During Clarkson University’s “December Recognition Ceremony” in Potsdam, N.Y., on December 15, 2018, Brittany Hawley’s Golden Retriever service dog, Griffin, was awarded an honorary diploma. Hawley, who has a doctorate in Occupational Therapy, and Griffin were inseparable throughout their time as students, with the loyal dog attending all of her classes and even assisting her in retrieving her phone when necessary. Additionally, Griffin was present during Hawley’s internship, where she worked with patients. It was only fitting that Griffin be there to celebrate with Hawley when she received her master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Clarkson University, and he was recognized for his unwavering support with an honorary certificate of his own.
During a recognition event held on Saturday, the board of trustees of a school paid tribute to a 4-year-old Golden Retriever named Griffin. The dog was honored for its exceptional effort, unyielding devotion, and dedicated attention towards the well-being and academic success of its owner, Hawley. According to Hawley, she has been fighting for him to graduate since day one, and whatever she does, Griffin follows her. Hawley hails from Wilson, North Carolina, and is bound to a wheelchair, with severe discomfort. Griffin assists her by engaging in physical activities such as turning on lights, opening doors, and bringing her goods she designates with a laser pointer. But what’s more important is that the dog provides comfort in the midst of her constant pain, which can be distressing and depressing.
Hawley acquired Griffin from the “paws4prisons” initiative that teaches inmates in West Virginia prisons how to train and utilize top-tier assistance dogs.
Hawley shared that the prisoners allowed numerous dogs to interact with her and allowed the canines to choose their companions. Some of the dogs were apprehensive of her wheelchair, but Griffin was different. He immediately ran towards her and even licked her face. Hawley’s internship involved working with soldiers who had physical and psychological issues at Fort Bragg in North Carolina. She discovered that brushing a dog can help improve a patient’s range of motion while touching them can alleviate anxiety.
According to Hawley, her patients often mention both herself and Griffin as their therapists by saying, “Today, my therapists are Brittany and Griffin.” When she looks for a job, she and Griffin will be treated as a team. Hawley explained that she relies heavily on Griffin and can’t imagine working without him as they’ve become accustomed to working together.
