Service dogs may be excellent companions for those in need. They can not only give medical and mental assistance, but they also make wonderful, loyal pets that will be by your side when you need them most.
So, when one devoted service dog remained at his owner’s side throughout graduate school, the institution thought he deserved a big award.
Brittany Hawley, of Wilson, North Carolina, is a wheelchair user who suffers from complicated regional pain syndrome. She was a perfect choice for a service dog, and she acquired one a few years ago.
When Brittany saw Griffin, she realized he was the one: “Some dogs were afraid of the wheelchair,” she told AP. “Griffin leapt onto my lap and kissed the side of my face.”
Griffin entered her life just as she was ready to embark on an amazing new adventure: earning her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Clarkson University.
The dog demonstrated his importance by attending all of Brittany’s lessons and assisting her with tasks such as unlocking doors and getting supplies. He was also a helpful buddy through times of worry and melancholy.
“With him, I felt more autonomous, more sociable, and more outgoing,” Brittany told CBS News.
Brittany and Griffin continued to prosper at Clarkson, and Brittany graduated in late 2018.
But she realized she couldn’t have done it without the assistance of her service dog… She realized she couldn’t rejoice without him.
“We relocated to New York together, began and completed school together,” Brittany said.
She didn’t only want him at her side; she intended for him to obtain his own degree as well.
“I pushed from the beginning because I wanted Griffin to graduate with me.”
Surprisingly, the institution agreed, and Griffin was given the opportunity to come across the stage and earn his own honors degree for “exceptional contributions to student achievement.”
“The Board of Trustees acknowledged Griffin for his remarkable work, steady devotion, and thorough attention to his owner, Brittany’s well-being and student achievement,” Clarkson stated in a statement.
“The two completed a master’s degree in Occupational Therapy 100 percent together, taking part in all of the same courses, lectures, and faculty appointments. completely making Griffin an equal part of the Clarkson Golden Knights family.”
@dog_rates This is Griffin the Service Doggo. He received an honorary diploma this weekend for attending every single Occupational Therapy Class with his owner at @ClarksonUniv pic.twitter.com/VgK4ZbTt1E
— Clarkson University (@ClarksonUniv) December 17, 2018
Brittany wanted to work with vets and military members, so after she graduated, she went after her dream of becoming an occupational therapist.
Of course, she’ll have her devoted service dog at her side.
“He’ll be with me every single day if I find a job,” Brittany stated.
What a lovely tribute to this devoted service dog! He most certainly earned that degree!
It only goes to illustrate how powerful assistance dogs can be. Please share this uplifting tale!
