Look out, UT Martin, a boy with soft blond hair, deep brown eyes and four paws is on his way to steal your heart. Morton, UT Martin’s therapy dog, is a multi-talented friend to all, who leaves his mark wherever he goes.
Morton is a two-and-a-half year-old yellow lab owned by the Belew family. His adoption story is quite unique, as he was originally going to be a hunting dog for Hank Williams Jr. UT Martin’s Director of Public Safety Monte Belew had experience in training dogs, so Williams brought Morton to him to be trained. However, during the time of his training, Morton won over the hearts of the Belew family, and Williams allowed them to keep him as a family pet.
When Belew came to UT Martin, he brought Morton in as a registered therapy dog. Of course, becoming a therapy dog required quite a bit of training.
“He has a UKC started title and has completed an AKC good citizen class for therapy dogs. I work with him each day on his obedience and his behavior,” Belew says.
Morton is a hard-working service dog, always exercising his skills in some shape or form. Each day, Belew and Morton share the same daily routine. Belew mentioned that they come into the office together every morning, walk the quad, do computer work, attend meetings and help out with fun things like football games and events.
In addition to all this, in his spare time, Morton goes on duck hunting trips with Belew.
“Morton loves to duck hunt … He’ll sit there and scan the skies for ducks and start a low whine if he sees some and I don’t,” Belew says.
As good as Morton is at hunting, he’s known best for his ability to make students and staff smile. WUTM’s Hannah Bilger met Morton during one of her communications classes last semester. Originally, Bilger was afraid of dogs of Morton’s size. However, after getting to know him, Bilger’s view on him has changed.
“All he wants is love and that brings a smile to my face,” Bilger says.
Alpha Delta Pi’s President Katelyn Elmore believes that having a therapy dog on campus has created a positive impact.
“I think having a therapy dog on campus helps students take a step back from the stress of classes and assignments, even if it’s only for a moment. Many students may have dogs at home but can’t have them on campus … Morton sets a high standard for the perfect furry friend,” Elmore says.
Morton brings tail wags and a happy smile everywhere he goes, and it’s safe to say his happiness is contagious. Belew and Morton spend quite a bit of time together, which works out perfectly for Belew.
“He’s more than a dog. He’s my partner. He’s my boy,” Belew says.
