Service dogs are more than just a companion animal to help when their owner needs them. They are also a friend and confidante that their owners share some of their greatest achievements with, including getting married, having a child, or graduating from college.

One service dog, a golden retriever named GRIFFIN (spelled in all caps), is being rewarded for his years of service in a special way.

Brittany Hawley gets a companion

GRIFFIN first came into his owner’s life at about the time she left home and went away to college. Brittany Hawley has a condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which keeps her from controlling her muscle contractions. The most obvious sign of this is an involuntary twisting of the legs, which left her in a wheelchair.

Her parents knew she would need assistance as she went away to Clarkson University, so they made arrangements for her to receive a service dog to help her during her college experience. GRIFFIN improved Hawley’s life immediately, fetching what she needed, turning on the lights for her, and helping her with the stresses that life at college can bring.

Hawley and GRIFFIN are rewarded for all of their hard work together

Finally, after years of hard work and study, Hawley earned a master’s degree in Occupation Therapy. GRIFFIN was there with her every step of the way, and as a show of appreciation, the university decided to do something special for him. Everyone was surprised as GRIFFIN received an award from the school, an honorary diploma. In a press release, the university had this to say about the loyal dog:

“The two have pursued 100% together a graduate degree in Occupational Therapy attending all the same classes, lectures, faculty appointments, group study sessions, social activities, research projects, and clinical experiences, fully making GRIFFIN an equal member of the Clarkson Golden Knights family.”

GRIFFIN receives an honorary diploma

At the ceremony, GRIFFIN accompanied Hawley on stage as she received her degree, before proudly strutting across the stage himself to receive his award.

“We moved to New York together, we started school together, and we finished together,” Hawley stated in a post on social media.

Helping Hawley accomplish her goals

GRIFFIN continues to help Hawley in her everyday life. He will always be there for her to help her achieve whatever she sets her mind to. And while he might not care all that much about recognition for his help, he does have an honorary diploma to show just how much everyone appreciates him.

To see more about this great accomplishment for both Hawley and GRIFFIN, watch the video below.

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Source: NBC News

H/T: Animal Channel, YouTube/NBC News