Deputy Sean Stout and Freya made a guest appearance at the Clay County K-9 Initiative fundraiser at Eagle Fork Vineyards Saturday, Sept. 27. Donations raised at the event will purchase the third canine for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and a dog that will be on duty at Clay County Schools.
By Marcia Barnes
Feature Writer
Final results counted by the all-volunteer Clay County K-9 Initiative on Monday, Sept. 29 was a reason to thank the community again for its support.
The second annual fundraiser netted more than $23,000 to purchase a third dog for the Clay County Sheriff’s Office and the dog that will go to school.
The event hosted by Eagle Fork Vineyards on Saturday, Sept. 27 was well-attended. Local citizens and guests from Georgia and Tennessee came to support the hope that another canine might be added to the sheriff’s office and additionally be a help at the schools.
With a guest appearance made by Investigator Steven Smith and Luca, a Belgian Malinois that assists the Detective Division of the Clay County Sheriff’s Office came an unexpected surprise.
A donation was presented to Smith by Thomas and Barbara Bussolari to purchase a bullet proof vest for Freya, the newest canine purchased for the sheriff’s office. Freya has been on active duty since February 2025 and has helped with two significant arrests.
Freya has been trained to track and to alert for narcotics. She is still in training and will become certified through the North American Police Work Association in November 2025.
Smith expressed to the Bussolaris how greatly he appreciated their gift. “Without the generous support from the people of this community we would not have Freya,” Smith said.
Smith said that his dog, Luca, works off of Dutch and German commands and from 10 weeks old Luca has come to work with him every single day. “Ever since he’s started working he’s made such a difference in this community, it’s unbelievable. He’s found pounds and pounds of drugs.”
Deputy Sean Stout and Freya also made an appearance at the event. Stout said that despite the crowd, Freya was on the job and he was on duty. A few adults asked Stout questions about Freya and two school-age children enjoyed interacting with the canine.
“People really don’t know how incredibly intelligent these dogs are,” Stout said.
Having a successful canine program is the goal of the sheriff’s office. The step to now purchase a dog for the school aims to implement a safer environment at the school.