Assistance dogs hold a crucial significance in the lives of persons with disabilities.
These animals are extensively trained professionals that carry out vital tasks, assisting their owners with daily activities, managing stressful scenarios, and addressing a wide array of emotions.
Fundamentally, they represent far more than just pets. For those with disabilities, these animals embody nearly all elements of their existence – ultimate companions, reliable helpers, a solid support network, and dear friends.
For Brittany Hawley, a local from North Carolina, pursuing a university education wouldn’t have been achievable without her service dog, GRIFFIN.
This lovely Golden Retriever aided her in fulfilling her aspiration of earning an Occupational Therapy degree.
Ultimately, he also had the honor of walking alongside his cherished owner at the ceremony and receiving his own diploma!
He truly earned it through his efforts and perseverance!
GRIFFIN, The Golden Retriever Assistance Dog
“If I require assistance, he’s always there for me because he loves me unconditionally,” Brittany shared with CBS News.
Brittany has continuously aspired to achieve a graduate qualification in Occupational Therapy; however, at the age of 16, she was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).
In just a brief period, she transitioned from being a “normal” and energetic teenager who engaged in softball to someone suffering from numerous muscle issues, severe pain, and multiple mental health challenges, including depression.
Her ailment also impacted her legs, limiting her ability to walk, necessitating the use of a wheelchair or crutches daily, which contributed to her considerable depression.
After consulting with her psychologist, who had a service dog, Brittany sought her own.
On the same occasion, Brittany had her interview at Clarkson University, located in Potsdam, New York, and was accepted for a service dog through Paws4People.
This program focuses on training service dogs to assist individuals in enhancing their lives for the better.
Thus, their adventure commenced.
“We were together from the start. We relocated to New York as a team, navigated school together, and returned to North Carolina side by side,” Brittany relayed to CBS News. “He significantly simplified my school experience.”
GRIFFIN has empowered Brittany to achieve greater autonomy and has also assisted her in countering the social isolation that she occasionally encounters due to her condition.
“I experienced enhanced independence, became more sociable, and felt more outgoing with him,” Brittany articulated.
Along with offering substantial assistance, GRIFFIN is also trained to operate lights, retrieve items from the refrigerator, aid with wheelchair mobility, and even fetch objects in emergencies, such as a phone.
GRIFFIN has been there for Brittany through everything. Whenever she attended classes, he was consistently by her side. He never missed a single class.
“From the very start, I advocated for GRIFFIN to graduate alongside me,” Brittany expressed to CBS News. “I wanted him to receive a diploma simply because he contributed so much… we never missed a class, he accompanied me to all my activities, and I could not have completed my program without him.”
“The Board of Trustees recognized that Griffin has showcased remarkable effort, unwavering commitment, and diligent devotion to the wellness and academic success of his owner, Brittany. Both have undertaken 100% of the journey to secure a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy, participating in all classes, lectures, faculty meetings, group study sessions, recreational activities, research initiatives, and clinical experiences, fully establishing Griffin as a valued member of the Clarkson Golden Knights community,” affirmed the President of Clarkson University.
At Clarkson University’s December 2018 Commendation Ceremony, GRIFFIN Hawley was conferred an honorary diploma in recognition of his exceptional contributions.
Donning a cap and gown, GRIFFIN received his richly deserved diploma while the audience applauded and cheered for him. With a diploma grasped in his mouth, GRIFFIN even posed for the cameras, showcasing his good behavior.
GRIFFIN also played a part in helping Brittany find love. She encountered her fiancé through the Paws4People organization and GRIFFIN was even involved in the engagement proposal.
“This pup has transformed my life in countless ways. I never imagined a dog would provide me more hope in overcoming my disability than all the therapies I have undergone. GRIFFIN, you are truly one of a kind, and you will never realize how much autonomy you have restored to my life,” Brittany expressed in a heartfelt post on her Instagram account.
This charming duo has a bright future ahead, and I am confident that this loyal companion will perpetually be by Brittany’s side.