Service dogs can be invaluable companions to people who need them. Not only can they provide medical and emotional help, they also just make great, loyal pets, by your side when you need them most.

So after one loyal service dog stayed by his human’s side throughout grad school, the university decided he was worthy of a major honor.

Brittany Hawley, from Wilson, North Carolina, uses a wheelchair and suffers from a condition called complex regional pain syndrome. She was the perfect candidate for a service dog, and a few years ago received one through the paws4prisons program.

When she met a dog named Griffin, she knew he was the one: “Some dogs were scared of the wheelchair,” Brittany told AP. “Griffin jumped right into my lap and licked me across the face.”

GRIFFIN really enjoyed his time at the Indians’ game during the #MWUSA week, and Brittany Hawley,…

Posted by Ms. Wheelchair USA on Tuesday, July 23, 2019
Griffin came into her life just as she was about to embark on an exciting new journey: attending Clarkson University to get her master’s degree in occupational therapy.

The dog proved his worth: he was able to go to all of Brittany’s classes, and helped her by doing things like opening doors and fetching supplies. He also proved to be a comforting friends during periods of anxiety and depression.

“I felt more independent, I was more social, I felt more outgoing with him,” Brittany told CBS News.

Tune in to NBC News World during the 6 o’clock hour to see our own Brittany and GRIFFIN! Brittany and GRIFFIN recently…

Posted by paws4people foundation on Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Brittany and Griffin continued to thrive at Clarkson, and in late 2018 Brittany was ready to graduate.

But she knew she couldn’t have done it without her service dog… and knew she couldn’t celebrate without him.

“We moved to New York together, we started school together and we finished together,” Brittany said.

She didn’t just want him by her side, however—she wanted him to have his own degree.

“I pushed from day one, when I graduate, I want Griffin to graduate with me.”

Posted by Ms. Wheelchair North Carolina USA on Saturday, December 15, 2018
Remarkably, the university agreed—and Griffin got to walk across the stage and accept his own honorary degree for “extraordinary contributions to student success.”

“The Board of Trustees recognized that Griffin has demonstrated extraordinary effort, steadfast commitment, and diligent dedication to the wellbeing and student success of his owner Brittany,” Clarkson said in a statement.

“The two have pursued 100% together a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy attending all the same classes, lectures, faculty appointments … fully making Griffin an equal member of the Clarkson Golden Knights family.”
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After graduation, Brittany continued to pursue her dream of becoming an occupational therapist, hoping to work with veterans and military people.

And of course, she’ll keep her loyal service dog right by her side.

“Whenever I get a job, he will be with me every single day,” Brittany said.

We finally have good news!! Next week, on Tuesday, GRIFFIN will be on Dogs of the Year on The CW Network channel. The…

Posted by Brittany Hawley on Tuesday, December 10, 2019
What a fitting honor for this loyal service dog! He definitely earned that degree!

It goes to show the remarkable impact service dogs can have. Share this inspiring story!

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