This Service Dog Gets Honorary Diploma After Owner Gets Her Degree

Dec 24, 2018 by apost team

One student's story of her graduation has gone viral. While she earned her masters, her dog graduated from the University as well!

A golden retriever named Griffin is the service dog of 25-year-old Brittany Hawley. Brittany uses a wheelchair after learning that she has reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome as a teenager.

Brittany recently received a master's degree from Clarkson University in occupation therapy. At the graduation ceremony, both Brittany and Griffin received their diplomas.

The service dog stood by his owner's side during every class, exam, and study session. Griffin sure got an education as he completed his own learning right alongside Brittany.

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On a daily basis, Griffin gets his owner's phone, turns the lights on, opens doors, and reaches items that are hard to get. He's also there to comfort Brittany, helping her with depression and anxiety.

When Brittany wanted to recognize Griffin's hard work, she asked Clarkson University to award the dog a diploma.

Brittany explained that she would never be able to participate in anything without her dog. She wanted Griffin to graduate alongside her as he did everything she did.

As Brittany prepared to receive her degree, the dog walked right next to her, donning a cap and gown, ready to graduate.

As one of Clarkson's first four-legged students, Griffin's presence at the graduation melted hearts and wowed students and faculty.

The fluffy golden retriever eagerly took his honorary diploma, carrying it in his mouth

This good boy was honored with a speech. A representative from the school's board shared that Griffin demonstrated steadfast commitment, extraordinary effort, and diligent dedication to Brittany's success.

Posing for several graduation pictures, Griffin and Brittany were the stars of graduations.

In a post to Facebook, Brittany shared about her grad school journey. Two and a half years ago, she and Griffin moved to New York to begin grad school together.

They moved to a new apartment, learned how to work together, became each others' best friends, and started their new adventure together.

She finished her post by sharing how they both graduated together, helping Brittany achieve her dream of getting a Master's in Occupational Therapy.

Only time will tell what is on the horizon for Griffin and Brittany!

What a beautiful story! Do you have a service dog? Were you touched by the tale of Brittany and Griffin? Leave your opinions and don't forget to pass this story along.