PLEASANT PLAIN - Marlys Staley is a friend to man and dog. A trained physical therapist, she traded a career in rehabilitating children and adults for a life devoted to training dogs who ultimately help people with special needs.

        Circle Tail Inc., Ms. Staley's nonprofit agency, provides assistance dogs to people with mobility, hearing, neurological or emotional disabilities. They are adults who qualify under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

        “This all started in 1996 after I visited guide dog centers in Columbus and Florida. It was like the light went on. Early the next year, Circle Tail became a reality,” she said.

        “For 15 years, I was a physical therapist at Shriners Hospital for Children and Nova Care. I work with both children and seniors and was always interested in how dogs can help many of these folks.”

TRAIN OR ADOPT

If you or your family are interested in helping train an assistance dog or adopting a canine pet, or if you know of someone who needs an assistance dog, go to www.circletail.org or call (513) 877-3325.

        She was determined to develop a program in which a dog can increase the independence of a disabled person by doing work or performing tasks. After months or years of training, a dog can operate light switches; retrieve dropped items; open doors; alert a person to door knocks, smoke, fire and clock alarms; and respond to human seizures along with becoming a devoted companion.

        Dogs are obtained from families who no longer can keep their pet and from breeders and shelters that look for answers other than euthanasia.

        Ms. Staley gets help from foster families who teach dogs manners, socialization and commands. Prisons in Warren County, Dayton and Chillicothe participate by assigning a dog to an inmate who becomes responsible for short-term training.

        Potentially, the best animal for assistance training is a young dog or puppy which is easily groomed and as an adult will weigh about 60-80 pounds.

        “Over many months, the cost for training one assistance dog is about $5,200,” Ms. Staley said.

        “But when we pair a trained dog with a person, there is no charge to that individual. We expect to partner 25 teams this year.”

        Without grants from Iams and the Johnson Family Foundation in Cincinnati, plus donations from animal lovers, Ms. Staley said none of this would be possible.

        “Circle Tail is a one-woman operation, so I'm eternally grateful to benefactors and volunteers who help me so much. There are always kennels to clean, dogs to feed, phones and e-mails to answer.” One of her most dedicated volunteers is Tracy Desch, who is on duty two weeknights and every Saturday.

        Ms. Staley manages Circle Tail on a $65,000 annual budget. And that also pays for the dog adoption service (in addition to assistance dogs).

        Last year, 188 dogs were adopted from Circle Tail.

        “So far this year, we've already had 170 adoptions,” she said. Every dog is neutered or spayed and appropriately vaccinated. Most are house-trained and have had some obedience training. Cost for adoption is $95 to $150.

        “My goal is to ultimately operate a self-sustaining operation,; one which not only a service to people but also to animals.”

        Get to know Tristate residents who are giving of themselves to make a difference in their communities in Hometown Heroes, a feature that will run on Tuesdays until after Election Day, when it will return to Mondays. Send your nominations for Hometown Heroes to jjwetzelsiscom.net or fax to (513) 755-4150.

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