On a beautiful day in Potsdam, New York, Brittany Hawley, accompanied by her loyal companion Griffin, experienced a touching moment. This special occasion took place during Clarkson University’s “December Recognition Ceremony” on December 15, 2018. Griffin, an extraordinary Golden Retriever service dog, received an honorary diploma, bringing tears to Brittany’s eyes. happiness.
Brittany Hawley, a notable individual who had already earned a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, was immensely proud of her furry friend’s accomplishments. From the beginning of their academic career at Clarkson University, both Brittany and Griffin attended all of their classes together, forming an unbreakable bond.
As the ceremony came to a close, Brittany hugged Griffin tightly and expressed her heartfelt congratulations. This extraordinary moment, filled with love and appreciation, exemplified the exceptional relationship between a devoted owner and her stunning service dog.
Brittany Hawley’s loyal service dog Griffin faithfully attended her classes and was always ready to reach for her phone when necessary. Whether helping patients during her internship or attending conferences, Griffin was by her side. It’s no surprise then that Griffin was present at Hawley’s graduation ceremony at Clarkson University and proudly received her own honorary certificate alongside her, commemorating their journey together.
“The first day began my fight to see him graduate,” Hawley said during their conversation on Monday. “In every task I undertook, he was by my side.” To honor his bond and undeniable dedication, the school’s board of trustees hosted a special recognition event last Saturday. They praised the four-year-old golden retriever, noting his unmatched commitment, unwavering devotion and unwavering focus on Hawley’s well-being and academic success.
Hawley, who lives in Wilson, North Carolina, is wheelchair-bound and experiences intense discomfort, and credits Griffin with helping her with various physical activities. From opening doors to turning on lights to bringing in her belongings marked with a laser pointer, Griffin’s help is indispensable. However, beyond these physical tasks, the canine companion provides emotional comfort, acting as a source of comfort in the midst of Hawley’s constant and debilitating pain, which often leads to anguish and sadness.
Hawley welcomed Griffin through the innovative initiative called “paws4prisons.” This program aims to teach inmates in West Virginia prisons the skills necessary to train and use exceptional support dogs.
Hawley recounted an interesting encounter in which inmates allowed a group of dogs to approach, allowing the dogs to make the decision themselves. Curiously, some of the dogs seemed afraid of the wheelchair, but Griffin boldly ran up to Hawley and affectionately licked the side of his face. This poignant incident took place during Hawley’s internship at Fort Bragg in North Carolina, where he and Griffin provided assistance to troops facing physical limitations and psychosocial issues. Hawley emphasized how the simple act of brushing a dog can improve a patient’s range of motion and how the comforting touch of a furry friend can help relieve anxiety.
“My clients often say, ‘I have sessions with Brittany and Griffin today,’ the therapist shared. When she looks for a job opportunity, Hawley emphasizes that she and Griffin come as a package. “I trust him with everything,” she clarified, expressing her familiarity with her presence.
