entered his brain ... and we had to say goodbye. We thank you for helping us find Bert. He was such a wonderful part of our family.

We miss him ... and we love him still.

The Life of Dooley

Dec 14, 2004 – Mar 26, 2007

Dooley, our vibrant Black Lab, led an exemplary life. He came to our house at 10 months old, fresh out of his first round of service dog training and ready for some fostering from teenage triplet dog handlers and their mom.

With his fastidious manners, pensive look, remarkable patience, and an uncanny ability to “serve” each of us in his own way, Dooley quickly won over our hearts. This gentleman of a dog became our beloved pet in February 2006 after being dismissed from the service program for barking at prisoners. We believe he was calling out to us to be his family and we quickly obliged.

For fifteen months, Dooley entertained, comforted, played with and protected us. After a sudden diagnosis of leukemia and a brief, valiant

battle, Dooley left this Earth on March 26, 2007 to be of service in a different place. Our hearts are broken and we grieve his loss but are grateful for the time he was part of our family. His spirit endures. Rest in peace, Dools. Woof, woof!

It is with a heavy heart that we say bye to Autumn as she journeys to the Rainbow Bridge. Autumn did not come from Circle Tail but her constant companion, Baxter (one of Wren's puppies) did a little over 2 years ago. We miss her so...we love her so...she will be missed but never forgotten.

Sonny 1/19/05 - 1/29/

It is with a broken heart that I have to tell you that Sonny, one of Wren's pups, lost a recent and short battle with an aggressive form of cancer. Not that he would ever show any pain or discomfort, but by the time the diagnosis was made, it was too late, we had to make the decision to tell our baby goodbye. I am thankful though for every second we had together in this world and that we made the most of it. It's almost like he knew from the start that he didn't have as long, so his star burnt as brightly as it could for as long as it could. He loved unconditionally and with all his heart and expected nothing in return, we were lucky to briefly cross paths with him. We will be forever left questioning why he was taken from us so young, when he touched so many people's lives in such a positive way. He brought us smiles and joy every single day, and no words can express how much he meant to us. He was our pillow and blanket, our student and teacher, our tour guide and workout partner, our taste tester and guard dog, but most of all, he was our best friend and our son. There is an empty place left inside us until we see our sweet boy again. Thank you for bringing us together

If you would like to make a donation to Circle Tail in memory or honor of a special animal that has a
special place in your heart, please click here.