By Brinson Brock

Belue is a Shetland Sheepdog. Shetland Sheepdogs were originally bred in Scotland to herd sheep. True to the breed, Belue is extremely loyal to his master, and a constant companion. He has a strong herding instinct, in fact he will round up any poultry, sheep, cattle or agriculture students.

Brock was hired to specifically start and build a middle school program for the Sumter County School System at Sumter Middle. Belue was allowed to come to the classroom and to begin training as a “service dog”.

He actually began his “service” work on day one, as he began to “train the trainers”. Anxious students were calmed by his affectionate demeanor and absolutely thrilled by his agility moves. Students helped teach him basic obedience, and he has taught them patience, confidence, and an appreciation for animals that serve mankind.

Belue will round up the chickens from the schoolyard when someone leaves the gate open, and when time allows, students involved in a friendly game of tag football will be “rounded up” when the bell rings.

Belue has become well known in the South Georgia area as he attends farm field days and not only performs on command when students spell the command words correctly, he stands calmly while hundreds of little hands reach to touch and pet him.

Our school system utilizes a progressive self-study computer program to reinforce learning basics in math and reading. When it is time to focus on this learning tool, Belue takes
the same que and retreats to his cage and works silently to the student’s amazement. The students are fascinated with his attentiveness and desire to follow commands.

Belue has forged strong relationships with many students who aspire to work in the animal science field, and stands patiently for all sorts of medical techniques. There are some unique connections with some of the students with special needs and or non-English speaking. When the Ag teacher doesn’t’ have the right words for these students, Belue often knows just what to do.

Belue loves long walks on the farm and cannot resist a flowing stream or mud puddle, loves to chase away wild geese or any animal (or person) that is out of place.

In the Ag classroom, we constantly utilize Farm Bureau’s educational materials and have built competitive FFA speeches on FB’s emotional well-being initiative for farmers. Companion animals such as Belue are an ideal remedy for focusing attention on unconditional love and support for someone experiencing loss or disappointment. I have experienced both over the last several years, and for the last two, ole Belue has been right there for me.

Before my mom passed recently, Belue would sit with her and press his face against her to communicate his affection for her. Belue makes regular work days at Rosalynn Carter Butterfly Trail gardens and every Tractor Supply Customer Appreciation Day. Students expect him to be a part of every chapter meeting and field activity. Our new chapter secretary penned minutes that listed every attendee’s name, as well as Belue.

Belue has walked the campuses of UGA, ABAC, South Georgia Tech, and Georgia Southwestern University, often alongside students visiting for the very first time, realizing they can achieve anything they want to, with patience, persistence, and hard work. “I am amazed on Farm Field Days, once the kids get the hang of what Belue is capable of, dozens of little voices shout commands all at once. The typical farm dog, Belue isn’t confused at all by the various commands from every direction, he instinctively listens to my voice, and follows thru like a champ.”

Belue got his name from a “larger than life” UGA quarterback from years ago in my college career. My Belue hasn’t made quarterback yet, but he is sure the star of the game in my efforts to inspire students in fields of agriculture, self-confidence, self-worth, and compassion for others. “Ole Blue and I are very thankful for the Farm Bureau organization, for the school and community leadership that continue to create opportunities for us to share the importance of agriculture in so many lives.”

We look forward to promoting Georgia Farm Bureau in any means possible.