BEYOND THE VIRAL PHOTO
Clarification: Unlike viral posts online, Griffin received an honorary diploma; Brittany earned the master’s degree.
Do you remember the service dog in the graduation gown? Nearly eight years later, we revisit Griffin and Brittany’s partnership, the career that followed and the questions around a possible new chapter.
Cas Health Occupational Therapy · 5-minute read
Nearly eight years ago, Griffin stood beside Brittany Hawley in a graduation gown and received an honorary diploma of his own. You may remember the photograph but have you ever wondered what happened to their lives after the ceremony ended?
Service dog receives honorary diploma from Clarkson University — FOX 9. Visit the original article for the full story.
On 15 December 2018, Brittany received her master’s degree in occupational therapy at Clarkson University. Griffin, her golden retriever service dog, was honoured alongside her. Their graduation story quickly travelled beyond the university.
Now, a GoFundMe page under Brittany’s name describes her golden service dog preparing for retirement after ten years, with sofa naps and treats ahead. The page say she plans to welcome a new service dog through Eyes Ears Nose & Paws in October, with the appeal intended to help cover training and bringing her new partner home.
Source: From One Life-Changing Partnership to the Next — GoFundMe. Cas Health does not organise or manage this fundraiser.
FOLLOW THEIR JOURNEY
How they met · Graduation day · Life afterwards · The latest account
01 · MARCH 2016
Brittany and Griffin’s story began more than two years before graduation. According to their paws4people team profile, they met in March 2016, as Brittany was preparing for life and study far from her North Carolina home.
Griffin helped her retrieve and carry items, supported her mobility and offered companionship when she felt isolated. These were the everyday moments behind the later celebration: getting through a busy day, having something within reach and being able to take part.
Long before Griffin had a diploma, he had a place in Brittany’s routine.
“He did everything I did.”
Brittany Hawley, speaking to the Associated Press in December 2018.
02 · DECEMBER 2018
At Clarkson’s December Recognition Ceremony in Potsdam, New York, Griffin’s contribution became part of the celebration. Brittany had advocated for him to be recognised, and the university awarded him an honorary diploma for supporting her through her studies.
Brittany earned the professional qualification. Griffin’s honorary award recognised the support that helped her pursue it. His role included practical tasks such as fetching her phone, opening doors and switching on lights.
That is what gives the graduation photograph its meaning. It captures an achievement—and makes some of the usually unseen support behind it visible.
03 · THE YEARS AFTERWARDS
The published record continues beyond the graduation photograph. An ATIA Learning Center biography identifies Brittany as an occupational therapist and assistive technology professional who joined the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program in 2021. It also records experience in paediatrics and transition services.
04 · THE QUESTION READERS ARE ASKING NOW
A GoFundMe titled From One Life-Changing Partnership to the Next, created on 21 August 2026, lists Brittany Hawley as its organiser. Its writer describes a golden service dog approaching retirement after ten years, and plans to receive a successor through Eyes Ears Nose & Paws in October.
The appeal describes costs associated with obtaining a new service dog, training together and bringing the new partner home. It is not described as a fund for the older dog’s retirement care. Donations were paused when checked on 11 September 2026.
The Bigger Goals Behind Everyday Tasks
“Brittany’s story makes the stakes of occupational therapy impossible to miss: what looks like an ordinary task can be the first step towards a life someone has fought hard to reclaim. Griffin supported her through university, and she went on to use her skills to help others. As OTs, the task we are working on today may be part of someone’s bigger ambition to study, work or raise a family. Keeping those ambitions in view gives purpose to the practical work we do.”
-Daniel Castrucci
Founder, Lead Occupational Therapist at Cas Health
At Cas Health, what draws us to this story is the connection between practical support and the life someone wants to lead. For Brittany, that included studying, taking part in training and building a career. Griffin helped with everyday tasks along the way.
A meaningful goal can look different for everyone. It might be getting back into the garden, preparing a favourite meal, returning to work or spending time with family. The useful question is: what is getting in the way, and what would make that activity more manageable?
An accessible environment, a different task setup or support that fits someone’s routine can make a difference to participation. That is the part of the story we want readers to notice when they look at the graduation photograph again.
The ceremony celebrated one day. The partnership was built through everyday life.
If everyday activities have become harder, contact Cas Health to discuss your goals and the occupational therapy support you are looking for.
No. Brittany earned the master’s degree in occupational therapy. Griffin received an honorary diploma recognising his support during her studies.
Their paws4people profile dates their first meeting to March 2016. More than ten years had passed by September 2026, although that timeline alone does not establish Griffin’s current working status.
Written by: Daniel Castrucci, Founder and Lead Occupational Therapist, Cas Health.
Edited and published by: Edward Ervin Barbon, Cas Health Support.
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