Service dog got his owner through grad school and was given his own degree
American Brittany Hawley, 25, uses a wheelchair and suffers from chronic pain, but that didn’t stop her from getting her master’s degree at university. Griffin, a 4-year-old golden retriever, helped her do it. The dog has taken university classes with Hawley and even helped her with patients in her internship. He knows how to open doors and serve objects. The dog also provides a comforting atmosphere for Brittany.
At the graduation ceremony, he received his graduation certificate on stage with his owner.
«I wanted him to graduate, too, from day one. He did all the same things I did,» Brittany said.
The 25-year-old American and her dog were in training in North Carolina, where she helped soldiers with mobility and mental health issues. Griffin also helped her with patients. Petting the dog worked on the military’s fine motor skills, and it also helped reduce anxiety levels.
«My patients said, ‘My therapists today are Brittany and Griffin,'» the graduate said.
She plans to take Griffin with her to work.
@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
Occupational therapy, or occupational therapy, is a set of activities designed to rehabilitate people with mental or physical disabilities.
