Friends… Friends… Friends…
We all have different types of friends throughout our lives. Some of them are bipeds,
while others are quadrupeds. Some communicate with us through language, while others express their loyalty and affection. Our beloved canine companions are much more than mere pets. They are our confidants, our biggest supporters, and our backbone.
Service dogs play an incredible role, surpassing a typical pet or friend. They become a
vital lifeline for their owners, offering assistance, solace, and companionship at every turn.
Sadly, their hard work and dedication often go unnoticed. However, occasionally, we hear of
remarkable humans who recognize and appreciate their contributions in heartwarming ways. Today, we have a story to share with you about an extraordinary service dog and their owner.
Image Credits: Twitter
Two Companions…
Service dogs play a valuable role in assisting people with disabilities. They are
trained to perform important tasks such as helping with daily activities and providing emotional support during difficult times. For individuals with disabilities, these dogs serve as their best friends, helpers, and companions all in one.Brittany Hawley, who resides in North Carolina, fulfilled her lifelong dream of obtaining a degree in Occupational Therapy. Her service dog, Griffin, was instrumental in making this dream a reality. Griffin, a stunning Golden Retriever, accompanied Brittany every step of the way, from her first day of class to the day of her graduation.
Challenging life…
When Brittany was only 16, she got sick with something called CRPS. This made
things super tough for her. She used to be a super active teen who loved playing softball, but now she had to see doctors because her muscles acting up badly. It hurt a lot, and it made her down. Soon, it got even harder for her to walk, so she needed a wheelchair to get around.
Image Credits: Twitter
The Hope…
During her visit to the psychologist, Brittany noticed that they had a service dog with
them. This gave her an idea, and she also considered getting a service dog for herself. One lucky day, she received the great news of being accepted into Clarkson University in Potsdam, New York. This was a very fortunate day for her.
“Why? She also got approved to get a service dog from a training program called
Paws4People.”
Brittany mentioned that she and her faithful Golden Retriever had been together since the
beginning. The empathetic girl and her loyal companion moved to New York, attended school, and later returned to North Carolina. Griffin supported Brittany in accomplishing her goal of pursuing higher education.
Image Credits:@blhawley06
Griffin’s Help…
Griffin changed the game for Brittany. Thanks to him, she could do more things on her
own and didn’t feel so down about needing a wheelchair. Brittany says Griffin makes her feel free like she can chat with people more and have fun. But that’s not all this awesome dog can do! He’s like a super-smart helper, turning on lights, grabbing stuff from the fridge, and even giving Brittany a hand with her wheelchair. Who wouldn’t want a best bud like Griffin by their side?
Image Credits:@blhawley06
Griffin’s gift…
Griffin stuck by Brittany’s side through thick and thin, even while she was in
college! He went with her to every single class – he was the ultimate study buddy! Brittany
thought Griffin deserved to “graduate” too. Because he helped her so much. She said he was like a partner, always there for her, and she couldn’t have done it without him
Guess what?
The college principal, super impressed by Griffin, agreed… He said Griffin
showed tons of heart and helped Brittany a lot with her studies. So, even though they weren’t both officially getting “diplomas,” everyone knew Griffin was a huge part of Brittany’s success…
Image Credits:clarkson.edu
To the stage…
It was finally party time! After all his hard work, Griffin Hawley got a
special diploma at Clarkson University’s graduation in December 2018. He even got all dressed up in a tiny cap and gown, just like the other graduates. When he walked across the stage to get his diploma, the whole crowd went wild and cheered him on. He was such a good boy, he even stopped for pictures with his diploma in his mouth…
Image Credits:Youtube
New love…
Thanks to Griffin, Brittany even found love. She met her hubby through an awesome program called Paws4People, and guess who was there when her boyfriend popped the
question?
Yep, Griffin… Brittany can’t stop saying how much she owes to her furry friend. She even said on social media that Griffin changed her life more than any treatment ever could.
He gave her way more hope than anything else, and she felt super independent thanks to him. Now, Brittany’s looking forward to an amazing future with Griffin by her side, always.
Griffin, the golden-hearted hero, turned Brittany’s challenges into victory. From helping her in college to being her wingman in love, he’s more than just a dog – he’s family. With his diploma in paw, Griffin reminds us that love, loyalty, and dedication know no bounds. Forever grateful for his positive impact.
