We consider pets as family and they’re part of the ups and downs in our lives. The longer they’re with us, the longer we get to share with them our greatest achievements and difficult hurdles. No matter what comes next, our dogs will always remain our loyal best friends.
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Just like this Golden Retriever that was always at his owner’s side even during her university graduation.
Brittany Hawley, a university student at Clarkson University, just graduated with a Master’s degree in Occupation Therapy, and her service dog GRIFFIN (name purposely spelled in all caps) was there to assist her in achieving this milestone.
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It was a call for celebration considering how much Hawley has been through over the years.
At 16, Hawley was diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome, a continuing pain disorder that partially starts within a limb and then potentially spreads throughout the whole body. She could not control her muscles’ contractions, and her legs, which were the affected part of her body, would begin twisting involuntarily. That was when her parents knew she needed constant assistance, especially when she went away to attend college.
It was a fateful encounter when she met GRIFFIN on the same day she earned an interview at Clarkson University.
It was either a lucky coincidence or purely a red string of fate that bounded Hawley and GRIFFIN together. It was crazy enough that Paws4People approved her service dog application on the same day Clarkson University gave her a chance to be interviewed.
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Life became better for Hawley the moment GRIFFIN came into her life. The dog would make little things manageable for Hawley, like fetching whatever Hawley points at with a laser pointer. GRIFFIN would even reach up his paws to turn the lights on or off, and he pushes doors to let her pass through. Every single day, her loyal dog would assist her whether at home or school.
Moreover, if Hawley feels stressed, she could just pet GRIFFIN’s therapeutic fur. It’s a fact that petting a dog’s fur could reduce stress and give comfort. Since university work sometimes becomes overwhelmingly stressful, GRIFFIN was always there to soothe Hawley.
Hawley’s service dog also received its award at the honorary ceremony.
Finally, Hawley’s years of grinding for her most awaited degree paid off. She went off to claim her diploma at the honorary ceremony but everyone was surprised that GRIFFIN also received an award from the school.
“GRIFFIN has been awarded an honorary diploma for his extraordinary contributions to student success,” the university said.
GRIFFIN was awarded for his “extraordinary effort, steadfast commitment, and diligent dedication to the wellbeing and student success of his owner Brittany.”
The dog strutted happily across the stage claiming his diploma. Hawley, her family, and the university itself were proud of his unending service and dedication toward Hawley.
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“We moved to New York together, we started school together and we finished together,” Hayley told CBS in an interview.
GRIFFIN is still helping Hawley in her everyday ventures. Surely, GRIFFIN will always be there for Hawley during her next milestones to success.
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